Player Profile: 2011 Darwin "Dee" Davis

Name: Darwin "Dee" Davis
Graduation Year: 2011, Rising Senior
Height & Weight: 5'10 160
High School/AAU: Bloomington South/Meanstreets
Position: Point Guard
Schools Considering: Committed to Xavier University (Offers from Purdue and Ohio)
Commitment Date: 06-22-09

Scouting Report:
Davis is an undersized point guard who is lightning quick with the ball. What he lacks in strength, he makes up for in speed and athleticism. Davis is a great finisher near the basket, and possesses acrobatic moves that allow him to convert tough baskets. He has a good first step and is able to take defenders off the dribble and get to the rim. In the full court he is one man fast break, able to dish for an open bucket if necessary. The key for Davis to succeed is to maintain shooting consistency and add a little bit of strength to handle larger opponents.

Player Profile: 2011 Mitch McGary

Name: Mitch Mcgary
Graduation Year: 2011, Rising Senior
Height & Weight: 6'10 240
High School/AAU: Chesterton/SYF Players
Position: Power Forward & Center
2009-2010 Season Stats: He sat out much of the season with a foot injury and Mono, only playing in 10 games.
Schools Considering: Purdue (only offer), Indiana, Dayton, Cincinnati, and Xavier
Timetable for Decision: McGary is working to get his grades in order, and until he does so it is unlikely that he will receive anymore offers or commit to a school.

Scouting Report:
McGary is a big man with a big frame and good athleticism. Right now he's about 240 pounds, but still has room to add muscle and bulk. The one thing that sticks out about McGary is his ability to run the floor. He's one of the quickest big men up the floor, leading to easy baskets in transition. McGary has good touch in the post and can score in the paint. He's also got shooting touch out to the 3-point line, but at times can fall in love with the 3-point shot. McGary's best work is done when he spends the majority of his time scoring in the paint, and then slips out to the perimeter to hit an unexpected jump shot. McGary's biggest room for improvement is expanding his offensive repertoire with his back to the basket.

Video (Shot May 15, 2010):

McGary Working On Game and Grades

This weekend I got the chance to see Mitch McGary play at the Adidas May Classic. I caught two of his games and he looked sharp in both of them. He had a double double in the second game I saw, a game in which he hit four 3-pointers. After his first game he talked about a number of things including his academics, recovering from an injury, college recruiting, and what he's working to improve on the court. Below is what he had to say.

When asked to give a brief update on recovering from an injury and how his grades are looking:

"Now that I have my grades and my health under control I can really focus on improving my game on the court. I broke my foot early on in the high school season and then I had Mono so I only played 10 games this year."

Talking about preparing for the college game in the weight room:

"I've been putting on a lot of weight, I weigh about 240 (pounds) right now. Hopefully I can get up to about 250 or 255, not too heavy but real jacked up. I just want to be all muscle without any fat."

The schools that are currently recruiting him:

"Dayton, Cincinnati, Indiana, Purdue, and Xavier right now. My only offer is from Purdue."

When asked if anyone is standing out at this point:

"Just Cincinnati, I like Coach Davis a lot, he's been calling me a lot. Coach Crean from Indiana has been calling me a lot. At Purdue Coach Paul Lusk has been talking to me a lot."

On a potential offer from Indiana and what it would mean:

"I think they're waiting to see my grades, they were a little worried about that. I've heard Coach Crean has said he really wants wants me to play here. I would love to play here, there is so much history, but I just gotta get my grades under control."

What part of his game he'd like to work on and what coaches are telling him to work on:

"My strength and probably my ball-handling. I can shoot but I don't really have to because we have a lot of shooters on our team. A couple coaches have said they want me to work on my inside game, and also my handles so when I get to college I might be able to play the perimeter."

Where he fits in the college game:

"I think I'm a power forward who can play inside and out. I just really want to work on my handles."

When asked if he knows exactly where he stands academically:

"I'm not sure right now. I just need to keep working at them and hopefully get them to the mark they need to be at."

