I'm finally back home from the Peach Jam. I had a good time, per usual. A couple posters bombarded me with text messages, but it was all good. LOL Good dudes.
I haven't expounded on much since Friday, as I've been a bit tired after watching games throughout the day. Not to mention, I ran into several parents who were at the Peach State (not Peach Jam) tournament, and we were talking hoops in the breakfast area of our hotel 'til the late night hours.
As, most of you probably already know by now.... Lavin headed up to New York, after Friday's sessions at the Peach Jam, to check in on Chukwu and Whitehead. The staff will have 3 scholarships to work with for the '14 class, and they're focusing on a big. More scholarships could open up via transfers and/or early NBA draft entry.
I'm also sensing Abu and Terrell could be more of a focus than Delgado and Larrier. Quite frankly, if I was choosing between Abu and Delgado, then I'd go with Abu. The only thing Delgado does better than Abu is rebounding. Otherwise, Abu brings more to the table.
Abu can put the ball on the floor; occasionally, hits shots behind the arc; has a decent face-up game; and plays well with his back to the basket. He's also strong AND more importantly, plays strong.
I think long-term that Larrier probably has more potential than Terrell (as, I think they are somewhat even as of now). But if you believe landing Terrell could potentially get you Abu, then you exert more energy towards Terrell.
Larrier's jumper seems to be more consistent than Terrell's at the moment (at least, from what I've witnessed over the past few days), but Terrell, like his AAU teammate (Abu), is strong as a bull and plays that way. He also has no trouble finishing in traffic. Not to mention, he can also stick jumpers like Larrier. Just not as consistent, as Larrier.
I was also told by a guy from my area, who works with a recruiting service (I saw him interviewing Larrier, and spoke with him, afterwards), that Larrier didn't mention the Johnnies when it came to his list of schools. Granted, Larrier only mentioned the schools who were coming at him "strongly," but the Johnnies weren't mentioned, nonetheless.
If there were a couple of kids whom I would've loved to see us on their lists, it would be Stanley Johnson and Jahlil Okafor.
Stanley Johnson is a beast.... Plain and simple. He seems to always be in control and understands the flow of the game. I know we were briefly mentioned with him a couple of years ago, though. Love his game.
I was talking to someone Saturday, and both of us went on about how Okafor clearly understands the game. He rarely ever forces the issue and makes smart decisions for the most part. He also knows how to use that big body and create space for himself while going up. Solid footwork, as well.
Either way, I believe it'll probably be one-and-done for Okafor and Johnson. I'd like to see, at least, two years, but that is an argument for another day.
Another Peach Jam has come and gone, folks. 'Til next time....
P.S. Thanks for all the 'thank you's' and compliments, folks.
Frankly, that would be too many consecutive days of basketball for me. I'm usually pooped after the Peach Jam. If it (The Finals) was spaced out by a few weeks or couple of months, then I'd probably be glad to venture there. Eventually, I'll probably take a peek at it.