Player Profile: 2012 Dejuan Marrero

Name: Dejuan "Rico" Marrero
Graduation Year: 2012, Rising Junior
Height & Weight: 6'5 200
High School/AAU: Thea Bowman Academy/Spiece Indy Heat
Position: Small Forward/Power Forward
2009-2010 Season Stats: 14 ppg, 12 rpg
Schools Considering: Offers from Indiana, Purdue, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Illinois,
Timetable for Decision: No timetable has been set for Marrero's decision.

Scouting Report:
Marrero is a combo forward who plays with an extremely high motor. Marrero has great athleticism, and when you combine that with his motor, he is a great rebounder even at 6'5. Marrero scores a lot of points on put backs and offensive rebounds, but continues to work on his perimeter game. Marrero needs to continue to improve his ball-handling and shooting to help him transition to the college game. Defensively, he is strong and will block some shots using length and great athleticism. He helped lead his high school team to a state championship while averaging 14 points and 12 rebounds per contest this past season.

Q&A with Gary Harris at Adidas May Classic

I spoke with Gary Harris this past weekend at the Adidas May Classic. The 6'3 or 6'4 195 pound shooting guard (his words) updated me on the schools that are recruiting him, his chances of playing football in college, and much more. The interview is below.

Indy Hoops: How he would you describe your game?

Gary Harris: "I have a toughness to my game, I like to get to the basket, but when people back off I like to shoot my jump shot."

Hoops: How did your high school season go?

GH: "It was a good season. We only lost 4 games, and we thought we could have gone further, but I have no complaints."

Hoops: What are your goals for your high school team next year?

GH: "Just to keep improving and not take a step back from this year. We don't want to flame out as early."

Hoops: Who all has offered you scholarships so far?

GH: "I have ten offers so far. Illinois, Notre Dame, Xavier, IUPUI, Minnesota, Cincinnati, Indiana, Ohio State, Butler, and Vanderbilt."

Hoops: Are there any other schools that are recruiting you?

GH: "Washington and Michigan State have been calling a little bit."

Hoops: Do you think you will want to stay local with your college choice or does distance matter?

GH: "I'm not sure right now I'm just still trying to take it all in. I'm going to wait a while and then during my junior year I'll sit down with my parents and really think about where I want to go."

Hoops: Your Dad said that your Mom played at Purdue. Are you hearing from Purdue at all?

GH: "No I haven't talked to them in a while."

Hoops: I understand you also play football. Do you think you might want to play football in college?

GH: "I'm not sure, it just depends on how it all plays out when I decide my college."

Hoops: What are a few things you're really looking for when deciding a college?

GH: "The relationship I have with the coaching staff and how I fit into the program as a player."

Here's my scouting report on Gary Harris:
A skilled combo guard with explosive athleticism, Harris is rapidly improving his game. Harris only averaged 14 points per game this season, but his potential is undeniable. He has the bounce, quickness, and athleticism to take opponents off the dribble and score above the rim. Combine that with an improving jump shot and a high level motor, and Harris has the total package needed to be a backcourt star.

Adidas May Classic 16U Saturday Recap

Today I attended the Adidas May Classic in Bloomington where I saw games played at Assembly Hall, Cook Hall, and Twin Lakes Recreation Center. Over the course of a 10-hour period I watched team after team sand saw at least 2 dozen division one prospects. I saw games in the 17, 16, and 15U divisions. Below is my Saturday 16U recap.

Gary Harris D3 Heat 6'3 SG- Today, my first time seeing Harris live was a real treat. I have seen televised games of him before, but watching him in person is something else. Harris had 23 points in the game I saw, showcasing his ability to score at and above the rim, knock down the 3-pointer, and knock down the mid-range jumper. To close the first half Harris had 8 straight points, knocking down two 3-pointers and taking the ball to the rack for a bucket. Physically, Harris is slender but not too skinny, able to absorb contact and finish after contact. His arms are long, and as he continues to get older he'll likely add more strength and bulk to his frame. On defense his length and quickness make him a pest on the wing, not giving up any easy shots or drives. You can tell Harris is improving his game at a rapid rate, making a real case as the top player in the state for 2012. ( I'll have an interview feature to come with Gary Harris later this week. )

D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera Indiana Elite Team Indiana 6'3 PG- Productivity is the word that comes to mind when you mention DSR. He's not the most athletic or flashy player in Indiana, but right now he's the most productive. He showcased his skill today running with Indiana Elite Team Indiana 17U and 16U. DSR hit 3-pointers, scored at the rim after contact, knocked down free throws, and passed well. He threw some great passes to athletic big men Hanner Perea and Peter Jurkin. Smith-Rivera is going to get knocked for his lack of "upside", but he's going to have a very productive junior year at North Central.

Jeremy Hollowell Eric Gordon All-Stars 6'7 SF- Hollowell's team won in an absolute blowout early in the evening, beating the team by nearly 60 points. I didn't see Hollowell play against the greatest competition, but he still showed why he's a top-notch talent. He knocked down a 3-pointer, fought for some second chance points, and had some athletic dunks in transition. He also blocked some shots and pulled down some boards on defense, truly showcasing the total package. There's not much Hollowell can't do on either side of the ball, so it will be interesting to see him challenged by equal talent when the opportunity presents itself.

Hanner Perea Indiana Elite Team Indiana 6'8 PF- Although he's not an Indiana guy, Perea is definitely worth a mention. He plays high school ball in North Carolina, but AAU for the Bloomington based Indiana Elite team. Perea may just be the most athletic big man I have seen so far this summer. In one sequence he blocked a shot, ran down the floor, and literally jumped over an opponent as he threw down an alley oop dunk. He showcased a nice array of dunks and blocks all throughout the day, proving himself as an elite athlete. He is pretty raw on the offensive game, but is expanding his jumper out to the mid-range. If he can develop a consistent mid-range jumper and back to the basket move, he could be an elite college talent.

