Without question, Van Coleman is one of the most respected talent evaluators in the recruiting world. In our latest premium offering, Van shares his thoughts on several key high school prospects with BDN's Mark Watson. Coleman joins a long list of national analysts that have shared their takes on the nation's best talent with Blue Devil Nation Premium, and as a member you will be sure to enjoy what he has to say about Jabari Parker, Semi Ojeleye, and several other Duke targets[private].
6'7" Rising Junior Justin Jackson, Photo by Andrew Slater
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were 1.5 million home-schooled children in 2007 (the most recent year for available statistics) in the United States. Last year, Justin Jackson became the first home-schooled young man ever to make the USA Basketball U16 team.
The 6'7" wing from Spring, Texas has been a bit of a trailblazer for the growing homeschooling movement. In 2011, Justin won the Maravich Award, which is given annually to the best home-schooled basketball player in the United States. This year, Jackson was honored with the Sullivan Award, which is bestowed upon the top home-schooled player who has already won the Maravich Award.
Jackson plays for the Homeschool Christian Youth Association, which is a Houston organization of home-schooled kids that gather to play sports against other programs. Along with Danrad "Chicken" Knowles, Jackson, an efficient and potent wing, helped lead his HCYA Warriors to a 37-13 record, including wins in January at the Flyin' To The Hoop Tournament in Ohio, where the then-sophomore was named to the All-Tournament team. Later in the season, in front of thousands of spectators, HCYA went on to win the undisputed national championship of homeschool basketball by defeating the Oklahoma City Storm 63-50 to capture the National Gold Ball, homeschool basketball's highest team prize. Following the season, MaxPreps named the Texan to its Sophomore All-American team.
At home, Jackson, the oldest of four, is nurtured by his parents Lloyd and Sharon, who met as students at Blinn College in Texas, where his mother played basketball and his father was on the track team. Twice a week, Justin attends classes locally to strengthen his education. Jackson, a cerebral, pious, and poised young man, earned a 4.0 grade point average while taking a challenging class schedule that included Calculus.
Justin Jackson of Spring, Texas, Photo by Andrew Slater
Last summer, Jackson teamed up with Duke recruits Jabari Parker, Theo Pinson, Tyus Jones, and Jahlil Okafor to help lead the USA Basketball 16U team to a gold medal at the FIBA Americas 16U Championship in Cancun, Mexico. Jackson averaged 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, while his team went undefeated throughout the tournament.
This year, Jackson, a rising junior, has been the leading scorer for a balanced Houston Hoops 17U AAU team in Nike's EYBL. The Texas sharpshooter has shot 54.2% from the field, including 41.3% from beyond the three-point arc, and 82.4% from the charity stripe. Houston Hoops, the AAU organization which helped develop incoming Duke guard Rasheed Sulaimon (an AAU teammate of Jackson's last season), has won fifteen of its twenty EYBL games and looks to be major contender for next month's Peach Jam Championship in South Carolina.
I recently spoke to Justin about a plethora of issues, including his faith, experience winning a national title, playing with USA Basketball, being a role model for home-schooled kids, and Duke's interest in him.
How do you feel you've played so far during your AAU season with Houston Hoops?
I feel like, individually, I've played really well. Our team has done pretty well. We've lost a heart-breaker or two, but, individually, I think I'm playing pretty well.
How do you compare it to the competition you face on your high school schedule?
In high school, I'm obviously one of the key guys for my team. I feel like I'm a key part on this team, but we have so many good players. So, I just have to come out here everyday and work as hard as I can and everything will come from that.
For the sake of the audience, can you explain both your affiliation with Homeschool Christian Youth Association and how you currently go about home schooling?
Yeah, sure, as far as the HCYA team, all of the home-schoolers in the Houston area come try out for our team and then, just like a normal school, they break them into the varsity and the JV and the other levels. Then, for the actual school, I go to private tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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That's when you get your science and math, as your mother was saying.
Yeah, that's right. Well, pretty much, all of my classes. They then give you homework for the rest of the week and then I have to complete it before the next class.
What was the experience like to win a national title? I was reading that you played it at Missouri State, in front of approximately seven thousand people.
It was awesome. We actually had a coaching change about halfway through the season and it was a change for the better. So, we ended up going, I think, like 25-3 after the coaching change. We just came together, we became a family after that. So, it was great.
Wow. Who'd you guys hire, Phil Jackson?
(laughs) Yeah, someone like that.
You've won both the Maravich Award and the Sullivan Award, which are normally the two highest awards given in the home-schooling basketball world.
Yes, this year I won the Sullivan Award, which is basically, if a guy wins the Maravich Award before he's a senior, it's just an award that they give out. The Maravich Award is basically given to the best home-schooled player in the country.
You had a 4.0 GPA this year and your mother was telling me that you were taking Calculus as a sophomore. Can you talk about the importance of academics in your life and in your family?
My family has put an emphasis on academics since I played basketball as a little kid. Academics always comes first in our family, basketball comes second, so I just put all that effort into my schoolwork so then I can play basketball.
What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses as a basketball player?
Strength-wise, I feel like I'm a good all-around player. My biggest strength is offense. I can really score with the ball. As far as my weaknesses, obviously, I've got to get stronger and then just lateral quickness for defense. I've got to get better.
How have you gone about trying to improve in those two areas?
I actually spend time trying to lift weights during the high school season.
At home or in a local gym?
At home. And then for lateral quickness, I just use the ladder, jump rope, and stuff like that.
I've talked to several of your teammates about this, guys like Jabari, Tyus, and Jahlil, but what was your USA Basketball experience like?
The experience was great. Just to go out there with 27 of the best players in your class and be able to say that you tried out for the team is great. And I got the opportunity to be on the team, which is just tremendous.
