The fact that over 100 players wanted to be part of this over a mere 10 day window of marketing which only included the www.d1nation.com web site and Facebook is pretty amazing. Our next event styled this way will occur a week prior to State Tournament Weekend in March. The next time it will be more convenient for the South players to attend and I will do a better job of informing the San Antonio High School Coaches.
2013 Austin Play In Game Top Performers/Prospects
Blue 104 White 67
With five of the top six performers on one side of the ball it was easy to see why it was a blowout. Five players were in double figures for the Blue as they throttled the white team. They were led by Ethan Gilbert (16), Stefan Vidovic (20), Kevin Diaz (13), John Gramlich (13) and Wesley Brown (13).
2013 W 6'5" Ethan Gilbert of Austin LBJ
Not only did Gilbert score 16 points but he also put in work on the boards with 13 rebounds, 2 blocks and dropped a couple of dimes as well. Gilbert runs the floor extremely well, is long and skilled. Easily on the high end of the mid major prospect scale.
I've watched Vidovic and have known his family for years. He was a pleasant surprise not in his physical play, but with his maturity he showed on the court. If he keeps this focus the sky is the limit. He's got great range, elevates when he shoots his jumper and brings a toughness and swagger to the gym. He had 20 points to lead all scorers and chipped in with 5 rebounds as well.
Gramlich is an excellent lead guard prospect. He had 13 points and 7 rebounds. He always seems to be in control, knows how to run a team and to score as well if needed. He was the Class of 2013's most committed on ball defender in the two games he played.
As the rest of his squad was taking a spanking, Moss never quit. He did what he does best running the floor and getting buckets in transition. He led the way with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
Brown is an emerging big who had 13 points and 8 boards. He is showing marked improvement in finishing around the goal and competing on the glass. Ivy League type grades as well make him an intriguing, well rounded prospect.
Danielak is new to this super select type of stuff and he's still not quite asserting himself as much as he's likely to do once he understands he belongs with the area's elite. He had a nice showing though with 10 points and 8 rebounds. I love his versatility to go inside/out and his willingness to defend in the post against much more physical players.
Recently moved from New York, Diaz has an edge to his game. Likes to go one on one with an extremely quick first step and mad range out to 30 feet. He's a streaky shooter with a flava to his game who can really fill it up.
Morse is a combo who has a picture perfect jumper. He finished with 10 points and 4 rebounds. He's a solid contributor in all phases of the game.
What I wouldn't give to put Vick's fundamental game into every player's body. Pivot, reverse pivot, jab step, rip through....and all on the same possession! These are skills that many players are deficient in. Now Vick just needs to adjust to the level and say I can FINISH against these guys. I like him!
Onyeje is usually a dominant scorer, but only tallyied 7 in this game. What impressed me is that Onyeje is developing his game and becoming a complete player who is able to set up team mates and make them better. On his way to being a very good combo.
Behr has good size, is tough and shows excellent range on his shot. Big enough to post up effectively down low but can also take you on the perimeter.
There were only 10 spots for the Challenge game, and Manse barely missed out as I determined him to be the guy on the cusp. He showed pure point guard vision and an understanding of how to get his team mates involved in the flow of the game.