Nick Osborne Eric Gordon All-Stars 6'8 PF- Osborne had another good showing, dominating competition in a blowout. He's got great athleticism and is developing a knack for grabbing offensive rebounds to score second chance points. Similar to Hollowell, Osborne has impressed me this summer but I've yet to see him truly be challenged. He's got to develop a better back to the basket game, but Nick has the physical tools and effort to excel.

Ronnie Johnson Eric Gordon All-Stars 5'9 PG- Truth be told, I am a Ronnie Johnson fan. He's a quick and smart guard who knows when to pass and knows when to get his points. Admittedly, his jump shot isn't great, but has been improving this spring. He throws the lob pass very well, and benefits from playing with athletic players such as Jeremy Hollowell. Since he is a bit undersized, it is key for Johnson to develop that consistent outside game to keep defenders honest. He's got a knack for hitting floaters and buckets on the run.

TJ Bell Indiana Meanstreets 6'7 PF- Bell has been coming on pretty strong this spring playing with Indiana Meanstreeets. He's a great athlete and dunker who's the recipient of some good passing by his teammates. Today he showed good touch around the rim, scoring after contact on lay-ups and turn-around post moves. Bell blocked some shots on the defensive end, showing off his athleticism on the other end of the floor. He hit a nice 15 foot turn-around jumper to tie the game with less than 30 seconds remaining. Today Bell had 18 points, and the key for him is to consistently give a big time effort, otherwise he can disappear from a game. If he asserts himself on both ends of the floor he could be a really productive player.

Peter Jurkin Indiana Elite Team Indiana 7'0 C- Another half-Indiana half-not guy, Jurkin is a teammate of Perea in high school and AAU. Jurkin is very athletic, but pretty raw with the basketball in his hands. He'll throw down some nice dunks and oops due to great passing, but he's not going to create many points for himself. That is alright though, as Jurkin has plenty of time to improve as a prospect. He blocks/changes shots on defense and hustles to get back on offense, often creating alley oop opportunities for himself. Although he's pretty raw around the basket Jurkin does have a pretty good stroke from the free throw line, converting at a reliable rate for a young big man. Jurkin does hold some high major offers, so you know he has the talent and upside, he just needs to work hard on his game.

Q&A with Jeremy Hollowell

I caught up with Jeremy Hollowell after his game Saturday afternoon, and he talked about his game, the schools recruiting him, and his eventual college decision.

Indy Hoops: How would you describe your game?

Jeremy Hollowell: "I can mix it up, go inside or out. I like to attack the basket and when the defense backs off I can knock down the open three, and I can post up if I need to."

Hoops: What's one thing you would say you'd like to improve on this summer?

JH: "My ball-handling."

Hoops: What are the schools that have offered you scholarships and you're considering?

JH: "IU, Ohio State, Tennessee, Xavier, Illinois, Iowa, Cincinnati, and Indiana State."

Hoops: What schools have you visited?

JH: "Ohio State, IU, Butler, Illinois, Cincinnati, and Xavier."

Hoops: What schools are recruiting you the hardest? Does anyone stick out as really recruiting you hard?

JH: "Ohio State, IU, and Xavier."

Hoops: What are some things you really like about Ohio State?

JH: "Well I'm from Ohio so I like it there, and I've liked Ohio State since I was little. I've been there on campus 3 times. I like the campus, the players, and I talk to Evan Turner a lot."

Hoops: What do you like about IU?

JH: "Even though I'm from Ohio I have lived in Indiana my entire life and I like it here too. Me and Coach Crean have been talking a lot lately. I haven't been down to see the new facilities, but I think I'm going down there next week."

Hollowell indicated he's in no big hurry to decide where he will go to college. "I'll probably decide on a college next AAU season, the summer going into my senior year", Hollowell said. Hollowell indicated he'd know when it was time to make his decision, "I'll know it when the time is right" he said. Jeremy is currently playing for the Eric Gordon All-Stars 16U team.

Here is a quick scouting report on Jeremy Hollowell:
Hollowell is a player loaded with upside. He is still growing, allowing him to be a multi-positional player and defender. Hollowell has elite athleticism, a good stroke, and the handles to take opponents to the rim. Hollowell's game is improving, as he continues to grow into his body and get a feel for the game. His great length (6'11 Wingspan) allows him to be an affective defender, rebounder, and shot blocker. Hollowell can also mix it up inside, showing good touch in the post occasionally. As Hollowell continues to improve his game, he has the chance to be a very special player at the next level.

Indiana State AAU Tournament Saturday Recap

Today I attended the Indiana State AAU Tournament at Franklin Community High School. I saw two of the top rising seniors in the state in Marquis Teague and Branden Dawson, as well as a host of other players. Here is a quick rundown of the action I saw, and a brief report on how each player played:

17U:

Branden Dawson 6'6 Small Forward SYF Players- Dawson had two strong showings today, absolutely dominating the competition in the paint and on the glass. In his first game Dawson had 19 points, 9 rebounds, and a few blocked shots. He scored above the rim on put backs, alley oop passes, and even coordinated a few of his own dunks. He has great strength and body control, which makes him an affective scorer near the rim even if he isn't dunking the ball. He's not just a dunker, as he used the mid-range jumper 3 times to avoid any unnecessary contact with opponents. Dawson's motor is relentless, as he constantly fights for rebounds and loose balls. In his second game, Dawson continued his aerial assault, but also showcased his ability to knock down the 3-point shot. He's not a great 3-point shooter, but it isn't a wise move to beg him to shoot from deep by leaving him open. Dawson also excelled in the passing game, throwing multiple outlet passes to setup teammates for easy baskets in transition. Today was a great day for Dawson, as he continued to show off his toughness, athleticism, and nonstop effort.