And you contributed heavily, averaging double-digit scoring.
(pauses) It was probably the best experience that I've ever had...and certainly in basketball.
Was it a grueling tryout period for you? I know that some people even had issues with the altitude.
Oh, yeah, first of all, the altitude up in Colorado. And then we had two-a-days, which your body doesn't want to do, but that's when you have to push through and keep working.
In terms of visits, have you taken any recently or do you have any planned?
During the high school season, I took a visit to Ohio State. We're trying to figure out if we can get one visit in, if we had an open weekend or something like that, preferably late in June, but the visits may have to come in August.
Now, you haven't always lived in the Houston area. You lived for five years in Cincinnati. I was talking with your parents about that.
It was good. We made a lot of good friends. Obviously though, all of my family is from Texas.
Your mother had mentioned that your parents actually met at Blinn College, where some football fans may remember that Cam Newton went.
Yes, they did, but, yeah, Cincinnati was nice.
What are you looking for in a program, whenever you do decide?
Academics is first, and then I'd have to become comfortable with the coaching staff because obviously I'm going off for four years and I just feel like I'd have to become comfortable with them. Those are definitely my two most important factors.
Given a choice, are you looking for a coach that is more like a friend or someone that will push you?
Obviously, I want to get better. I'd like to get to the next level eventually, but I still want to have a friend as a coach.
I didn't mean that it necessarily was exclusive, just given a choice. I'm sorry.
Oh, sure. I feel like all of the coaches that I've talked to, well, most of them try to sell the school and I've tried to have a good relationship with all of them. Most of them have said we're not going to be here to tell you how good you are or tell you what you've done is awesome. We're here to try to push you to get you to be better. I hope they're sincere.
Who do you try to model your game after?
Kevin Durant. His body type is a lot like mine, but I think Reggie Miller might also be another one.
I've heard the Miller one, in terms of body type.
Yeah, a lot of comparisons, but probably those two guys.
The next one I haven't discussed with any player outside of maybe just Jabari, but your father was saying that your faith is an important issue to you and your family.
Yep. I think I became a believer when I was about eleven.
That's fairly early.
Ever since, that comes first. My relationship with God has to be there and just...
Is it challenging at times being in your teenage years?
It is challenging, with all of your surroundings and everything like that, but that's when I have to keep my faith even more strong.
As I said, I don't usually ask people about that, but, since your parents mentioned its importance..
That's fine. I'm glad that you did.
Can you give a quick comment on Jabari, Jahlil, and Tyus?
Obviously, they're some of the best players in the country and they're also great guys.
Who was your roommate with the USA team?
My roommate was actually Aaron Gordon.
Obviously, another talented young player.
Yeah, but I talked to Jahlil and Tyus quite a bit. I've also talked to Jabari. They're just good guys. I just think they're really good people.
Jabari's about as good as it gets.
Yeah.
I know it's early for them, but Duke has expressed interest in you. What do you know about the program?
I actually just started talking with Coach Capel. I guess he wants to get us down there, let us speak to the coaching staff and stuff like that. They haven't offered me yet, but they do seem really interested.
What do you know about Coach K and the program itself?
Obviously, Coach K is one of the best coaches to have coached and the program is one of the best programs, so that combined, it offers one of the best options.
What position do you feel you're best suited towards, a two or a three?
Mainly a two, but I feel like I'm pretty versatile. On the high school level, I've played everything from the one to the four.
What do you feel most comfortable defending?
Oh, probably the two or the three.
I think you're best suited to the three or as a tall two from watching you at various EYBL and camp events. Basketball-wise, in terms of allocating time, how does home-schooling benefit you?
Well, obviously it gives me more time to go into the gym, but, sometimes I don't even get any time at the gym because there's so much schoolwork. For the most part though, it gives me more time to just hang out and get more work in in basketball.
Do you play any other sports or are you focused on basketball?
Oh, just basketball for me.
I was speaking with your mother last night about how the scheduling allows you to be more efficient with your time. In terms of basketball, what are you working on primarily right now?
Right now, I'm focused on trying to get quicker and also to get stronger. Those are the main general things.
Those are your two main things. Well, since you mentioned it, how have you been working on your strength and conditioning?
Well, on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I usually try to do some strength and conditioning.
What does that consist of?
Usually, weights and, if I don't have access to the track, I'll use a treadmill. I'll do some slants or just run a mile as fast as I can. Just trying to improve my speed and shoot for new goals.
Speaking of that, did your dad play as well? Your mother mentioned that she played in college at Blinn.
He actually ran track at Blinn and then he tried out for basketball at U of H (University of Houston) and made a few cuts, but, ultimately, unfortunately didn't make the team.
Well, still he showed initiative and must've had some ability. Is it true that North Carolina was your favorite program as a child?
Well, we just grew up liking North Carolina, but, ever since we've gotten into recruiting, I've taken the position that I need to be really open-minded. You know I've been really open and so that has really nothing to do with the current recruiting process and won't have an effect on my college decision.
Sure, there's plenty of kids that approach recruiting that way. What schools have offered you or expressed interest in you?
I think I've been offered by Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington, Georgetown, and Ohio State. Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, Florida, Stanford and some others are just recruiting me at this point.
Oh, Stanford as well. I assume Stanford is also intrigued by your profile as someone who is serious about basketball and academics.
Yes, sir.
What would you like the audience to know about you away from the court?
You know I'm actually a pretty quiet kid. My life is pretty private.
Don't worry. So am I.
Thanks. Not many people really know what's going on in my life, outside of my close family. So, I guess you could say that I'm a pretty quiet kid.
Trust me. It gets easier with age, but this is still challenging for me to even to talk to you.
(Laughs and then pauses) Yeah, thanks, I know what you mean.