If any coaches have suggested him reclassifying or attending prep school:

"Yeah, a couple coaches have talked to me about that, but I'm still not sure what I want to do."

On the early offer from Purdue, and gauging their current interest:

"Yeah they called me last week, they're still interested and have a scholarship for me."

If he had any plans to visit Cincinnati:

"I think I'll go to Cincinnati this summer, and then take another one to IU and Dayton pretty soon."

Top Performers: Adidas May Classic

During a loaded weekend of hoops a few players stuck out as being top players at the tournament. Although I only attended on Saturday, I wanted to highlight my top performers from the weekend. Below are my top 5 performers from the weekend.

1. Gary Harris (2012) D3 Heat- Harris had a huge weekend, pouring in games of 36, 23, and 22 this weekend. In my eyes he has cemented himself as one of the two or three best players in the state of Indiana. I believe you can make a real case for him being number one, as there's just so much he can do. He'll hit a contested 3-pointer, break down the d and score at the rim, or blow right by you for a thunderous dunk. If that's not enough he'll hit the pull up mid-range jump shot, and pester opponents all game long on defense. Harris really played phenomenal this weekend and not only did he impress me, but he was also watched by several national scouting services. Already an outstanding guard, If Harris keeps improving at this rate, he could be a truly scary talent by the time he's done with high school.

2. Mitch McGary (2011) SYF Players- I knew McGary was good before this weekend, but I had no idea he was this good. In one game I watched McGary hit four (yes four) 3-pointers and several mid-range jump shots, an impressive feat for a 6'9 big man. McGary didn't just shoot all day though, as he got the ball in the post and was able to score with his back to the basket. Mitch also ran the floor well which led to some easy baskets in transition. He had games of 23 and 18, and pulled 12 rebounds in one Saturday game. McGary also showed the ability to handle the ball, often taking the ball up the court to the displeasure of his coach. There's not a lot McGary cannot do, he just needs to refine his back to the basket game a little bit.

3. D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera (2012) Indiana Elite Team Indiana- Smith-Rivera did double duty this weekend, playing with the Indiana Elite 17U and 16U teams. On Sunday he only played with his 16U team and scored 22 points to help lead them to the tournament title. Smith-Rivera had it going all weekend long hitting 3-pointers, scoring at the rim, and getting to the free throw line. He also did a great job passing the ball to Peter Jurkin, Obij Aget, and Hanner Perea who all finished numerous DSR passes with authority in the paint. Chalk up another productive weekend for the 2012 standout.

4. Devin Davis (2013) Eric Gordon All-Stars- Watching Davis, he showed why he's already scored offers from Purdue and Indiana as just a freshman. Davis is a great athlete who excels at absorbing contact and finishing plays after hard fouls. He can score off the bounce, or gain position in the post to score a basket. This weekend Davis had games of 17 and 15, but also made an impact blocking shots (6 in one game) and hustling for rebounds. He's got a relentless motor, and game similar to 2012 Dejuan Marrero, but his ball-handling is more advanced. Since he is only 6'5, Davis needs to improve his range out to the 3-point stripe, something he has plenty of time to do.

5. Jeremy Hollowell (2012) Eric Gordon All-Stars- The 6'7 Hollowell showed off his versatile game this weekend, making it look easy from all over the court. He had a game of 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, and another game with 18 points. Hollowell scored from 3, scored on opponents off the dribble, and ran the floor well as he was the recipient of some nice alley oops passes in transition. He'll also mix it up down low on offense and defense, scoring second chance points and blocking shots in the paint.

Adidas May Classic 15U Saturday Recap

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 15U recap.

Devin Davis Eric Gordon All-Stars 6'5 Forward- Watching Davis was the highlight of the 15U division for me. Davis put on a show Saturday morning tallying 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 blocks against Ohio Ball Club. His nonstop motor allowed him to make plays on both ends of the floor, swatting shots and throwing down highlight reel dunks. Davis is a bit of a tweener right now, lacking the ideal size to play inside, but not quite having the shooting touch to be a full-fledged small forward. He does however have good handles, and can get to the rim where he finishes plays after contact. Saturday morning he scored on a variety of drives where he got fouled and converted the tough "and 1" basket. He's also a high-level athlete who can block shots well for his size. He'll remind you of a Dejuan Marrero type player, but with better ball-handling skills. Davis is a very young player, so there's no reason to think he won't improve his outside shooting and be a star at the 3 position.