Marquis Teague 6'1 Point Guard Progeny- Teague was a surprise guest at this tournament, playing with a new team just for this weekend. Teague was passive at first, but stepped up his aggressiveness as the games went on, scoring in double digits in both games I saw. Early on Teague played the role of set up man, looking for open teammates and breaking down the defense. As the game continued Teague shot 4-5 from 3-point range, while also pulling down 4 rebounds and dishing out 2 assists. In his second game Teague was more assertive going to the rim, throwing down multiple dunks and converting tough lay-ups. Teague played tough defense all day, not letting his man by him and forcing several steals. Overall today was a solid but not phenomenal day for Teague.

Mitch McGary 6'9 Power Forward/Center SYF- McGary spent a lot of time on the bench, resting a sore leg/knee, but when he played he impressed. McGary is a solid 6'9 225, and adds a nice dose of athleticism for a big man. He's a tough player who will scrap for rebounds and score a fair amount of points on the offensive glass. He runs the floor well, and benefits from great passing leading to lots of alley oop dunks and easy buckets. I didn't get to see McGary tested defensively, but he has good timing blocking shots, and he gets good position down low to defend. I hope to see a fully healthy Mitch McGary as the summer rolls on.

Zac VanDeWater 6'5 Guard Spiece Select- Vandewater is a solid off guard who could also play small forward. He did a nice job attacking the rim, and finishing through contact. He does a nice job of getting to the line and will convert free throws at a good rate. VanDeWater also is a good outside shooter, knocking down several 3-pointers today when given space. He's had a great start to the AAU season, and I look forward to watching him carry his momentum throughout the summer.

16U:

Jeremy Hollowell 6'7 Guard/Forward Eric Gordon All-Stars- Hollowell only scored 8 points today, but he still showed why he is a phenomenal talent. He did a little bit of everything, catching a lob for an alley oop, scoring on an offensive rebound, fighting through contact in the paint, and throwing down an fast-break dunk. Hollowell only took 6 shots, so with more assertiveness there is no doubt he could score more points. What impressed me the most about him was his ability to mix it up down low, but also handle the ball and play like a guard. Hollowell pulled down 5 rebounds, rebounding well from the wing and showing he wasn't afraid to mix it up on the glass. Defensively, his length bothered opponents and he blocked several shots. All in all Hollowell impressed and even though he didn't score a ton of points his versatility was very apparent.

Nick Osborne 6'8 Power Forward Eric Gordon All-Stars- Osborne has improved since I saw him during the high school season, looking much more comfortable on the court, and much more fluid in his movements. He scored 12 points, all coming in the paint. Osborne has great athleticism, and is beginning to show a great motor to go along with it. He grabbed several offensive rebounds and converted them into tough buckets. He also got to the foul line and was able to score some points from the charity stripe. He blocked and challenged multiple shots, but I do want to see him go up against a big man equal to him in talent. Osborne also showed a nice ability to pass out of the post, and not force himself into double teams. I'll keep an eye out for Osborne's continued improvement this summer.

Ronnie Johnson 5'10 Point Guard Eric Gordon All-Stats- Ronnie only scored 4 points, but he had a huge impact on the game leading the fast break and dishing out assists. He had 5 assists on the day, but also helped setup a variety of other baskets for teammates. His high-level speed and quickness allowed him to pressure ball-handlers and get into the lane where he could kick the ball out to teammates. Ronnie wasn't very assertive as a scorer today, but he showed his ability to impact a game without scoring much.

15U:

Darryl Baker 6'2 Combo Guard Team Southern Indiana Red- Baker is just finishing his freshman year, but he plays up a year with a 2012 team. The thing that stuck out to me about Baker was his ability to get to the rim and draw contact. He handled the ball well and drew fouls on three possessions in a row to start the game, hitting 4-6 free throws. Baker also knocked down an open 3-pointer and a nice pull up mid-range jumper, showing his soft shooting touch. Athletically he is very gifted as he used his quickness and leaping ability to get to the rim and finish. For only being a freshman Baker has a nice skill-set and he's a player I truly look forward to watching for the next 3 years.

Player Profile: 2012 Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell

Name: Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell
Graduation Year: 2012, Rising Junior
Height & Weight: 5'10 160
High School/AAU: Park Tudor/Indiana Elite Team Indiana 17U
Position: Point Guard
2009-2010 Season Stats: 23 ppg, 4.6 apg, 78% free throw shooter
Schools Considering: Offers from Butler, Illinois, Indiana, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Virginia, and Washington
Timetable for Decision: Ferrell has stated the the earliest he'd likely make a decision is next summer.

Scouting Report:
A speedy floor general, Ferrell plays with a mature game for a 16 year old point guard. He has the speed, handles, and quickness to get to the rim, push the break, and be an elite passer. Ferrell is a good but not great shooter, keeping defenders honest from behind the arc. He averaged 23 points per game as he led his team to a runner-up finish in the state finals. Defensively Ferrell has the speed and quickness to pressure the ball, but may struggle going up against stronger, more physical guards. Although he is undersized for your ideal point guard, Ferrell makes up for it with his smarts and playmaking ability.

Player Profile: 2012 Gary Harris

Name: Gary Harris
Graduation Year: 2012, Rising Junior
Height & Weight: 6'4 195
High School/AAU: Hamilton Southeastern/D3 Heat
Position: Combo Guard
Schools Considering: Offers from Iowa, Indiana, Cincinnati, Xavier, Minnesota, Illinois, and Vanderbilt.
Timetable for Decision: No time table has been set for Harris' decision as he is just beginning the recruiting process.

