In the 16-under Division, which featured future high level prospects from the class of 2011, the Arkansas Wings defeated the Southern Kings (Ga.) in
overtime 66-62. The 15-under Division was won by the Georgia Stars over BABC (Ma.) 57-43. Standouts Kevin Johnson (6-9, 240, C/PF) 2011, Gardena, Calif./Junipero Serra Austin Rivers (6-3, 180, P/SG) 2011, Winter Park, Fla., committed to Florida One of the more impressive outbursts of the weekend was the first game of the tournament in which Barnes went off for 30 points in an 8 a.m. contest against a high-powered Boo Williams team. Although Barnes’ out-manned team lost by four points, he was clearly the best player on the floor amongst a host of future ACC stars. He is very patient letting the game come to him. Barnes rarely takes a poor or forced shot, but when it is crunch time he knows how to put his team on his back and carry the load. He is a very sound all around player who can play 3 positions (SG, SF, PF) and dominate. He rebounds his position and is a terror on the offensive glass. He gets out on the break and it just as effective spotting up for a 3 or attacking the rim and bringing down the thunder. He is a great teammate who is unselfish, has a great feel and intelligence for the game and is not afraid to do the dirty work in order to win. He reminds me of a Grant Hill type kid. I kept waiting to see Dawkins turn it loose and show the traits of a top 10 player, but during the first day he kept settling for 3-point jumpers and wasn’t assertive on either end of the floor. Day 2 was a different story he came with an attitude and was dominant the whole entire day. During the quarterfinal game, in which his team lost in overtime, he took over making big-time play after big-time play. He is a gifted scorer who stuck deep 3s, attacked the rim in the half court and finished with a couple exclamation marks on the break. He rebounds his position and is a threat for a put-back dunk if his defender misses a block-out. He created multiple turnovers with his anticipation and quickness off the ball and also was very good at pressuring on the ball. He is a fierce competitor who elevates his game when the pressure is on. He will fit in very well in Coach K’s team-first system at Duke. Jones has a great body and is a versatile forward who scores inside and out. He has a nice stroke from behind the 3-point arc and can also play with his back to the basket or out of the high post. He is skilled playing with his face to the basket and can put the ball on the floor and create his own shot and has a good feel passing the ball out of the post. He is a great offensive rebounder who is quick off the floor and pursues the ball relentlessly. Jones is a smart player he sees the floor well and understands the game. He plays under control and doesn’t force the action. On the defensive end, Jones gives good effort, and he can guard all five spots. He has the ability to be a shut-down defender, if he puts his mind to it. He is clearly one of the top players in the Class of 2010. Ricardo Gathers (6-6, 235, PF) 2012, Reserve, La./Reserve Christian
Gathers, a genetically gifted 6-6 man-child, exploded on the scene at the Bobby Hussy Nike Memorial Day Classic. He is an explosive athlete who dominates around the basket and can consistently knock down a 15-17 foot jump shot. He has a very mature game for a young player and was able to compete very favorably against players two classes ahead of him. Gathers showed great hands and was a terrific rebounder who was able to get to balls out of his area, controlling the boards for his team. He played very good position defense and did not shy away from fighting for position in the low post. He’s a tough kid who challenges everything and has a great motor. Gathers has a good stroke from the free-throw line, knows how to post his man deep and has advanced low post moves with a defender on his hip. If Gathers grows a few more inches while continuing to develop as a player, he will easily be one of the top prospects in the 2012 class.