Basil Smotherman Eric Gordon All-Stars 6'4 Shooting Guard- Smotherman struggled when I saw him on Saturday. He only had 4 points, but showed why he has garnered early attention as just a freshman. He's got a nice looking shot, and is improving his ability to get to the rim off the bounce. He had a nice drive where he took the ball to the rim and shot it off the glass, showing off a smart basketball move. I'm going to chalk up Smotherman's bad day to just being "off" with his mid-range jumper as he was very hot on Friday night. He struggled early with the jump shot, and deferred to teammates for the remainder of the game.

Zak Irvin Eric Gordon All-Stars 6'4 Shooting Guard- Irvin played JV for Hamilton Southeastern this season, but showed this weekend that he is ready for an increased role next season. He scored 19 points when I saw him on Saturday, knocking down the jumper from mid-range out to the 3-point line. He also hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to win the game for his team Friday night. Irvin had some nice takes to the basket on Saturday, showing off a versatile scoring game. He's gained 15 pounds since the start of his freshman year, so it will be interesting to track his growth and progression in the future.

( Slight Editors Note- I didn't get to see Collin Hartman, but he only had 4 points in a win for his team on Saturday. He didn't have the most impressive performance, but it was nothing other than a "bad" game for the talented and versatile Hartman.)

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.

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.

Player Profile: 2011 Jeremiah Davis

Name: Jeremiah Davis
Graduation Year: 2011, Rising Senior
Height & Weight: 6'3 195
High School/AAU: Muncie Central/Indiana Elite
Position: Point Guard & Shooting Guard Combo
2009-2010 Season Stats: 17 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg
Schools Considering: Michigan State, IU, Cincinnati, Xavier, Ohio State, Tennessee, UNLV, Dayton, Miami-FL, and DePaul
Timetable for Decision: Davis is rumored to be deciding soon, but no announcement has been set.

Scouting Report:
As a junior in high school, Davis is already built like a college player. He handles the ball well, and his strong frame allows him to absorb contact and finish plays after fouls. Davis can also use his ball-handling ability to break down defenses and find the open teammate. Davis has good range on his jump shot, but his shot selection is questionable at times. When hot he can light you up from deep, but the key for Davis is to play within himself, and not force shots. Defensively Davis has the quickness, strength, and smarts to be a good defender. As long as he isn't too steal happy can really lock down opponents. Overall, Davis has the tools to be a contributor as a freshman, as long as he plays smart.

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: 2012 D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera

Name: D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera
Graduation Year: 2012, Rising Junior
Height & Weight: 6'3 210
High School/AAU: North Central/Indiana Elite
Position: Point Guard
2009-2010 Season Stats: 19.5 ppg
Schools Considering: North Carolina, Georgetown, USC, Xavier, IU, Tennessee, Purdue, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Louisville
Timetable for Decision: Smith-Rivera has no deadline, but has said he would like to end his recruitment relatively soon.

Scouting Report:
An advanced, physical guard, Smith-Rivera (DSR) uses his strength and ball-handling to get to the rim and finish tough baskets. His ability to drive and attack allows him to get to the foul line and also create 3-point plays. DSR is improving his jump shot, and will need to be a solid shooter as players in his class continue to catch up with him physically. Smith-Rivera is a capable, but not explosive vertical athlete, and he has the quickness to keep up with the ball-handler on defense. As he continues to develop his shooting touch, Smith-Rivera should also be able to play the shooting guard position in college.

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 17U Saturday Recap

In what was a loaded day of AAU action, I got the chance to see 17U, 16U, and 15U action today. The majority of my day was spent watching the Indiana Elite teams. I also saw a few Spiece teams play today. Tomorrow I will get the chance to see the Eric Gordon All-Stars play. Several players were attending the Adidas Nation event and will be reuniting with their teams in the future.