Scouting Report:
A skilled combo guard with explosive athleticism, Harris is rapidly improving his game. Harris only averaged 14 points per game this season, but his potential is undeniable. He has the bounce, quickness, and athleticism to take opponents off the dribble and score above the rim. Combine that with an improving jump shot and a high level motor, and Harris has the total package needed to be a backcourt star. Although his college offers are rather modest, I expect Harris to begin stockpiling offers as the summer rolls on. The key for Harris to maximize his potential is to improve his jumper and add some strength to his thin frame.

Video (Thanks to http://www.umhoops.com/ for the highlight video):

Player Profile: 2012 Jeremy Hollowell

Name: Jeremy Hollowell
Graduation Year: 2012, Rising Junior
Height & Weight: 6'7 185
High School/AAU: Lawrence Central/Eric Gordon All-Stars
Position: Shooting Guard & Small Forward
Schools Considering: Offers from Xavier, Indiana, Iowa, Cincinnati, Ohio State Illinois, and Tennessee
Timetable for Decision: No time table has been set for Hollowell's decision.

Scouting Report:
Hollowell is a player loaded with upside. He is still growing, allowing him to be a multi-positional player and defender. Hollowell has great athleticism, a good stroke, and the handles to take opponents to the rim. Hollowell's game is improving, as he continues to grow into his body and get a feel for the game. His great length (6'11 Wingspan) allows him to be an affective defender, rebounder, and shot blocker. Hollowell can also mix it up inside, showing good touch in the post occasionally. As Hollowell continues to improve his game, he has the chance to be a very special player at the next level.

Pre-Summer Indiana Class of 2012 Player Rankings

With a little bit of Spring AAU action underway, I wanted to do a quick ranking of the top players in the state of Indiana for 2012. I'm keeping player potential and production in mind when doing these.


1. Jeremy Hollowell 6'7 Guard/Forward- Lawrence Central High School (Offers from Xavier, Indiana, Iowa, Cincinnati, Illinois, and Tennessee)



Hollowell is a player loaded with upside. He is still growing, allowing him to be a multi-positional player and defender. Hollowell has elite athleticism, a good stroke, and the handles to take opponents to the rim. Hollowell's game is improving, as he continues to grow into his body and get a feel for the game. His great length (6'11 Wingspan) allows him to be an affective defender, rebounder, and shot blocker. Hollowell can also mix it up inside, showing good touch in the post occasionally. As Hollowell continues to improve his game, he has the chance to be a very special player at the next level.

2. Gary Harris 6'4 Guard- Hamilton Southeastern High School (Offers from Iowa, Indiana, Cincinnati, Xavier, Minnesota, Illinois, and Vanderbilt)

A skilled combo guard with explosive athleticism, Harris is rapidly improving his game. Harris only averaged 14 points per game this season, but his potential is undeniable. He has the bounce and athleticism to take opponents off the dribble and score above the rim. Combine that with an improving jump shot and a high level motor, and Harris has the total package needed to be a backcourt star. Although his college offers are rather modest, I expect Harris to begin stockpiling offers as the summer rolls on.

3. D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera 6'4 Guard- North Central High School (Offers from Indiana, Purdue, Tennessee, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Xavier)



A powerful guard with a good handle, Smith-Rivera helped lead his high school team to a state championship this season. Smith-Rivera averaged 19.5 points per game, teaming up with Purdue-bound guard Terone Johnson. Smith-Rivera excels with the ball going to the rim, where he can draw the foul and score from the line. His jumper is improving, making him a threat to score from all over the court. Smith-Rivera isn't the most explosive vertical athlete, but he has the quickness to be a disruptive defender on the perimeter. He possesses the skills to play the point guard or shooting guard position at the next level.

4. A.J. Hammons 6'11 Center- Carmel High School (Offers from Indiana, Xavier, and Illinois)

Hammons is an imposing force in the paint, weighing in at close to 260 pounds. Hammons, who once weighed in at close to 290 pounds has made conditioning a priority, keeping himself in shape to help his conditioning and athleticism. The first thing that stands out about Hammons is his ability to change and alter shots in the paint, as he averaged over 5 blocks per game this season. Hammons has strong hands and nice touch around the basket, giving him the potential to develop as a low-post scorer. His strong hands and wide body make him a good rebounder, a category in which he recorded 8 per game this past season. Hammons has all the physical tools to be a difference maker in high school and college, the key for him is to put it all together and match potential with assertiveness.

5. Ron Patterson 6'3 Guard- Broad Ripple High School (Offers from Indiana, Purdue, Cincinnati, Xavier, Tennessee, Ohio State, Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan)

Patterson is an explosive athlete with a good outside shot. Patterson does have the potential to go on streaks when shooting, but recently has been shooting at a more consistent level. Another great quality about Patterson is his ability to rebound well for his position. Patterson has a 6'10 wingspan, a trait that also allows him to be a disruptive wing defender, and formidable shot blocker for his position. He needs to improve his ball-handling, but does a great job cutting to the rim without the ball. Patterson has the athleticism to finish above the rim and create highlight reel dunks. Patterson averaged 17 points per game this season while playing for Broad Ripple High School.

6. Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell 5'10 Guard- Park Tudor High School (Offers from Butler, Illinois, Indiana, Notre Dame, Virginia, and Washington)



A speedy floor general, Ferrell plays with a mature game for a 16 year old point guard. He has the speed, handles, and quickness to get to the rim, push the break, and be an elite passer. Ferrell is a good but not great shooter, keeping defenders honest from behind the arc. He averaged 23 points per game as he led his team to a runner-up finish in the state finals. Defensively Ferrell has the speed and quickness to pressure the ball, but may struggle going up against stronger, more physical guards. Although he is undersized for your ideal point guard, Ferrell makes up for it with his smarts and playmaking ability.

