06-29-2009, 07:37 PM
|
 |
Head Coach
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 10,807
Points: 499,504.10
Bank: 0.00
Total Points: 499,504.10
|
|
Quote:
Originally Published: June 29, 2009
Richmond, Thomas star at skills camp
By Paul Biancardi
Scouts Inc.
ORLANDO -- Nike's Vince Carter Skills Academy was held in Orlando this past weekend. The nation's top small forwards in the high school ranks got together to work on their skills and compete. The basketball drills, skills and teaching was under the tutelage of Kevin Eastman, an assistant coach of the Boston Celtics. (Kudos also go to Nike Director of Scouting Vince Baldwin who assembled the rosters.) This was a remarkable camp to learn from the best and compete against the best! The highlight of the camp was the participation of Vince Carter. The NBA All-Star took a hands-on approach in teaching and instructing. Carter, through his work with the kids, his words and his attitude, sent the correct message about what it takes to become an elite player. His instruction made a huge difference in the lives of all the players as they aspire to get to his level. Some day Carter would make a great coach. College programs look for players with diverse skill sets and talents to man the small forward position; it usually is the position that most impacts the game besides point guard. The small forward can contribute in so many ways at both ends of the floor. Teams depend on small forwards to assist the guards in ballhandling and playmaking duties -- this is especially true with forwards handling the ball more, giving rise to the point-forward slot. This position allows the small forward to initiate the offense when needed. Defensively, the small forward is valuable as he can "lock down" one player or be involved in team defensive schemes that involve switching. He also should rebound at both ends unless given a specific reason not to by the coach.
Small forwards have to excel at shooting from the perimeter, scoring in the paint and rebounding on both ends of the court. They also need to have the ability to apply intense defensive pressure on the perimeter and occasionally to provide a defensive presence in the paint.
Successful players at the small forward spot need height and strength comparable to many interior players as well as the quickness of a guard. Oftentimes, the player who a team decides to slot at small forward has more natural athletic ability than any other player on the team.
Undoubtedly, the top high school small forward prospects take notice of the college programs that develop their small forwards for the NBA and allow them the freedom to display their versatility on the national stage when they are ready. Here's a look at the top small forward prospects from this weekend's Vince Carter Skills Academy.
Best scorers
The best scorers from the small forward slot have tremendously versatile offensive games. They have the ability to shoot from the perimeter with the same range and consistency as guards. However, a small forward who can score the ball also will score in the paint by using the dribble to penetrate past defenders or by posting up smaller, weaker opposition.
1. DeShaun Thomas, 2010, (Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Luers), committed to Ohio State This lefty plays the game with a high motor -- especially on the offensive end of the floor -- and strong effort. His ability to knock down 3s sets the table for the rest of his game. In transition he hits the long-range jumper trailing the break, setting a ball screen or spotting up with confidence. He is a monster in the paint when he gets close to the basket, scoring over his right shoulder with his left hand. This young man is a hard worker. To complete his offensive skills, we'd love to see him work on his weak-hand drive and pull-up jumpers.
|
Jereme Richmond and DeShaun Thomas were among the elite small forwards who participated in the Vince Carter Skills Academy - ESPN
|
he just was to come to Ohio State and win a national championship
like he said in the article linked above.
LinkBacks (?)
Linear Mode