How would you assess your defense at this point?
You know I'm long. So, I try to use that to my advantage.
How long is your wingspan at this point, if you happen to know?
I think my wingspan is 6'10" or 6'11," but I haven't measured it recently. I try to use that to get wide, but I obviously need to get quicker. In the meantime, I'm using my wingspan, spacing, and footwork to try to make up the difference. Right now, I try to use my wingspan to make up for some of the quickness that I don't really have.
I've been trying to monitor your lateral quickness. What style of play would be best suited to you?
I like teams that play together. Obviously, in college, most of them do.
Yeah, I guess that I was wondering if you'd prefer to play in an uptempo offense, half-court..
Yeah, something uptempo, but I feel like I can contribute offensively in either type of setting.
What style of play do you play primarily in high school?
Oh, we play pretty much of a run-and-gun style of play. It's very fast paced, but we're still pretty good in half-court sets and I'm very comfortable playing in either way.
We talked about wingspan before, but what's your current size?
I'm about 6'7" and now about 180.
I saw you, at times, last year in AAU, but I also watched you play as a rising sophomore at LeBron James's Skills Academy.
Last year was a challenge. Obviously, there were some great guys or players in the class of 2012 and they were bigger and stronger than me. It, sort of, woke me up. It woke me up as a competitor and as a player. I walked away recognizing the areas that I needed to get better in and quickly. It was a real wake up call, but very helpful.
Do you know Rasheed Sulaimon pretty well?
Oh, yes. Well, as you know I actually played with him last year. I think that, in the end, he'll be very successful at Duke.
Do you think that he'll be able to make an immediate impact at Duke?
Well, I haven't really looked into their whole rotation or anything like that yet, but I think that he can definitely help them and he'll be a great teammate.
Have you ever met Kevin Durant, by the way?
I haven't, but I've heard he's nice to people and a good role model.
Do you view yourself as a role model for other young people that are schooled at home?
I do. It's sort of crazy, but, when I got to these homeschool tournaments, people are always asking for my autograph and sometimes for advice.
Do you like it? I had heard that you're a bit of a rock star at these events, where you're playing in front of thousands of people.
I enjoy it, but I try to never get wrapped up in it. Obviously, as you know, my parents are always there to tell me not to get wrapped up in it.
They seem very grounded.
Yep, they are and they keep me grounded. (Pauses) For the most part, though, it shows me that I've got to be a leader because there are so many little kids looking up to me.
Who were your role models, growing up?
Oh, definitely, my parents.
Can you give a quick scouting report for the audience on Justise Winslow?
He's a good guy and a great basketball player. I've roomed with him in AAU basketball this year. He's a good guy and I've gotten to know him a little bit. He seems relatively grounded and, on the basketball court, he's one of the best players. He's a great person and a great basketball player.
When you've been in those hotel rooms, have you guys talked about going to college together? Or is that not even in the cards?
Well, I've talked to a few people about that actually, but not him.
Sure, who?
Obviously, I've talked to Jahlil and Tyus, but, right now, I'm still so open and have no idea where I'm going. So, right now, it's just sort of throwing stuff out there and seeing what their thoughts are. It's stuff to think about, however.
When do you think that you'll decide by?
Probably, it will be by the beginning of my senior year.
Who will you look to for guidance, whenever you do decide?
Probably just my parents.
Your parents mentioned that you read quite a lot. What are you reading right now?
My parents bought me this, well, biography of a bunch of NBA players. I'm really reading about a lot of them right now and it's inspiring.
In high school, you may play between fifty and sixty games in a season. I think this year you played exactly fifty games. How do you think that differentiated or, perhaps, helped you, in comparison to some of your peers?
It was tiring, but it all was worth it, once we won the National Championship.
This past weekend's NBAPA Top 100 High School Camp in Charlottesville, VA was a different experience than in years past, and in many respects that was not a good thing. Media access was restricted significantly, quality one-on-one interviews were very tough to come by, and the whole atmosphere was a tad flat.
Whether the reason was the coaches just failing to reach the kids, or the players themselves not bringing much energy, the result was some unusually uninspired basketball on a huge stage. After a lackluster start to the event, the kids finally put their games into gear on the final day. But the truth nevertheless is that more players hurt their ratings than helped themselves.
It's no secret that Duke had only a few real targets at the event, those being Jabari Parker, Al Freeman, and Semi Ojeleye. Here's what I saw from those three as well as a number of others:
Jabari Parker - His skill set makes him a man among children. He can pretty much do it all on the court; I saw no weaknesses in his game in the two games he [private] played. When he wanted to score, he put the ball on the floor and scored, utilizing a variety of driving moves to do so. Jabari was cordial and open with the media, but no matter what others claim, he did no one-on-one interviews, other than one national one. Michigan State has made a move on Parker, but Duke is still right there. My pal Van Coleman, who you will hear more from this week, said he understood Duke led for his services. Maybe they do, but I am not by any means ready to call Duke the clear leader here. A quick look at Duke's outstanding offers and the way they're recruiting certain positions suggests they may feel as I do. The Blue Devils certainly are a player for Parker, but in all honesty I do not feel as good about it as I did a year ago when I felt he was Duke's to lose. He will trim his list in July, and regardless, the Blue Devils will make that final cut.
Al Freeman - When I first heard Duke had offered Freeman, I was stunned. I had watched him play at the Carolina Challenge and frankly, could not see it. I haven't changed my mind, or more accurately, his play hasn't changed it. Freeman is a good defender who gets after it at that end, but he is not a point guard and certainly not a shooting guard either. Dave Telep really overrated this kid early on, but he will drop in the rankings. Freeman is stuck in tweener land, and it hasn't helped him that his chemistry with Cat Barber for the Boo Williams AAU squad has been average at best. Nobody invited to an event like the NBAPA is a "bad" player of course, but in my opinion Freeman is just not a kid who can help at the level Duke plays. Freeman had so-so numbers this weekend, and did nothing to get anyone talking about him. But I do give him high marks for talking on the court and trying to pump his teammates up. I was unable to catch Freeman for an interview, but from all accounts little has changed beyond his recent decision to transfer to Findlay Prep in Las Vegas.