7. Rapheal Davis 6'5 Guard/Forward- Fort Wayne South Side High School (Committed to Purdue)

Davis committed to Purdue as a high school freshman, a testament to his ability as a basketball player. Davis is a good 3-point shooter with the ability to get hot and really stroke the ball. His strength and ball-handling allow him to get to the rim and finish after contact. Although he's not as explosive as some of the other guards in his class, Davis is a capable athlete, able to finish plays above the rim in transition. Defensively, Davis has the quickness to be a solid defender. Davis' could play the 2 or 3 position in college, adding that versatile player that Matt Painter likes.

8. Austin Burgett 6'7 Forward- Avon High School (Offers from Butler, Cincinnati, Iowa, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Ohio, and Xavier)

A skilled 4 man, Burgett impresses with his shooting and ball-handling ability. He is still pretty raw as a back to the basket player, but his face up skills make him a good scoring threat. Burgett can take opponents off the dribble and score at the rim, or hit the 3-point shot if given space. He averaged 15 points per game this season playing for Avon. Burgett has the skills to allow him to be a multi-positional player on offense, although his best work on defense would be done guarding the 4 spot. Austin is a good rebounder and can block shots, but adding strength to his frame will help his play in the paint.

9. Dejuan Marrero 6'5 Forward- Thea Bowman Academy (Offers from Indiana, Ohio State, Purdue, Illinois, and Cincinnati)



Marrero, who plays with an extremely high motor is a power forward in a small forward's body. Marrero has great athleticism, and when you combine that with his motor, he is a great rebounder even at 6'5. Marrero scores a lot of points on put backs and offensive rebounds, but continues to work on his perimeter game. His shot is improving, but could still use some work if he is going to play small forward at the collegiate level. Marrero also needs to work on his ball-handling to help him transition to the college game. He helped led his high school team to a state championship while averaging 14 points and 12 rebounds per contest.

10. T.J. Bell 6'7 Forward- Bloomington South High School (Offers from Virginia, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Washington State, and Indiana)

Bell, originally from Illinois is an ultra-athletic forward. He has good shooting touch for his size, and will knock down the jumper when left open. Consistency is the main issue with Bell, as he'll make a few plays and then disappear for entire quarters. He played JV most of the year at South because of eligibility issues, and at times struggled to produce at that level. Other than being more aggressive, Bell could really benefit from improving ball-handling and strength. One thing is for sure about Bell, he has all the physical tools to be a great player, but he needs to put it all together.

Player Profile: 2011 Branden Dawson

Name: Branden Dawson
Graduation Year: 2011, Rising Senior
Height & Weight: 6'6 205
High School/AAU: Gary Lew Wallace/SYF
Position: Small Forward
2009-2010 Season Stats: 24 ppg 14 rpg
Schools Considering: Georgetown, UCLA, IU, Purdue, Marquette, Michigan St.
Timetable for Decision: Dawson has said he will decide in the Spring of his senior year of high school.

Scouting Report:
When you think of Branden Dawson the first thing that comes to mind is his high-level motor. Dawson simply goes full speed on every play, making him a dangerous rebounder and defender. Dawson's ideal college position is small forward, but rebounds like a big man, using his long wingspan and high level athleticism to pull down boards. Another great trait about Dawson is his passing. At times he runs the inbounds plays for his team, and is a great passer out of the post. Offensively Dawson is a good ball-handler, but lacks a consistent outside shot which at times makes him one-dimensional. His best scoring is done on in the paint moving off cuts or attacking the rim. His back to the basket game is not great, but he shows flashes and good touch in the post. Dawson is an adequate free-throw shooter, but could stand to work on his free-throws along with his jumper. Defensively Dawson can guard 3 positions. He has the strength and length to handle bigger opponents in the paint, and the quickness and length to disrupt opponents on the wing. As Dawson improves his perimeter skills he will continue to improve as a player.

IndyBall.com Shootout Ron Patterson Dunk

This video is pretty simple but is a nice throw down by Ron Patterson in transition. I'm also going to put together a highlight tape of Kellen Dunham from today.

IndyBall.com Shootout 16 & 15U Saturday Recap

Here's a rundown of the performances by some of the freshmen and sophomores in this event. All these players were from Indiana Elite as well. I'm hoping to get a good look at the Eric Gordon teams tomorrow .

Indiana Elite 16U:

2012 Guard Ron Patterson- Patterson had a typical impressive performance today, showing off his strength and athleticism in both games. The sophomore guard used the bounce to get to the rim, as he scored after contact and got to the foul line. Patterson rebounded the ball very well from the guard position, recording double digit boards in his first game. The 6'3 guard also used his athleticism to finish a put back dunk off a teammates' miss. Patterson had a pretty good day from behind the arc, shooting 3-7 today. Patterson's length and athleticism allow him to block shots, recording several rejections today. Overall Patterson played well, and as he continues to work on his ball-handling and shooting he will improve as a player.

2012 Guard Kellen Dunham- Dunham, a 6'4 guard, didn't receive the early recruiting interest some of his counterparts did, but is proving he is equally talented thus far. Dunham showcased the total offensive package, taking opponents off the dribble and knocking down mid-range and 3-point jumpers. Dunham finished well at the rim, converting several layups and shots after contact. He also showed a nice feel for the glass, using it on mid-range jumpers and drives to the basket. He displayed the ability to play adequate defense, not giving his man any easy paths to the basket. Dunham could be the Indiana player to boost his stock this AAU season.

