Apologies from P-Hoops

Dear readers,

I am so sorry I am just finally getting back to the blog. This weekend, my family's computer got a virus which not only resulted in its' being incapacitated, but an attempted identity theft as well! All is well, after jumping through a ton of hoops (pun intended), and the computer is back up and running. Unfortunately, I only have a quick minute to update this before packing for the Pitt Jam Fest, crashing out early to get up refreshed for old man open gym at six in the morning, teaching a full day of school, and then caravaning to Steel Town with my AAU boys (who are great kids and a blast to coach). So....here's a few quick notes on who really impressed me at Indyball.

D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera- Indiana Elite Team Indiana 2012 - It's tough to get a gauge on how really good he is, since he plays on a team that doesn't get to practice since their players live all over the nation. He struggled some against teams who packed it in and were physical against the Team Indiana big kids, and it's clear he needs to fine tune his outside shot. But kid is a WARRIOR. He takes over in big games, and with his speed, strength, and athleticism at the one-spot, he is near-unstoppable. I love this kid and pray he stays in state.

Hanner Perea - Indiana Elite Team Indiana 2012 - The big kid looked pretty impressive at times. He's 6'9 and has arms that go on forever, and he has some crazy dunks on the break and alley-oops. The rest of his offensive game is still coming along, but you can't teach what he already has.

Ron Patterson - Spiece Indy Stars 2012 - His all around game is catching up with his superior athleticism and potential. He hit some deep treys and even a few off the bounce in the games I saw. Needs to not gamble on D to stay out of foul trouble. He's a monster in transition. I he can tighten up his handle and keep his shot coming along, sky's the limit, youngster!

Kellon Thoms - Spiece Indy Stars 2012 - He didn't score a ton, but he handled all the pressure every team threw at him, scored enough to be a threat, pressured the ball, and set up teammates like Jeremy Hollowell and Austin Burgett for clean looks. He's as fast with the ball as most kids are in a dead sprint. I like his game.

Patrick Ingram -Eric Gordon Central Stars 2012 - The other North Central frosh was really impressive, going hard to the rack, finishing at the rim, hitting a few pull ups and threes as well. He struggled a bit against tough ball pressure, but they were playing up an age group.

Nick Osborne - Eric Gordon Central Stars 2012 - The 6'7ish post from Muncie Central has a non-stop motor, gritty toughness, a nice post game, and a pretty good J from midrange. He will team up with Jeremiah Davis to make the Bearcats tough in 2009-2010.

Marshall Plumlee - Indiana Elite 2011 - He's nearly seven feet right now and while still slight of frame and a little unsure in his movements, he's clearly gonna be a good one. He has nice back to the basket moves and a good face-up game with a sweet stroke. If he played at Warsaw still, he and Nic Moore would be a force.

Cody Zeller - Indiana Elite 2011 - I was mostly happy to see Cody's legit height. I was worried he wasn't as tall as listed, but he's definitely 6'8 and growing. He did well running the floor in transition, scoring easy buckets that way and on offensive rebounds. Needs to become a tougher defender, but that will come with added strength.

Dylan Langkabel - Eric Gordon Indy Stars 2012 - The Morristown product from the tiny 1A school was very impressive this past weekend. He made great plays off the pick and roll, scoring on and-ones and setting up teammates for easy shots. He drives hard without fear, finishes at the rim, and can hit from deep. He shoots almost a set shot from three, so that will have to change, and he is more of a combo guard than a true one, so his handle will need to tighten a bit if he wants to stay at the point.

Mo Cross - Eric Gordon Indy Stars 2012 - The IPS product from Arsenal Tech has a revelation of a weekend, playing spectacularly in stretches. He had one of the sweetest play of the whole weekend that I witnessed, getting a steal, pushing it in transition, not over-penetrating, elevating and pulling up for a sweet 15-footer from the elbow. Truly, a D1 pull up. At 6'3 and long at the 2 or 3 spot, he blocked a ton of shots and rebounded really well from the perimeter when he chose to. He had a high of 20. If his attitude stays in check, he has a bright future.

Tyler Alderman - Eric Gordon Indy Stars 2012 - The 6'8 big kid from Fishers had a nice weekend with a high game of 18 against Spiece. He blocked several shots when he didn't go for ball fakes and has a sweet face up and fade away game. Needs to improve on scoring while going to the basket and rebounding more physically.

I didn't get to see quite as much as I'd hoped this weekend as I had to man the concession stand from time to time, but I hope to watch plenty of the Indiana kids in Pittsburgh this weekend. Oh, and let's try to keep it civil on the posts, especially between Spiece fans and Indiana Elite fans. Let me just say this: BOTH groups should be proud as heck of their teams and their players. You both have squads to die for. Hoop it up this weekend, and represent the Hoosier state well!