Semi Ojeleye - As you already know, this kid is mature, bright and grounded. But can he play? Yes. As Andrew has mentioned, Semi has that ESPN-ready game, meaning he will launch the 3 pointer and also throw down the thunderous dunk. It is a bit freaky to see a 6'6" 220 pound player launch three point shots at this stage in his career, but Semi does it. But he needs to tighten his handle and go to work down low more. He is usually stronger than his opponent, so get down on the blocks more, already! Ojeleye is a good defender and had a lot of steals. His team made it to the finals, but lost to a team featuring 7'5" Mamadou Ndiaye. Ojeleye held his own guarding Ndiaye. 7'5"? That's insane. BTW, his first name is pronounced "Shimi," and we had a laugh at me wrecking his name a couple of times after asking about it. Talk about tongue tied. Ojeleye is a good team player and I would love to see him in a Duke uniform.
Anthony Barber - This kid is quick off the dribble, gets to the rack fast, and finishes well. He's also stronger than he looks. But he looks for his shot first and said as much to me in our interview. He will project as a PG and in time will be fine there, but right now he is a shooting guard. He lets his dribble get too far away from his body at times, causing a lack of control, but this is easily missed by many observers who are in awe of his speed. I think he should be a better defender too. But again, he is a bit of a black hole, hunting his shot on every play, so it was not surprising that while Barber was the camp's top scorer, his assist totals were less than impressive. That may be the reason campers did not vote him to the All-Star game. Regardless, in my book he was a top 10 player at this camp, and most other analysts agreed. Barber will remain at or near the top of the list when talking guards in his class. There are some kids you can tell are enjoying the game and Barber is one of them. I like his game a whole lot, but I am not sure Duke likes it enough to offer.
Parker Cartright - So, I started to hear that Cartright grew up a Duke fan, so I made sure to ask him about that, as you will see in an interview. Most everybody at the camp liked him, but he looks like a junior high baller in that he has a slight build and may be 5'9" on his tiptoes. The kid is unselfish and really involves his teammates in the action, and his speed can break a defense down. He's a pesky defender, but if a bigger player gets him on his hip, he has a hard time recovering. He is high energy and has the drive to get better, and those are two things all coaches look for in a prospect. Great kid to talk to and has offers from Arizona and UCLA, but he lit up when I asked him about Duke. Problem is Duke is in with so many PG types, and many analysts feel he will be tough to get off the west coast in any event.
Cliff Alexander - I wanted to see where his head was and it is in the midwest. Duke will not waste its time unless something changes. He dominated at the camp and was clearly the best center there, keeping in mind that post play as a whole was not impressive in Charlottesville. Alexander has a mature body for his age and has the will to battle inside.
Noah Vonleh - His game impressed me; his off-court demeanor did not. I hardly got anything out of him during a multiple site interview, meaning he plays it close to the vest and/or is not enthused. UNC is on him hard and Duke may get involved with this 2014 kid, but my impression from the interview is that it may be too late to get in deep here unless Duke increases its effort level soon.
Wayne Selden - Wayne Selden is always consistent, but he did not stand out this weekend. Duke feels he will be a long shot and will likely stay on the sidelines on this one, but I like his game and his size.
Kavon Looney - This was the first time I focused in on his game and I liked him a lot. The 2014 star can do a little bit of everything and he played well here, holding his own against older players, particularly on the boards. We tried, but never could manage to get together for a one-on-one. He is worth keeping an eye on.
Others who caught my eye at the NBAPA Camp - Kuran Iverson, Andrew Harrison, Brannen Greene. Iverson appeared to be more motivated than when many last saw him, and he seemingly impressed everyone. Harrison is a complete player and was the better of the twin brothers on this weekend. Greene has improved leaps and bounds since the last time I saw him play.
Rodney Hood - No, he was not there. But I got asked by everybody what I thought about his pending decision.
Small world - So one writer who worked in Indy and is now with Rivals asked me about Hood. Turns out he wrote that controversial article on Coach K that appeared in the Indy paper during the FInal Four weekend when Duke defeated Butler. It was the article in which they acted as if a child used a crayon on the front page, drawing devil horns on Krzyzewski. It was tacky and unprofessional -- a true brain poot by anyone's standards. I then got the low-down and will only say he met with Duke officials per his paper's request. For our SID's privacy and others I will refrain from the details. He claimed he was awoken by a call from a friend, who asked, "What were you thinking?" He also claimed he knew nothing about it. When asked who did it, he claimed he didn't know. Yeah, right. How does it not come out who took it upon themselves to let the paper go out as it did before being yanked off the newsstands?
Site shake ups - I saw Jerry Meyer in a 247 Camp and asked him when he went with them. As you know, 247 has courted us in a big way, but we chose to remain independent. Turns out Rivals let him and his big salary go, leaving Eric Bossi in charge along with the newly-hired Alex Kline, who uses smoke and mirror tactics better than anybody I know. Anyhow, I then learned ESPN shut down its High School division and that there was a major loss of jobs in the process.
Trouble ahead for the NBA? - A power struggle is brewing with the NBA and you could feel the tension in many cases. I had an interesting conversation with Dave Wasserman and while I cannot share what was said, let's just say they will have a mess of legal issues once the Finals end.