2013 Forward Collin Hartman- I was only able to watch Hartman play once, but he impressed in this game. A legitimate 6'6 as a freshman, Hartman has an advanced skill set for his age. In one sequence Hartman blocked a shot, grabbed the loose ball, pushed it down court, and then buried a mid-range jumper at the elbow. Hartman struggled from behind the arc, but showed an impressive mid-range game, knocking down several jumpers. Defensively, Hartman was impressive blocking 6 shots and forcing a few steals. Hartman was also impressive on the boards, pulling down several offensive rebounds to create extra possessions for his team. All in all Hartman did not look the part of a 15 year old on the court, and will be a player to watch not only this summer, but for the next 3 years.

Q&A Interview with 2012 Standout Ron Patterson

On Saturday I caught up with Broad Ripple sophomore Ron Patterson. The 6'3 guard is playing AAU basketball with Indiana Elite this summer, winning their first two games this Saturday. Patterson had 10 points and 10 rebounds in his first game, and 17 points and 4 rebounds in the second game. He showed off a versatile game shooting the 3, pulling down rebounds, blocking shots, and breaking opponents down off the dribble. Patterson had perhaps the highlight of the day with a 2-handed put-back dunk in his second game. I did a brief interview with Patterson, and here is what he had to say.

Indy Hoops: Describe yourself as a player and tell me a little bit about your game?

Patterson: "I can shoot it at times, get to the lane, pull down rebounds, and be a good defender."

Indy Hoops: What would you say you need to work on this summer to improve your game?

RP: "Ball-handling."

Indy Hoops: Do you want to play a certain position in college?

RP: "It really doesn't matter to me, I just want to play."

Indy Hoops: What schools are you looking at?

RP: "Indiana, Purdue, Cincinnati, Xavier, Tennessee, Ohio State, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan"

Indy Hoops: Are all of the schools on an even level or are any sticking out?

RP: "Not really they're all even."

Indy Hoops: Do you have a timeline to make a college decision?

RP: "I'm just playing it as it goes."

Indy Hoops: Have you visited a lot of schools?

RP: "Not anywhere recently, but I may do that this summer or in the fall."

Quick scouting report on Patterson:

When you talk about Ron Patterson's game the first thing that comes to mind is athleticism. He has incredible leaping ability that allows him to block shots, rebound very well, and dunk the ball with authority. Patterson's position in college will be shooting guard, and as he continues to work on his ball-handling his ability to slash and take opponents off the dribble will only improve. Defensively, Patterson can be a lockdown defender because of his strength and quickness. As a shooter, Ron has room to improve but the defender must respect his outside shot. Although he is a little undersized for your ideal 2 guard, Patterson makes up for it with his athleticism, and with a little work on his shooting his game will continue to impress.

IndyBall.com Shootout Preview

With AAU season finally upon us, it's time to start looking at the travel circuit. The first stop for me is North Central High School, home of the 2010 IndyBall.com Shootout this weekend. In what should be a loaded event, I'm excited to see who makes their preliminary mark on this AAU season. There will be teams from all over the state playing in this event, and a few from surrounding states as well. Here is a quick rundown of the talent I expect to see this weekend:

-2011 F/C Cody Zeller

-2011 C Marshall Plumlee

-2011 G Jeremiah Davis

-2011 G Matt Carlino

-2011 F Austin Etherington

-2011 C Michael Chandler

-2011 F Ryan Taylor

-2012 G Ron Patterson

-2012 G Jeremy Hollowell

-2012 G D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera

-2012 F Hanner Perea

-2012 C Peter Jurkin

-2013 Collin Hartman

This is definitely shaping up to be a loaded event. I could be wrong with a few of the out-of-state guys, as they may not make it, but they are listed on rosters of teams attending the event. There also may be a few guys there who I am not expecting, but be sure to look for full coverage of the event this weekend. I'll look out for any surprises, as this could be the start of "coming out parties" for any number of prospects.

AAU: Indiana Big Men to Watch

With AAU season almost underway, I wanted to briefly overview some of the state's top big men, and what they can do to improve this summer. Scout.Com Recruiting Analyst Evan Daniels shared some of his thoughts with me on the Indiana big men.

A.J. Hammons (2012) Center- This Carmel High School big man has a high reputation to live up to this summer. The sophomore center has earned scholarship offers from IU, Xavier, and Illinois while averaging over 5 blocks per game this season. Hammons has slimmed down some since last summer, and with a big AAU season, could receive more offers. The sky is the limit for Hammons who could really help himself with an assertive effort on both ends of the floor. "I think the biggest thing holding Hammons back is Agression," said Daniels. "He's got the size, hands and touch around the basket, I'm just waiting for him to turn it up a notch and be more aggressive."

Michael Chandler (2011) Center- The next great Lawrence North big man made a name for himself on the AAU circuit last summer. The rising senior looks to maintain and legitimize his lofty top 15 national ranking. Chandler has shown that he can play solid defense and pull down rebounds, but can he add a more potent offense game to his weaponry? "Michael Chandler has made tremendous strides since he first hit the scene," Daniels said of the highly touted big man. "As far as improvements, I think he needs to continue to develop his moves on the block, make them more crisp and add a few more to his arsenal."

Cody Zeller (2011) Power Forward/Center- Zeller really impressed onlookers in the state tournament, leading his team to the 3A IHSAA Championship. He had a barrage of coaches watching him throughout the tournament, gearing up for what should be an interesting recruitment. Zeller ended last summer with a top 50 national ranking, establishing himself as one of the better big men in the 2011 class. During the season Zeller showed great versatility on the offensive end, knocking down long range jump shots, taking opponents off the dribble, and scoring in the post. If Zeller could improve his overall strength, who knows how good he could be? "With Zeller I think it's clear that strength is certainly something that he can work on," Daniels said. "But he's got the size, hands, post moves and ability to move that can often times make up for his lack of strength."

