The so-called "live period" - that is, the period when college coaches can contact high school players - ended a few days, and it was basically as busy as it could've been, with three tournaments in Vegas, another on the West Coast, and two more in Orlando. Gary Williams was criss-crossing the nation constantly, and racked up a ton of frequent-flyer miles.
I tried to keep up with all the links in the Maryland Minute, but it just wasn't possible. Here's some of the stuff that either came out late, or I missed the first time around.
SLAM: End of the Road Roundups
First off, Slam's impressions from the Orlando tournaments:
Justin Anderson, 6-5 rising sophomore wing, Boo Williams/Montrose Christian (MD): Anderson, who I first saw ball back in April with his high school squad, wasn’t the headliner for his chip-bound team here, but his remarkable explosiveness, ability to finish above the rim, tremendous frame and power for his age and defensive mentality were so impressive that I have a feeling he will be a very special player in the future.
Tobias Harris, 6-8 rising senior combo forward, Albany City Rocks/Half Hollows Hills West (NY): Harris, now slim and trim after working off some baby fat, looked a lot leaner, more explosive, quicker and dynamic, all of which complemented his already-versatile repertoire–he can shoot from deep, put the ball on the floor fluidly, finish at the hoop, mix it up on the boards and post up–making him perhaps one of the most complete forwards in his class offensively.
NBE: Vegas Week Review
NBE had two wrapups, actually, but between the two, only one Maryland target was featured. Of course, it was Terrence Jones.
Terrence Jones (6-9 CF/Portland, Ore./Jefferson/I-5 Elite) – Cheated out of a potential match-up with 6-9 PF Perry Jones in the final in what would have put two of the top inside-out performers against each other, his team ended up facing and beating the Dallas Heroes in the championship at Center Stage. On day one at GBOA, he was dominant against D-One Sports in 101-41 blowout and got the best of 6-9 rising junior Quincy Miller the few times they matched up in the early going. Jones is more four than three and he brought the ball up the floor much of the time in his team’s run. He’ll remind Hoya fans of Greg Monroe being he’s a big lefty and versatile. Connecticut and Georgetown are in it with a long list.
I jumped out of my seat when I read "more four than three". First time I"ve heard anyone describe him as such, and that makes me very happy.
Fraschilla on Terrence Jones
Very positive, again
Terrence Jones is one of the most versatile players I have seen all summer. In fact, he can play any one of four positions on the court. Before a late growth spurt, Jones was a point guard, but he now utilizes his outstanding ballhandling skills from the forward position. He can get to the rim easily, and with his quickness and length he is impossible to keep out of the lane when defended by players his own size. In addition, he has the efficiency and smoothness of a small forward in the Sean Elliott mold. And he rebounds, posts up and blocks shots liker a power forward. Along with Perry Jones, Terrence Jones might be the fastest-rising player in the country. Schools from Duke and North Carolina on the East Coast to UCLA on the West Coast are involved in his recruitment. Based on his performance in Las Vegas, they have good reason to be.
This contradicts NBE, as Jones is listed a SF here. Even though I'd prefer him in a 4 role, being a 3 could be a good thing, especially if Maryland can land a legitimate big man soon.
ESPN - Gbinije Stands Out
This link is pretty late - a few days old - and goes against what I saw on TV, but is encouraging nonetheless.
At 6-foot-6, Gbinije has great size and skill on the wing. He can play shooting guard or small forward. He runs the floor in transition and does a great job of picking his spots and letting the offense come to him. Gbinije knocked down the open 3, slashed from the wing and displayed great elevation on his one- or two-dribble midrange pull-up jumper. He is a decent rebounder but could be better given his size and athletic ability. Gbinije is a good ball handler and passer and is very capable not only of putting up big numbers on offense but also defending both wing positions in a switch situation. With added strength, Gbinije will add to his post-up game to take advantage of his size when being checked by a smaller perimeter defender. Gbinije has steadily improved and is one of the top wing prospects in the Class of 2011.
Bello a "breakout player" - ESPN
We need to find a nickname for Deuce Bello. Y'know, one cooler than "Deuce". He deserves one.
Quddus Bello (High Point, N.C./Westchester Country Day School) may have more athleticism than any player in the Class of 2011. He has springs that allow him to finish off plays emphatically above the rim, even in traffic, despite not having a muscular frame. He accomplishes this task without changing expressions or displaying any extra, unnecessary emotions. If he improves his perimeter skills and ballhandling, Bello could become a dominant wing player throughout the remainder of his high school career as well as in college.
Let me know if I missed a link either by comment or email.