The USA Basketball effect - Many were dismayed at the talent level at the NBAPA camp. It was the worst I've seen to date. Some quickly pointed the finger at USA Basketball, but I found it interesting what the overall take was on the future of patriotic hoops. The consensus was that props go to Mike Krzyzewski for his role in getting the world's best on the same page and wanting to play. But many feel that once he steps down, USA Basketball will lose a lot of its popularity, and as a result the camps will be full again. Only time will tell on this one, but the theory is plausible and if accurate, it's a real testament to Coach K's influence. Speaking of USA Basketball, I will head to Coach K's press conference tomorrow, and look forward to seeing what he has to say about his upcoming adventures. [/private]
6'3" Isaiah "Boogie" Briscoe of NJ, Photo by Andrew Slater
In the final game of his freshman campaign, 6'3" guard Isaiah "Boogie" Briscoe scored a team-leading seventeen points for St. Benedict's against eventual ESPN National High School Invitational Champion Findlay Prep. Throughout the season, Briscoe demonstrated a maturity and fearlessness that belied his youth.
Playing for a program that starts very few freshman, Briscoe nevertheless started in the Gray Bees backcourt with the New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year, 6'2" Tyler Ennis, and 6'3" future Miami Hurricane Melvin Johnson. Under the guidance of Mark Taylor, they elevated the program to a 36-3 record, with Boogie averaging over thirteen points and over five assists against a challenging national schedule. For his efforts, the Union, New Jersey native was named to the MaxPreps Freshman All-American team, along with his close friend, 6'11" Karl Towns, also of New Jersey.
Briscoe received scholarship offers before he ever set foot on a high school court, and they have continued to rain in from across the country. He has already received offers from Syracuse, Connecticut, Arizona, Florida, Baylor, Cincinnati, Rutgers and Seton Hall, as well as interest from Duke, Kentucky, and Ohio State.
Briscoe's bloodlines are long and deep. His dad, George Briscoe, was a standout for Stockton State College in New Jersey, and now works in Newark, NJ as part of a community action group. His older sister, 5'11" Iasia Hemingway, just finished her final season as a member of Syracuse's women's basketball team. Isaiah's cousin, Kyrie Irving of West Orange, NJ and Duke University, was recently named the NBA's Rookie of the Year for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
New Jersey Guard Isaiah "Boogie" Briscoe, Photo by Andrew Slater
"Boogie" Briscoe has other connections to Duke University. St. Benedict's is the alma mater of 2010 National Champion and current Hornet forward Lance Thomas. Coach Mark Taylor coached former Duke All-American and current ESPN analyst Jason Williams for four years at nearby St. Joe's of Metuchen, NJ. At a press conference at the NHSI, Coach Taylor reportedly said that he sometimes teases Williams that Isaiah may wind up developing into a better player than the former national high school player of the year.
There's been no rest after the high school season for the promising young guard from the Garden State. He's now played ten Nike EYBL games this AAU season for the New Jersey Playaz, the AAU program of former Duke guard and current Bobcat Gerald Henderson, and helped them qualify for next month's Peach Jam in South Carolina. Briscoe participated in last month's Mary Kline Classic, a charity basketball event dedicated to raising money for brain cancer research, named after the mother of his close friend Alex Kline.
This June, "Boogie" Briscoe headed to Long Beach, California to participate in the Pangos All-American Camp. Although he was one of the youngest participants, his fearless play resulted in his being named a Pangos Cream of the Crop Top 30 selection. Last weekend, Briscoe participated in Nike's Elite 100, a St. Louis-based showcase designed to find and enhance some of the best young talent in the country.
Isaiah "Boogie" Briscoe spoke with Blue Devil Nation about Coach Taylor's comparison to former NBA lottery pick Jay Williams, about fighting complacency, and on the advice he received from Kyrie Irving, among other things.
Let’s talk about your season at St. Benedict's and how it went overall. [private]
You know I had a great first year. I think I finished with 517 (points) playing with Melvin (Johnson, a Miami commitment) and Tyler (Ennis, the Gatorade Player of the Year for New Jersey). It was a great experience. We went 36-3, went to ESPN Rise, and I just think we played well.
You had a chance to play on national television this year in the NHSI.
It was a great experience to play on ESPN and going against great guards like Dominic Artis. Just playing in front of everybody and competing is just great and I had fun. We competed.
Did you feel any added pressure being on TV?
I don’t believe in pressure so playing on TV is like playing here or on the playground or anything like that.
What did you think when your coach at St. Benedict's, Mark Taylor, said you may wind up better than Jason Williams. How do you feel about that comparison? That’s some pretty high praise.
Yeah, it is and it’s a blessing. You know I’m a freshman and comparing me to the second overall pick in the draft, it’s just a blessing and as I continue to work hard maybe I can follow after him. I mean he was a lottery pick and the player of the year in college. It's a lot to live up to. He's a tremendous player.
Speaking of Jason Williams, another Duke guard, your cousin Kyrie, just won the Rookie of the Year award in the NBA. You must be very proud of him.
You know that’s great. I work out with him sometimes when he’s back home so him winning rookie of the year is just great for the family and everything. I just want to follow in his footsteps especially and keep it in the family.
Does he give you any advice?
Yeah, he always gives me advice. He tells me to keep working hard, do right in school, keep my head straight and everything else will follow.
What are your goals for the rest of the summer?
Well, you know we’re going to the Peach Jam. I want to do well in the Peach Jam and perform well. And just get in the gym and work on my speed and agility with my father and that’s probably it.
You were mostly a combo or two guard on the St. Ben's team, but what do you view yourself as long-term?
I'm a point guard, but, with Tyler there, he's one of the top point guards in the country. I'll do whatever I have to do for us to win. If Coach wanted me to score more, I scored more. Pass more, drive more, whatever, I'll do it. With Ty and me in the backcourt, we're gonna be tough next year too. After he graduates, I'll move over to point guard. It's his time to shine.