Indiana Elite 17U

2011 Guard Matt Carlino- Carlino had an up and down day today, showing off great range on his jump shot but also committing small mental mistakes and turnovers. Carlino hit four 3-pointers in the first half of a game, and also showed the ability to slash and finish at the rim with the ball in his hands. Unfortunately Carlino also showed the tendency to get a bit too flashy, trying to throw passes behind his back and between his legs, leading to turnovers. Matt displayed nice athleticism, throwing down a one handed dunk in the lane, and hitting another off the back of the rim. The key for Carlino is to play within the game and not force any flashy passes or plays.

2011 Forward/Center Cody Zeller- Zeller had a game that mirrored his high school season. He made fluid and smart moves in the post, showing nice touch but struggled at times to finish through fouls. His active hands allowed him to get several tip ins and pull down challenged rebounds on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Zeller is one of the best free-throw shooting big men I can recall in recent history, shooting 6-7 from the charity stripe in his first game. If Zeller is struggling with his jump shot, the key for him is to get the ball in the post and score. All in all he had a good showing today, and I will be intrigued to see how he does this summer.

2011 Guard Jeremiah Davis- Davis did not have the best showing today, as he struggled to find his jumper. Davis does a nice job of breaking down his man off the dribble, but at times can hold onto the ball too long. He does a good job at getting into the lane, and if he concentrates on attacking the basket and finding his teammates instead of falling in love with the jump shot, he should be fine.

2011 Forward Austin Etherington- Etherington showed a little bit of everything today, playing well on both sides of the ball. In the first half of the morning game he struggled with his jumper but passed the ball well and took his man off the dribble for an impressive 2-hand dunk. In the second half he found his range, knocking down two 3-pointers. In his second game of the day he hit several mid-range jumpers and 3-pointers.

2011 Forward Vinny Zollo- This former Kentucky commitment impressed me in his first game. He was the most active player on the floor, pulling down 9 rebounds and using offensive rebounds to score second chance points. Zollo ran the floor very well and was the recipient of some good passes into the paint. He also buried a mid-range jumper and a 3-pointe. The one weakness to his game was that he struggled to finish some plays after contact, but still maintained aggressiveness. Zollo is a player I will be continually watching as the summer rolls on.

2011 Center Cheir Ajou- Ajou is a project in the true sense of the word, but is making strides as a player. A legitimate 7 footer, Ajou blocked multiple shots each game, and pulled down most rebounds in his vicinity. He hit a nice 15-16 foot jumper and a hook shot in his first game. When he got to the line Ajou knocked down both free throws, showing a nice stroke for a big man. Ajou needs to time his jumps a little better when rebounding and blocking, but certainly has the potential to be a difference maker on both ends of the floor.

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.

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/.

Smith-Rivera, Johnson lead North Central (Panthers) to win over Ben Davis (Giants)

Highly touted 2012 guard D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera scored 23 points in an 84-54 North Central win over Ben Davis. Smith-Rivera scored 13 points in the first quarter (4-4 from 3 pt. range in the quarter) and 18 in the first half to help lead North Central to the big win. Purdue signee Terone Johnson chipped in 21 points in the victory. North Central trailed after the first quarter 21-22, but used a stout defensive approach to hold Ben Davis to just 6 point in the 2nd quarter, as North Central led 40-28 at half.

In the 2nd half, North Central continued its gameplan, leading 60-46 at the 3rd quarter break. The strong defense continued throughout the half, frustrating Ben Davis and making every Giants' basket a tough one. Ben Davis was led by Sophomore Harry Wills who scored 20 points in the loss. Senior guard Bradley Elam also chipped in 10 points for the Giants.

