Local teams/players getting ready for busy month of July - Part II
July 6, 2009 New England Hoop News Staff
In the first part of our 3-part series examining the impact on the month of July, we looked at New England's strongest events and where many of our local teams will be heading. In this part, we take a detailed look at some local New England products who are sure to benefit from finally playing in front of some college coaches, especially schools at the Division I level.
The GUARDS
Shabazz Napier - The 5'10 combo guard who recently reclassified to the class of 2011, has been absolutely on fire this spring with his Metro Boston club. Many have said Napier's interest level has begun to creep into the Big East level with school such as UConn, Providence, and Rutgers all showing interest. The month of July is going to be crucial for him to prove if he can truly play at that level. Thus far in the Spring he has definitely raised some eyebrows and turned some heads. Let's see if his strong polay continues into the summer months!!
Keegan Hyland - Another player who has truly gotten better and better over the past year. A die hard gym-rat, Hyland is obviously one of the best shooters around, probably one of the best in his class. But, the thing that is most impressive with Hyland has been the expansion of his overall game: being able to put the ball on the floor and score off the dribble, seeing the floor well, and even playing some point. Hyland is said to be considering Fordham, Holy Cross, Penn, and a few others. Let's see if his recruiting list expands at all.
Anthony Ireland - Ireland had an exceptional end to his senior year, losing a heart-breaker to Windsor in the state championship, but literally carrying his squad every step of the way. Many took notice, but with April being closed, and Ireland blossoming into more of a natural point-guard, it made a lot of sense for him to do a post-graduate year. Ireland, although small, can flat out run a team and also can score when need be. Looking forward to watching him this July with his New England Playaz squad.
Dominique Langston/Chris Evans- The backcourt/wing duo for CBC-Holley is a tough match-up for almost any team. They are strong, very good defenders, and are leaders, as evidenced by both teams making a strong run into the 2009 HS season. Langston is the better shooter of the two guys and overall a better offensive player, while Evans is built like a rock, is extremely athletic, and can get to the rim on almost anyone. CBC is able to match-up with almost any team in the country because these two guys will always give them a fighting chance.
Dave White Jr. - White is a strong 6'1 point guard who plays with CMAC Hawks during the summer. During the school year, White led his St. John's Shrewsbury team to a state chamionship doing a very good job of running his team and being a calming influence. Coaches will be interested in White because of his point guard abilities, decision making and overall size for a guard.
The FORWARDS
Denzel Jones - The 6'6 lanky forward out of Bloomfield, Connecticut and also plays with the CBC club is someone who will intrigue quite a few coaches this summer. He looks like a player and acts like a player. Jones runs like a deer, is long and lanky, is very athletic and can finish above the rim. Jones will need to show that he has the ability to step outside and put it on the floor or have a reliable post-game, but there is no question that Jones can make some noise in July.
Matt Barboza - Barboza impressed quite a few people down at the Rumble in the Bronx and since he was injured for much of his senior season, this July is going to be extra important for the highly skilled forward from Rhode Island. Barboza, doing a post-graduate year at Marianapolis Prep, showed the ability to hit the three consistently, see the floor (very well for his size) and mix it up down low. Barboza, who suits up for Bay St. Magic, is another player who will cause many coaches to take a long look and can really benefit from the upcmoing month.
Carson Desrosiers - Desrosiers has a ton of suitors following him right now with schools from all over the country planning on trekking to New England to closely follow the big fella. At 6'10 and skills like a 6'4 guard, he'll have a number of teams at every one of his games. It's not so much that Desrosiers needs more time to prove that he is capable, rather who is going to stand out in the recruiting hunt. Not many bigs can play the game like he can, and he'll fit into someone's system very well.
Alex Murphy - The younger Murphy brother has the potential to be very, very good. He has the ability to play at a high collegiate level and with the 2012 player just starting to play in the national spotlight, this is his summer to get noticed. Many college coaches will not pass on the opportunity to see what Murphy can do this summer and try to get in early on his recruiting process. Although he still has a ton of room for development, there is no question that Murphy could be a hot commodity, as his brother was. Look for Alex playing with the Expressions 2011 bunch in July.
Others who will reap the rewards from the coming month: Jordan Laguerre (Mass Rivals, 2010), Jaymie Spears (Mass Rivals, 2011), Jakarri McKallop (CBC, 2010), Joe O'Shea (Expressions, 2010), Dominic Borelli (MBR, 2010), Eric Alleyne (Brimmer and May, 2010), Denzel Briton (NE Playaz, 2010), Jameel Galloway (Middlesex Magic, 2010), Ike Azotam (Metro Boston, 2010), Ellis Cooper (SECC, 2010), Andre King (SECC, 2010), Alex Levine (2010, New England Select).
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