What's it like playing with Tyler? He had a great year in his own right. Gatorade Player of the Year. You guys are relatively close in age, but is he able to mentor you a bit?
He's been great to play with and we've got a good chemistry. He shows me some things.
He's an efficient player.
Oh, yeah, definitely. He makes great decisions. He takes good shots and he can find the open man. He makes it look simple.
People are always interested in recruiting. I know you've already got a lot of programs after you. Can you list some of the programs that are interested in you?
Yeah, I've been blessed. UConn, Arizona, Syracuse, Florida, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Baylor have all offered so far and schools like Duke, Kentucky, and Ohio State have shown interest.
Are you in a rush to decide?
No, I guess I'm not in a rush, but I'd rather decide sooner than later. My mom would like to take my time. I'm not sure, but I don't think I want to take, like, four years to decide.
What do you consider some of your strengths and weaknesses right now?
My strengths are that I’m an all around point guard. I can play combo, so anything that coach needs me to play I can play. I can score, penetrate, pass. I'm competitive. My weakness, I’m not going to tell you my weakness, you’re just going to have to find out (laughs). I'm working on getting on my handle, my outside shot, getting quicker, and some footwork.
Are there any players you try and model your game after?
Deron Williams, Chris Paul, and Tyreke Evans. Kyrie too.
Kyrie has taken over that motto of ‘humble and hungry.’ Is that something that you try to follow?
Yeah, yeah, I follow that motto. You know just try and stay level-headed, don’t get too big headed, and just continue to do what I’m doing. Stay hungry!
There's always a concern that some young people who are ranked highly will become content and satisfied. How do you fight or guard against complacency and not rest on your early laurels?
Just never rest (smiles and laughs). You know whenever I get a chance to go in the gym I’m working hard. Everybody in Cali is always working hard when I’m sleeping so I just got to work hard when I get a chance. I know that there are guys in my class working on their game in Chicago and Vegas and Jersey. You can't let your guard down.
What are you looking for in a program when you finally make a decision?
A great education, open court games, pick and roll, a great coach and system and things like that.
Are you a good student?
Pretty good.
Are you, at least, a B student?
Oh, yeah, definitely. My family always pushes me.
How about your coach? What do you want your coach to be like?
I want him to yell at me and everything, but also understand the game. I want a hall of fame coach and things like that. I want a tough and fair coach. Coach Taylor has helped push me. I like that.
Where do you like to catch the ball most?
Usually on the wings… I can pass, shoot or drive. Tyler gets me the ball in good spots.
Your dad credited some of your toughness from playing a lot in Newark. Do you feel that has had an effect on you and playing with toughness?
It made me a tougher person. When I was younger, I would always hang out with older guys and they’d show me the ropes of the streets and everything.
Let’s discuss your defense a little bit. Where do you feel you’re at with that right now?
If it was graded I think I’m at a solid B. My defense is getting better and it got better dramatically during the high school season. Coach (Mark) Taylor (St. Benedict's head coach) helped me a lot on my defense so it’s getting better.
Do you have any visits you’re taking this summer?
Yeah, I didn’t plan it yet, but I’m going to visit Arizona and Florida this summer.
Who do you think is the toughest player you’ve had to play against?
I’d say Dominic Artis (2012 Oregon signee) and Kyle Anderson (2012 UCLA signee), those are probably the toughest players I’ve played against.
There aren't too many high schools that have produced an NBA player, let alone multiple ones at the same time. At Saint Benedict's, you've got guys like J.R. Smith with the Knicks, Lance Thomas with the Hornets, and Samardo (Samuels) with the Cavs right now. Is there a lot of talk internally about things like legacy or looking to those guys as, sort of, role models?
Yes and no, we look at those guys like we want to get where they already are and we don't want to let the program drop or anything, but we just try to work on our games and win right now. Hopefully, Melvin (Johnson) will make the NBA and then Tyler (Ennis) and then me. I definitely hope to join all of them in the NBA one day. I'm just trying to work on my game and, hopefully, one day I can get there too. That's all I can do, you know, work. We respect all of them… a lot.
What are you hoping to show coaches this summer?
That I play hard and smart. I want to show them that I can play with the ball and without. I want to show them that I can score, pass, and that I'm an all-around type of player. I love playing basketball…and hopefully they can see that too.
Can you tell the audience a little bit about your family? Your dad works as part of a community group in Newark and I heard that your mom works in a financial business?
Yeah, my dad tries to help the community in Newark and my mom works in an accounting office.
So, that's why you do well in school. She's pretty smart?
Oh, yeah, she's really smart. (laughs)
You played well in the Mary Kline Classic and helped with the games and some of the behind the scenes things.
Oh, yeah, well, it's a great cause and Alex (Kline) is a great person. I just wanted to help in any way that I could. There were a lot of good players in that game. I mean Alex has been great to me and helped me a lot with advice. It was a lot of fun and we helped to raise a lot for an important cause. I talk to Alex almost every day.
What about the Pangos All-American Camp?
Well, it's great to have a chance to play against some of the best kids from around the country. I think I've played well out here and learned some things. It's been fun.
What would you like the audience to know about you away from the court?
That I'm a happy kid that likes to make people laugh and smile. That I'm a good kid and I work hard. People always say that I make them laugh.
Speaking of working hard, you work out regularly with your dad, who used to play in college, on Saturday mornings. What do you guys work on primarily?
Oh, we work on just about everything. My handle, shooting from all areas, conditioning. We practice and play for hours. He gets after me.
Speaking of conditioning, what are you trying to do with your body? Get leaner? Get stronger? What are you hoping to improve about your body?