Evan Daniels is a national scout/recruiting analyst for Scout.com. You can check out his work at http://scouthoops.scout.com/.

Washington defeats Gary Lew Wallace 65-62 in OT to win 3A title

Led by Cody Zeller's 20 points and 26 rebounds Washington High School won the Class 3A State Championship in overtime. Zeller tied a state championship record by pulling down 26. Cody Zeller is now the 3rd Zeller family member to lead Washington to a 3A State Championship. This is Washington's 3rd title in six years.

Senior Guard Latroy Taylor hit a 3 pointer near the end of the 4th quarter to tie the game at 56. Washington failed to connect on a jump shot to win the game in regulation, and the game went to overtime. Washington led throughout overtime, and two 3 pointers by Branden Dawson did not connect in the final 10 seconds of overtime. Branden Dawson led Gary Wallace with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

Scouting:

(2011) Cody Zeller, Forward/Center- Zeller absolutely dominated the glass throughout this game. He had 15 rebounds at halftime and used his size, positioning, and athleticism to pull down a state record 26 rebounds in the game. Zeller scored 20 points in this game, able to get many opportunities off second chance points. He also showed nice shooting touch knocking down a 3 pointer to close out the second quarter. Zeller did a nice job getting to the foul line, but had an off shooting day from the charity stripe. Zeller struggled to finish plays after contact, missing shots on potential "And 1's". Adding strength to his frame could definitely help Zeller finish more plays down low. Defensively he was solid, not allowing buckets and challenging many shots in the paint. All in all Zeller played a great game and showed his skills that make him a sought after prospect. This performance surely impressed the handful of college coaches at the game. As he moves forward, Zeller must add strength to his frame to help his game in the paint both offensively and defensively.

(2011) Branden Dawson, Wing Forward- Dawson showed off his high level athleticism and motor today, fighting for loose balls and finishing in the paint. Dawson is streaky shooting the ball but was able to score in the paint off offensive rebounds and fast breaks. Dawson had two rim rocking dunks in the open court, displaying good handles with the ball. Branden also used his leaping ability to pull down high arching rebounds and contest shots. Defensively Dawson's length bothered opponents, as he was able to disrupt plays and challenge shots with his wing span. Overall Dawson played well, putting on a show for the many college coaches in attendance. The key for Dawson is too improve the consistency of his jump shot so he can become a total offensive threat.

Wheeler Wins 2A State Championship over Park Tudor

In a back and forth game, Wheeler High School edged Park Tudor 41-38. Wheeler Senior Andrew Rudakas sank two free throws late to take a three point lead. Two last second three point attempts by Park Tudor guard Kevin Ferrell were unable to go as Wheeler hung on to win the game. Petar Todrovic led Wheeler with 13 points.

Park Tudor trailed 19-15 at half, but regained a 1 point lead at the end of the 3rd quarter. Sophomore point guard Kevin Ferrell led runner-up Park Tudor with 20 points and 5 rebounds.

The 3A State Championship game will be played this evening at 6 P.M. The matchup is Gary Lew Wallace High School vs. Washington High School. Highly regarded juniors Cody Zeller (Washington) and Branden Dawson (Wallace) will be playing in the game.

Scouting:

(2012) Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell: Guard, Park Tudor- Ferrell's quickness and ball-handling make him a dangerous floor general even though he stands just 5'9. He is able to penetrate defenses and get to the rim and score or kick it out to open teammates. He is a skilled passer who knows when to give it up and not force the action in traffic. As a shooter Ferrell can be streaky, but is able to knock down shots from beyond the 3 point lane. His size and strength do sometimes prevent him from scoring the against contact. As a free throw shooter Ferrell averaged 77% from the foul stripe this year, but was down a little today shooting 5-8. Defensively, Ferrell pressures the ball well and could be a real weapon in a full court press. He'll struggle to guard bigger and stronger guards but his speed and quickness allow him to stay in front of his man. Overall, Yogi is a good lead guard who can run the show and score, but will need to improve his strength to help him finish plays.

2010 IHSAA State Finals Set

The 2010 Indiana High School Athletic Association's Boy's Basketball State Finals will take place this Saturday, featuring 4 championship games for each respective class. Each game will feature top players in the state of Indiana and at least one high major prospect. The star-studded championship features players such as Washington's Cody Zeller and North Central's Terone Johnson.

1A Finals- Barr-Reeve vs. Bowman Academy

The state's smallest class features a matchup between Bowman Academy from Gary, Indiana and Barr-Reeve from Montgomery, Indiana. Barr-Reeve is led by senior guard Trey Hughes who averages just over 17 points per contest. Bowman Academy is led by star sophomore Dejuan Marrero (14 ppg 12 rpg) who is being courted by a host of schools including Indiana, Illinois, Ohio State, and Purdue. This game is set to tip at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday.

2A Finals- Park Tudor vs. Wheeler

This title game features a hot but unranked 15-10 (Indianapolis) Park Tudor team against #2 26-1 (Valparaiso) Wheeler. Upset minded Park Tudor is led by sophomore point guard Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell (23 ppg) who like Marrero is being courted by a number of midwest schools. Wheeler is led by senior Andrew Rudakas who averages just over 16 points per game. This game will start following the conclusion of the 1A title game, with a tentative start time of 12:45 P.M.

3A Finals- Gary Lew Wallace vs. Washington

In a true matchup of star power, which junior star will lead their team to a title? #5 Lew Wallace High School from Gary, Indiana is led by nationally ranked 2011 recruit Branden Dawson. Dawson is being recruited by nearly every school in the country and is averaging 24 points and 14 rebounds per game. #6 Washington High School of Washington, Indiana is led by junior big man Cody Zeller. Another nationally ranked player, Zeller is averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds per outing. This game will start at 6 P.M. following an intermission after the 2A title game.

