One of the really rewarding parts of being involved in the evaluation business is the relationships that get built over time with some of the really good people who are assisting the players in meeting their next level goals. One of those guys is NBA legend John Lucas (below). It is my pleasure to announce the players from Austin, San Antonio, Killeen & the Brazos Valley who will be attending his highly selective Southwest Invitational Camp next week. Last year there were well over 100 Division One coaches in attendance as Coach Lucas' SWIC served as one of the first events which kicked off the NCAA live viewing period. This year will be more of the same as players report for drills and evaluation on the 5th, and then showcase their games to the D-1 coaches who will be out in full force on the 6th of July.
Meet The Players ( All Representing the Texas D-1 Ambassadors):
2013 Class
PG 6'0" Travon Landry of Bryan High School. Landry started as a freshman at San Antonio Madison before having to shut it down part way through the season with a nagging groin injury. He is back at full speed again and recently captured All Star Honors at the Adidas Phenom Camp this past weekend in San Diego, CA. In the All Star game, Landry notched 12 points and 14 assists. Landry's already on the radar of high majors, including the Baylor Bears.
2012 Class
PG 6'0" Michael Hardge of Georgetown. Before it's all said and done, Hardge will have been a 4 year varsity starter who will shatter the Eagles scoring and assist records. A high level athlete, Hardge can handle the rock, D you up & get to the rack.
WG Alex Caruso of A&M Consolidated. Caruso was initially brought to my attention by Coach Bill Walker at Texas A&M. He is clearly a mid major plus guy who sees the floor incredibly well, and at 6'4" and growing has mega hops. Reminds me some of former Kentucky high flyer Jeff Sheppard.
P 6'9" Connor Lammert of San Antonio Churchill. Lammert will not attend due to a nagging injury. After holding his own at the Pangos All American Camp the young 2012 (still 15) is clearly the best 2012 "big" prospect in the Austin/San Antonio area as he's a sure fire 7 footer. Not only is Lammert tall; he's coordinated, runs the floor well, has nice touch around the basket and can shoot the three ball.
2011 Class
SG Jake Kocher of Austin St. Michael's. Kocher is right there in the same breath as the area's top scorer along with Deon Mitchell. In fact, Kocher easily led Austin in scoring by almost a 10 point margin. He's got deadly three point range coupled with a knack for finishing in traffic. Kocher was picked as one of Mike Kunstadt's Top 13 at the Houston GASO. He's seen his recruiting begin to pick up and at the moment is being pursued by Lafayette, Denver, Texas State, Bradley, Weber State and others. Kocher has an official visit scheduled for Stephen F Austin in August, once the live period ends.
PG Josiah Monroe of Bastrop. Monroe will flat out get after you defensively. Stays in front of the toughest point guards. Can shoot the three unconsciously and gets to the rack as well. Monroe is a tough as nails football player too, running the veer offense to perfection.
WG Jalen Washington of Pflugerville Hendrickson. Washington is deceptive with his speed, can stroke it from the perimeter and when he decides to go to the rack is pretty much guaranteed to finish and/or go to the FT line. Also, loves to comeback to his left and flush with AUTHORITY if you try to overplay him too much to the right. Count mid major Wichita State amongst his suitors.
PG Deon Mitchell of Pflugerville. Mitchell has one of the deadliest killer crossovers I've ever witnessed. He's smooth, and can elevate in transition and throw it down. Already offered by the Big East's Marquette last summer. His name's on the lips of many high majors including Arizona & Arizona State.
WG Max Yon of San Antonio Reagan. Yon has great bounce in his step, can shoot the three from deep, and attacks the rim like few others. Most of the Sun Belt & Southland is on him but the kid has high academics as well. Could raise his stock to high major offers this summer on the circuit.
PG Eric McClellan of Austin High. Prior to joining the D-1 Ambassadors this spring, McClellan was pretty much an unknown. After his first tournament in Phoenix in early May he was causing a buzz. At 6'3" plus and growing he has a big time next level frame. Handles the ball well, can break pressure and EXPLODES to the rim.
WG Jaleel Williams of Killeen Ellison. Williams is now approaching 6'6" with a prototype body. He has a nice perimeter stroke, elevates extremely well, is ultra long (making him an effective shot blocker) and has all the tools to be a high major.