I'm actually pretty lean. It just looks bigger than some guys my age. We're trying to get quicker and stronger. Those are pretty much the main things.
Where are you working on your strength? At school, a local gym, or home?
Mostly, the gym.
What are your expectations and goals for the next high school season?
We're going to try to win the national title. We want to win the NHSI. We came very close this year, but we'll be better next year. I've got to continue to improve. We've got some good talent coming in too!
Has Coach talked with you about how your role or responsibilities might change?
Yes, he said that I'll be handling the ball more and playing mostly with Tyler. He expects me to step up and take more of a leadership role as a sophomore. I've got to keep improving and working. Help the team and be an example with Tyler for other players.
Can you give the audience a scouting report on Karl Towns, one of your close friends? Also what's he like as a person?
Oh, he's an incredible player. Karl can shoot as well as any guard, but he's about 6'11." He's got great post moves and he'll show more of that this year. He's a great defender and he's getting stronger too. Off the court, he's smart. Karl's a leader and just a great person. He loves to laugh too. He cares a lot about people. We used to play on the same AAU team, but we don't now.
You think that you'll play together again in the future?
Just watch, though, Karl's gonna join us for AAU in the future. We'll play again in the future. (laughs) I'm sure of that. I've just got to convince him to join us. (laughs)
You were named to the MaxPreps Freshman All-American team. What did that honor mean to you?
Oh, I'm always grateful for every award or trophy. I'm trying to help my team win and get better, but it's always great to have somebody say something positive about your work. It means that you're doing something right…and I've just got to keep it up. I can't rest or let it get to my head.
How did you get the nickname "Boogie?"
Oh, it was when I was really young. I'm not sure what age exactly, but I kept running around and people just started calling me "Boogie."
In the future, would you rather I call you Isaiah or Boogie?
Oh, it doesn't matter to me. It's whatever you prefer.
Before one of the schools that you mentioned showing interest in you was Duke, what do you know about their program?
They're recruiting me. They're always one of the best programs in the country. They've got Coach K. He's a Hall of Fame Coach. He spoke to me when I was younger. They've sent a lot of guys to the League.
What did Coach K say to you?
Just advice. He just told me to keep working hard and maybe they'll recruit me one day. It was real cool.
Do you have any plans to visit their campus? What do you know about the school itself?
No, not yet, but maybe someday. I don't really know too much about the campus or school. I'd like to know more.
What is their pitch to you?
You know, just that I’m on their radar and to keep working hard and to make sure that I’m doing right in school.
You’re still very young so you have a long ways to go. Usually, Duke doesn’t start getting very serious until players are a little older than you.
Yeah, I don’t know a lot about Duke yet. I know Kyrie went there and they have a lot of NBA players, and Coach K’s a Hall of Fame coach.
Who's your favorite pro team?
I really don't have one. I like individual players. I like to watch big or strong guards like Deron Williams, Tyreke, Kyrie, or Chris Paul. There are so many guys that just switch teams.
Who are you close to on the AAU circuit?
I’m friends with everybody really. I'm close with Karl (Towns) and Kyle (Anderson) and Tyler (Ennis). You know Wayne Selden, Stanley Johnson, Kevin Zabo from CIA Bounce, I’m cool with everybody.
Coleman is high on Cartright, who grew up a Duke fan.
The NBAPA Top 100 High School Camp finished up this past weekend and BDN will soon take a look back at what we saw from both a Duke and national perspective. But before we go there, let's hear what veteran recruiting analyst Van Coleman had to say about the camp as he shares a recap with BDN Premium members [private]-
After winning the National Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior, leading Simeon High School to a third consecutive Illinois state title and being named by Sports Illustrated as the best high school basketball player since LeBron James, 6'8" Jabari Parker embarked on the last leg of the EYBL in Hayward, California, a town his father, Sonny Parker, lived in for two years while he was a member of the Golden State Warriors. This was part of the last go round on the AAU circuit for arguably the most scrutinized high school basketball player of the burgeoning social media age.
As part of the Nike EYBL for the Mac Irvin Fire, Jabari played in thirteen games this year, including six on the most recent leg, highlighted by a matchup against the Texas Titans, featuring 6'9" forward Julius Randle. Parker, who has been more assertive and vocal on his final summer campaign, has led the Fire in both points and rebounds, averaging over fourteen points and seven rebounds, while always focusing on team basketball, a staple of his beloved Boston Celtics and a rarity in AAU basketball. After finishing with a 14-6 record in the Nike EYBL, the Chicago-based AAU team qualified to compete in next month's Peach Jam in North Augusta, South Carolina.
Gatorade Player of the Year Jabari Parker, Photo by Andrew Slater
This coming week, Jabari is scheduled to participate in the NBPA Top 100 Camp, which is now run by John Lucas, a former Golden State Warrior teammate of Sonny Parker for three seasons. The rising senior wing is the marquee player scheduled to attend, but will limit media access, so as to regain a semblance of normalcy to his teenage life. Following the event, the ambitious Parker will head to Colorado Springs, Colorado to try out formally for the USA Basketball 17U team, which hopes to earn a gold medal at the FIBA U17 World Championship For Men in Kaunas, Lithuania this July. Last summer, Jabari led the United States to a gold medal at the 2011 FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Mexico, averaging over fifteen points and six rebounds in twenty-one minutes per international contest. For his efforts, USA Basketball named Jabari Parker the USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year in 2011.
Following a hard fought recent game, the always gracious Jabari "J.P." Parker spoke with me about the upcoming USA Basketball role, his recent Sports Illustrated profile, the sanctuary of playing basketball in a church gym, and dealing with the exhausting scrutiny.
[private]
What did you think of the Sports Illustrated article? Did you think it was a fair portrayal?