4A Finals- North Central vs. Warsaw

The class 4A title game puts local power #3 North Central High School of Indianapolis against #6 Warsaw Community High School of Warsaw, Indiana. North Central is led by its duo of star guards, senior Terone Johnson and sophomore D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera who combine to average 38 points per game. Warsaw is led by star junior guard Nic Moore who averages 21 points per contest. Each team hopes to win its second state title, with North Central's coming in 1999 and Warsaw's in 1984. This game will tip after the conclusion of the 3A title game and has a tentative start time of 8:15 P.M.

Branden Dawson scores 20 in Lew Wallace (Hornets) victory over Arlington (Knights)

Branden Dawson scored 20 points and pulled down 8 rebounds as Gary Wallace defeated Arlington High School 66-60 Saturday night. Dawson and Wallace were able to fend off a late Arlington run to maintain the lead and secure the victory. Latroy Taylor scored a game high 23 points for the hornets, many which came off penetration of the Knights' defense.

After a relatively slow first half (27-19 Wallace edge) both teams picked up the tempo, playing more of a fast pace game and going back and forth exchanging buckets. Arlington was led by senior guard Cody Rhorer and junior guard Josh Johnson who both scored 15 points for the host Knights. Midway through the 4th quarter Arlington cut the Lew Wallace lead to 3 points, but the Hornets were able to hang on and win the game by a 6 point margin.

Scouting:

-(2011) Branden Dawson- Dawson showcased the total package tonight, scoring in a variety of ways for Lew Wallace. Dawson shot 10-14 from the field, as his only deficiency was his 0-2 three point shooting. Dawson's jumper looks great from 18' in as his only two misses were on a contested layup, and a missed dunk. Dawson showed a good handle on the ball, driving to the basket and scoring after the foul. Branden pulled down 3 offensive rebounds and scored on all 3 2nd chance opportunities. He also showcased his athletic ability, throwing down a 2 handed cock-back lob off an inbounds play. Dawson showed toughness on defense, grabbing 2 steals and blocking a shot. Dawson's one issue on defense is being aggressive and giving effort on every defensive possession. The thing which impressed me most about Dawson was his passing. Dawson knew when to give up the ball, often passing out of double and triple teams to find wide open teammates. He recorded 3 assists on the game, but his passing had more of an impact than those 3 assists. All in all, Dawson is an elite prospect who is nearly unstoppable at the high school level. He fights through double teams and still scores after being hacked and smacked down low. If Dawson develops a consistent 3 point shot, Dawson could easily be a top 10 talent nationally, and more importantly an unstoppable college player.

-(2010) Latroy Taylor- This senior guard for the Lew Wallace Hornets showed toughness and composure in a highly competitive game. He has a tight handle on the ball and gets into the lane at will, scoring on contested lay-ups and finding teammates for open shots. Defensively he is solid applying good half-court and full-court pressure to opposing guards. He also possesses a formidable jump shot, enough to keep the defense honest. He appears to be a solid prospect, who appears to be a college level player.

Patterson Scores 24 in Broad Ripple's 2nd half comeback

After scoring just 4 points in the 1st half, Ron Patterson erupted for a 20 point outburst in the 2nd half, leading Broad Ripple to a 62-59 win over Beech Grove. Patterson also tallied 9 rebounds, 5 steals, 2 blocks, and 1 assist in Broad Ripple's win. Beech Grove was led by senior guard Cody Atherton who scored 16 points for the host Hornets.

After getting out to a 9 point lead at half time, Beech Grove saw their lead slowly dwindle throughout the 3rd quarter. Midway through the 4th quarter Broad Ripple took a one point lead after a Ron Patterson basket. Broad Ripple never looked back after they took the lead and fended off Beech Grove to win the game 62-59. Junior forward Lamont Pruitt also scored 10 for Broad Ripple, knocking down key free throws in the last two minutes of the game.

Scouting:

-(2012) Ron Patterson- Patterson showed the two extremes of his game during this contest. A streaky shooter, Patterson missed both 3 point attempts he took in the 1st half, but nailed both 3 point attempts in the 2nd half. Patterson knocked down two 3 pointers off the dribble, showing confidence in his shooting ability. Patterson also missed all 3 of his free throw attempts, an area that needs improvement. Defensively, Patterson looked sluggish in the 1st half letting his man by him many times, attempting to go for the steal instead of sticking to his man. Though he did rack up 5 steals, Patterson let his man by him many times leading to easy baskets and penetration. Playing with renewed energy in the 2nd half, Patterson stuck to his man, applying pressure and forcing turnovers. When playing with energy and effort, Patterson improves his production on the offensive end too. Too often he jogs up the court calling for a pull up jumper instead of hustling back in the open court, where he can do the most damage. When Patterson gets the ball in the open floor his speed and strength allow him to get many easy baskets, while also absorbing fouls to score tough buckets. An electric finisher, Patterson can finish above the rim, and that great athletic ability also makes him a formidable shot blocker at the guard position. His athleticism also helps him to get many rebounds, an area that he exceled in tonight, grabbing 9 boards. All in all Patterson is a player with tremendous upside and potential as a college player. The keys to Patterson succeeding are giving effort on every possession and improving his shooting consistency.

-(2011) Steven Jamison- After coming away impressed by Jamison in a performance earlier in the year, I wasn't able to come to a good conclusion tonight. Jamison is a versatile wing who has a nice shooting stroke, and good handles, but did not play much tonight. If I watch Jamison play again in the future, I hope to get a much better handle on his game.