Scouting:

-(2010) Terone Johnson- Johnson looked good, but not outstanding in this win. Many of his points came on easy layups and he struggled shooting the 3 point ball, going 1-4 in the game. He also struggled from the foul line only shooting 50% (4-8), an area where he is usually strong. Johnson looked strong with the ball, and was aggressive attacking the basket, shown by his 8 free throw attempts. He had several attempts at "3 point plays", absorbing contact and finishing after hard fouls. Johnson looked good rebounding the ball, grabbing 6 boards and showing toughness going for loose balls. Overall, Johnson did not play his best game, but still impressed me and showed he can score even when the jumpers are not falling.

-(2012) D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera- Smith-Rivera looked outstanding in this performance, showing confidence and improvement in his jump shot. Smith-Rivera was 4-5 from the 3 point line, showing nice touch from behind the arc. Smith-Rivera excelled at handling the ball and attacking the rim, doing a great job getting to the foul line, shooting 5-7 from the charity stripe. Smith-Rivera used his strength and toughness to absorb contact and finish plays after the foul. Now listed at 6'4, it is possible Smith-Rivera has grown a slight amount since last season. He also looked great on the defensive end, snagging 4 steals and applying constant pressure to the Ben Davis guards. If he can shoot the ball consistently like he did tonight, Smith-Rivera looks the part of a top 30 recruit.

-(2012) Harry Wills- This Ben Davis guard looked great in the loss to North Central. Even though he was knocked out of the game late in the 3rd quarter with cramps, he looked great, scoring 22 points. He shot the ball well from 3 point range, knocking down 3 from behind the arc. Wills also showed good athleticism and touch, finishing well around the rim. A solid defender, Wills will be a prospect to watch over the next two years. Wills looks to be a good combo guard, with room for improvement in his ball-handling and passing.

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.

Attending Tomorrow Night's Game: Broad Ripple @ Beech Grove

Check back tomorrow night for a report on the Broad Ripple vs. Beech Grove game. I'll be attending the game and scouting Broad Ripple stars (2012) Ron Patterson and (2011) Steven Jamison. Expect a report sometime around 10 PM EST tomorrow night.

Marquis Teague scores 22 in Pike victory

Marquis Teague scored 22 points in a 64-48 victory over Muncie Central Saturday night. Teague had a strong 1st half, helping Pike start out with an 11-0 run. Teague had a hot night shooting the ball going 9-11 from the field, 2-4 from behind the arc, and 2-3 from the foul line. Teague also tallied 1 steal, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. Pike Senior guard also chipped in 17 points for the Red Devils. Pike was too much for the visiting Bearcats, leading the entire game and appearing extremely cohesive as a unit.

Jeremiah Davis led the visiting Muncie Central Bearcats with 16 points, shooting 3-5 from the 3 point line and 1-2 from the foul line. Davis pulled down 7 rebounds and also dished out 3 assists. Muncie Central also got 16 points from Sophomore big man Nick Osborne. Muncie Central simply didn't have the fire power or chemistry to match a hot Pike team.

Scouting:

2011 Marquis Teague- Teague had an extremely hot night shooting the ball, and seems to have improved his stroke. A noted streaky shooter, the sky is the limit for Teague if he can consistently knock down the outside jumper. Teague also shot the mid-range jumper very well off the dribble, knocking down several challenged looks. Teague showed off-the-charts athleticism, blowing by a Muncie Central defender and dunking over 2 more for a true "poster" finish. Also, don't blame Teague for only having 2 assists, as he was looking to find teammates, and they missed open looks, or made the extra pass themselves. Teague also looked solid defensively, always staying in front of his man. Teague looked nearly flawless in this outing, and if he can shoot the ball like this consistently he will be an almost unstoppable lead guard.

2011 Jeremiah Davis- Davis had a good night shooting the ball, but I would like to see him be a more agressive shooter and scorer. Davis shied away from contested lay-ups, often forcing bad passes to his teammates, and causing turnovers. He possesses a great handle on the ball, and can get in the lane at will. If he were more assertive going to the rim, he has the frame to absorb contact and get opportunities at the foul line. Defensively he was solid, rarely letting his man past him, and making plays on the ball when possible. Watching Davis, you can tell he has a great shooting stroke and the biggest thing missing from his game is confidence.