In a tradition rich basketball state like Indiana, most young hoopsters grow up dreaming of seeing their names listed along side such greats as Hallie Bryant, Oscar Robertson, George McGinnis, Steve Alford, or Eric Gordon as an Indiana Mr. Basketball. Stories from dads told to youngsters about seeing the Van Arsdale twins play, watching Rick Mount shoot, or seeing Oden dominate for four years passed on from generation to generation inspire young players to dream big and reach their potential on the hardwood. Former winners consider the accolade among thier greatest achievements, no matter what successes they had in college or pro ball, and life in general. One of the best parts of being a Mr. Basketball is being immortalized forever in print, depicted on the cover of Gary Donna's "Hoosier Basketball Magazine." Who will follow in 2008 winner Tyler Zeller's footsteps? Let's take a look at some of the candidates:
Stephan Van Treese - PF - Lawerence North
Van Treese has been on the map of Indiana high school basketball since his freshman year, as a solid contributor on the 2005 State Championship team. If he wins the award, it could almost be considered a "Lifetime Achievement Award." He is a prototypical Indiana big man, with a solid frame, top of the line post moves, and is devloping a nice midrange/outside touch. He will play for a team that should compete for the 4A stae crown, which should help. Hurting SVT's chances are the lack of gaudy statistics he will have, due to being on a team loaded with D1 talent. Expect Van Treese's name to be in the conversation at the end if his team plays deep into March. Stephan is signed and sealed to Rick Pitino and Louisville.
Jordan Hulls - PG - Bloomington South
Hulls plays for another one of the top teams in the state, Bloomington South HS. Coach JR Holmes has another backcourt gem in Hulls, an IU recruit. Jordan is widely known for his amazing leadership, gritty, tenacious play, and for hitting the big shot. He is deadly from deep, and makes all his teammates better with his ability to drive and kick. He has the luxury of passing to great shooters like sophomore Spencer Turner, which should pad his assist totals. Hulls' scoring numbers may not be through the roof, but his intangibles and his teams' success will keep him in the Mr. Basketball coversation.
DJ Byrd - SG - North Montgomery
Byrd is a powerfully built slasher with an outstanding outside shot. He rebounds incredibly well for a guard, and his nonstop motor allows him to be a tough nosed defender. A Purdue recruit, Byrd's scorng and rebounding numbers should be high this year, as the clear star on his team. Again, his chances will depend on his teams' success. They are already 0-1 in the early season with a loss to a tough Noblesville squad.
Colt Ryan - SG - Batesville
Colt, a pure shooter, can light it up on any given night. He is able to score in bunches when he has the three ball dropping, as he usually does. He was the happy recipient of many Jordan Hulls passes while starring on the Inidana Elite AAU team. Ryan has a chance to lead the state in scoring, playing for a team that could challenge for the 3A crown.
Derek Elston - SF/PF - Tipton
Coming off knee reconstrution, it would seem that there could be many questions about Elston's capabilities to play this year, let alone win Mr. Baskeball. However, Elston looks completely recovered, having the same bounce and athleticism he was known for prior to the injury. In fact, he had 16 points and 13 rebounds in their first game, a blowout win. With Tipton being a favorite for the 2A title, Elston will have a legitimate shot to be crowned Mr. Basketball before taking his game to Coach Tom Crean at IU.
Patrick Bade - PF - Franklin Central
Bade is a relative newcomer on the Indiana basketball scene, preferring tight end to power forward until it became obvious that his future was in hoops. A Purdue recruit, Bade is a skilled big man with a bevy of post moves, made even more effective by being a lefty. If he gains the strength needed to be a finisher with contact, the sky is the limit for Bade.
Others in the discussion
Matt Kenney - PG - Mooresville
Scott Wood - SG - Marion
Tyler Koch - SG - Winchester
Kelsey Barlow - SF - Cathedral
Jeff Robinson - PF - Lawrence North
Andrew Smith - PF - Covenant Christian
RJ Mahurin - SF - Rockville
All these picks, however are predicated on the rule of choosing a senior as Mr. Basketball. If the voters were allowed to buck the trend, there would be several underclassmen worthy of consideration. Here are a few:
Top Underclassmen
DeShaun Thomas (Jr.) - SF/PF - Ft. Wayne Bishop Luers
Russell Byrd (Jr.) - SG - Ft. Wayne Blackhawk Christian
Dominique Ferguson (Jr.) - SF - Lawrence North
Justin Martin (Jr.) - SF -Lawrence North
Travis Carroll (Jr.) -C - Danville
Terone Johnson (Jr.) - PG - North Central
Marquis Teague (So.) - PG - Pike
Jeremiah Davis (So.) - PG - Muncie Central
P-Hoops' Pick!!!
When all is said and done, I expect to hear Jordan Hulls' name called as the 2009 Indiana Mr. Basketball.
Who do you think it will be? Post a comment and let your thoughts be known!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Indiana Mr. Basketball 2009
Posted by p-hoops at 7:45 PM
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7 comments:
Have you compared Jake Odum THS numbers this year with Jordan Hulls? What about the level of competition?
Tyler Koch by far is the best player in the state. He is the complete package. Remember Tipton has to get past Winchester before it can have a shot at the 2A title. Should be a great game with to unbelievable players.
I'll put my vote in for D.J. Byrd of North Montgomery. 4 year starter,school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder. He has been an AAU standout since the 7th grade and has brought numerous MVP trophies home from national tournaments playing for Indiana Elite. Attended the 2008 NBA Plaers Association Top 100 Camp.
All around player from posting up to playing the point. Terrific off the dribble and slashing to the rack. Creates open shots for teammates with his driving ability. Outstanding range from the arc. ESPN voted him as one of the top 3 3 point shooters in the nation. Often shares defensive duties on opponents best player. He played several games this year being able to use only his left hand due to surgery on a finger on his shooting hand. During this he shot free throws at over 70% left -handed and had games during that stretch with over 20+ points.
He is an honor student, a well-mannered young man, a winner on and off the court. My 11 year old son looks up to him for all the right reasons. That to me is what Mr. Basketball all about. Thanks D.J. for your passion for the game and setting such a great example for the young kids that look up to you.
VanTreese should defiantly be considered for this prestigious award. Playing varsity since freshman year and playing one on one with Greg Oden. He is being over shadowed since their is so much talent on their team. I suggest you go see a game and watch how well he passes the ball and how high his basketball IQ is. In my opinion there isn't a more athletic big man in the state.
Tyler Koch's stats over the tournament so far are 22pts 12 rebs and 4 blks per game need I say me, He is definatly the best player in Indiana and one of the best in the midwest.
I would like to know why know one is talking about Bruce Grimm JR. Third in the state in scoring, second in the state in steals, fifth in the state in assits. He put up 40 points in the 3A state championship game. He should least be on the card..
Bruce Grimm, Jr. should be on this list. In three years at Rochester High School, he set the scoring record with 1,477, 1,377 of which were his sophomore to senior year alone (he was at Triton his freshman year). He is third in the state in scoring, second in the state in steals and fifth in the state in assits. Not to mention he put up 40 points in the 3A state championship game, which is also a record. He is a true team leader and an excellent player.
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