Yeah, I thought it was fair. I thought he did a fair job.
I thought it conveyed the Jabari Parker that I've encountered. How long did he work on it?
He worked on it for about three months, but mostly during the playoffs. He tried to follow me around Chicago a little bit.
Did you know that you were going to be the cover?
Oh, no, I didn't.
Are you happy with the way it came out?
I was for like the first four or five days, but then it just became too much.
People's expectations?
Yeah, it became, like, well, you're not LeBron.
That's what I wondered or thought might happen. I noticed some people in the stands making idiotic comments.
Yeah, I mean, I never asked for it.
Did they mention that they were going to compare you to LeBron?
No, they didn't. It's just a lot to try to live up to. I mean they didn't just compare to an NBA player. They compared to the MVP of the whole league.
Sure, it's impossible to live up to those expectations.
Yeah, I mean I've just got to play my game and help my team. Just focus on that.
How do you feel about your Mac Irvin team right now? You've added a point guard from California (Marcus Lovett, Jr.). Jahlil (Okafor) has stepped up. Do you feel good about your team's chances heading into the Peach Jam in July?
Yeah, I think that we're starting to gel. We're trying to work Marcus in. The team is starting to come together and I think we have a good shot at the Peach Jam.
You and Jahlil mentioned the last time that you wanted to win the Peach Jam in memory of Mac Irvin.
Yes, definitely. That's our goal.
You've also got, most importantly, the USA team trials coming up. I've seen Coach Showalter at several events. Are you guaranteed a position this year?
Oh, no, I've got to make the team. I'm excited about the opportunity and the chance to play for the team and represent the country. It's something much bigger than all of us. A tremendous opportunity
Have they talked to you about what roles or responsibilities that you might play or have on this team?
Well, I think it'll be pretty much the same role as the last time. I've got to be a leader and a scorer and help with our defense and rebounding on the wings. I'll do whatever the coaches ask.
Who are the toughest guys for you to score on? Is it the smaller, but more athletic guys or the taller guys?
That's tough. I think it depends, but I guess the smaller guys. The taller guys try to block my shot, but I can usually dribble right past them. It's tougher with the small guys. I can shoot over them, but it's also harder to dribble around them. I'm not sure. Sometimes, the tall guys can be tough too.
In terms of recruiting, do you have any visits lined up? Has there been any major change in your recruitment?
No, it's pretty much the same. I'm planning on taking my official visits in the fall and deciding during the early period. I'm going to try to cut down on my list this summer, but, no, there's no major changes. Same thing pretty much
Do you think or intend on playing with other great players in college? Does it matter to you who the program that you ultimately select is will be bringing in or already has on the roster?
Yeah, I definitely plan on playing with other great players. I'm just not sure which ones. I'm going to be thinking about which players that I'd like to go to college with over the summer. Hopefully, we'll be able to go to college together next year.
As you know, there are some guys that would prefer to showcase themselves for a year. For whatever reason, some would prefer not to share the spotlight.
Yeah, but I'd like to play with other great teammates and try to win a Championship. That's the goal. I'm not worried about sharing the spotlight.
I know you've already played with some talented guys on the USA Basketball team, Simeon, and Mac Irvin, but I thought I should formally ask you, since some have brought it up or wondered.
Yeah, sure.
One intriguing image or thing that I got out of that article was the image of you playing and learning in a church gym with not exactly perfect rims and a painting of Jesus monitoring you on the walls.
Yeah, we would always play there because my area of Chicago wasn't always great and so it was and is a safe place to go and learn and practice basketball.
It was frankly something that I could relate to. When I was about your age or maybe a little younger, my priest in New York gave me the keys to the gym to just shoot and practice. It also had one bent rim, but it was kind of a sanctuary from some of the violence or problems at that time.
Yeah, sure, it's just great to have a place to go and get away from some of the problems and just work. It's been great for me and my family.
Are you actually from the Hyde Park section of Chicago or do you just go over there?
No, I'm actually from the South Shore. We just go over there.
Do you find it any different or even easier not playing in front of the college coaches?
I don't find much of a difference because I've gotten pretty used to them by now. It really doesn't phase me too much. I just try to concentrate on the game and not worry about anything else.
Some guys prefer it playing in front of friends and family, while others prefer no distractions. How do you find it, playing in front of your parents and a lot of your mother's family?
It's good. I'm glad that my dad could watch me play and give me advice, if I need it. It's great to be able to feel the love and support of my cousins too. They're all very supportive and I appreciate them coming out.
It was amazing to see them all with the t-shirts with your Sports Illustrated picture on them. You've had a lot of family support.
Yeah, definitely.
This area must also bring back a lot of good memories of the NBA for your dad.
Yeah, I think he just wishes that he had more time to look around, but he loved it.
I'm not sure if this is correctly attributed to you, but I thought that I saw somewhere that you said the attention "sucks." Is that correct? Is that how you feel about it?
Well, it can be a lot or too much. There's just a lot of attention and it can be too much. Sometimes, I'd just like to be a kid, you know.
I'm sorry about this. Believe me, the last thing that I want to be is a problem for you.
Oh, no, I mean you're no problem, but I mean, sometimes, other people can be and it sometimes feels like it never stops. It's just a lot to take in and live up to. It can get frustrating.
Has going through this final season of AAU basketball and camps been at all emotional for you?
Yeah, it's begun to hit me. I've been doing this since, well, for a long time. I find myself, at times, going, you know, this is the last time that you'll be doing this event or going here. It feels kind of weird to think sometimes that it'll all be over pretty soon. I'm going to miss some of these guys.
Thanks a lot, Jabari, for your time and, once again, I hope I wasn't a problem.
(laughs) Oh, sure, don't worry. You've never been a problem.
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