Tag Archives: Nike EYBL

PG Prospect Josiah Turner is Open to Duke

July 19, 2010 Mark Watson

The Oakland Soldiers AAU team has four big time college prospects and one of them is point guard Josiah Turner. Turner [6-3, 195 PG Class of 2011 Sacramento, CA] is very aggressive with the ball and gets after it hard. College coaches are getting after Turner hard as well for there was no shortage of head men watching Turner during this past weeks Nike Peach Jam, now known as the Nike EYBL.

Duke has added Turner to their watch list and BDN caught up with point guard prospect recently for a Q & A session where he discussed a recnet call from the Blue Devils and more -

This is the first time I've seen you play and in the two games I beamed into, the one thing I come away with is that you are aggressive.

Yes. I'm an aggressive point guard that can get into the lane and to the rim when I want. I'm a pass first point guard looking for the open man. I play defense and I'm bigger than most guards, so that's what I have over them at this time.

What is your go-to move?

My go to move is my hesitation. Hesitation. I'll take them [private] out or in to get to the basket.

What are you like off the court?

I like to joke around a lot, I play video games, workout.

Do you consider yourself a leader?

Yeah, I try to be a leader on this team, that's what I try to do.

Which schools have been the most aggressive with you to date?

UCLA, UConn, Kansas, Wake Forest, Oregon, St. John's and uh, that's about it.

You're a west coast guy. Would there be a problem moving east?

No it's not a problem, not a problem at all to move east.

Where did you learn your basketball skills?

I've been playing since I was four or five and always had a ball in my hand.

Do you pattern your game after anyone in the pro or college game?

I look at Gilbert Arenas. I like his play and Chris Paul's play, that's about it.

I'm from the ACC area and heard that Duke most recently called you.

Yeah, they called me like two nights ago.

Who did you talk to?

Nate James

How did the chat go?

Oh, it went good. They were talking about how they haven't seen me yet. But the head coach saw me at the LeBron James camp and they are here at the Peach Jam as well.

Coach K?

Yes, Coach K. There somebody I'd really be interested in. I like Duke and they're one of the top programs, so of course I'm interested.

The coaching staff and how good of a relationship I have with them. How the offense is set up and how they play and that's about it.

Who will help you with your eventual decision on where you'll play your college ball?

My mom, just my mom. And my Dad, they are both huge in my life, especially my mom.

Where will your team go from here?

We're going to Vegas for the Fab 48 and then we're going to L.A.

Did you enjoy the Peach Jam?

I like it and like coming east because there is more competition.

What area of your game needs improvement?

My off the ball defense. I turn my head a lot where defenders can sneak behind me. So, I need work there.

Did you have a dream school growing up?

Not really. It was Kansas when I was real young, but I don't really have one.

Thanks for your time.

Yeah, thank you. [/private]

Nike Peach Jam Stat Leaders

July 14, 2010 Mark Watson

AUGUSTA - Here are the leaders after four games at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam in Augusta, South Carolina. BDN Premium has live updates as they happen on the premium forum.

Scoring leaders team - Oakland Soldiers 84.2, Spiece Indy 76.3, NJ Playaz 73.0, Team Takeover 72.8

Scoring defense -Mean Streets 49.0, BABC 55.8, The Family 56.2, Mac Irvin 58.5

3 point fg pct - Oakland .513, St. Louis Eagles .511, Spiece ,495

Scoring average - Michael Williams 26.0, Jo Coleman 24.8, Omar Calhoun 24.8, Austin RIvers 24.5 then it drops to 20.0

FG percentage- Brandon Ashley .789, Antonio Wilson .679, Roquez Johnson and Joe Coleman .667

Rebound average -Anthony Davis 10.0, Dorian Smith 10.0, Levi Randolph and Brandon Ashley 9.3

High scoring games - Michael Williams 44, Tyrone Johnson40, Austin Rivers 35

Notes - Michael Williams is 47 of 52 from free throw stripe.

BDN Premium Articles

BDN Recruiting Focus – Levi Randolph making some noise on the circuit

April 14, 2010 Andrew Slater

As a junior, Levi Randolph led Bob Jones to the Alabama State Title and was named the 6-A Player of the Year. After playing last year for the Nashville Celtics, he joined the nearby Alabama Challenge AAU program and had a great weekend for them at Session I of EYBL in Hampton, Virginia. After a game in which he dropped twenty-one points and dished four assists in a win over the Metro Hawks of New York, Randolph told Blue Devil Nation about himself.

Can you talk about the experience of winning a state title?

It was a long journey. We had a lot of injuries and fourteen losses, but we got on a streak at the end and won six games in a row. We return four starters though so we should be ready to challenge again next year.

You stepped up and put up a near triple-double in the championship game. Was that an unusually good game for you?

No, I was pretty consistent throughout the season. I won the 6-A Player of the Year. I tried to be pretty consistent.

Are most schools recruiting you as a two or a three?

As a one or a two, actually

Which schools are recruiting you? [private]

Alabama, Auburn, Vanderbilt, Baylor, Marquette, Miami, UVA, Florida, Wake Forest, Oregon St. Ole Miss, and Virginia Tech

Have all of them offered you?

Everyone, but Virginia Tech and Florida

Can you provide the audience with a scouting report on yourself?

(Smiling) I am a scorer. I get to the rim, but I also like to shoot it from deep too. I’ll work very hard too.

Do you prefer to get out and run or play in a more structured, half-court offense?

Either way, I just like to play.

What’s your range?

Half court (laughs). No, I just feel comfortable shooting the ball from the mid-range to the three-point line.

Where do you like to catch it?

Anywhere.

What are your strengths and weaknesses right now?

My strength is my ability to score. My defense is the thing I want to work on most.

What are you looking for in a college?

I’m looking for a place that will make me better academically and as a person. I’d like to go to a winning program too.

Do you do pretty well in school?

Well, I have a 3.8 GPA.

Does playing in the SEC appeal to you? Is location a factor?

I don’t care about either of those things, sir. I’m just looking for those things that I mentioned before.

Do you have a go to move? You used that, sort of, stutter step crossover against Mike (Taylor)?

Yeah, my favorite move is my killer crossover. Actually, don’t put that down. (Laughs) I don’t want anybody to know my secret moves. I sort of took it from watching Allen Iverson.

Is he who you try to model your game after?

Yeah, he was when I was younger, but now it’s Carmelo Anthony. I try to watch his highlights and Kevin Durant’s.

How big are you now?

I’m 6’5” and 180 pounds.

So you still have time to grow another couple of inches?

Yes, sir. I hope so.

Have you begun strength training?

I’ve done a little, but I want to do more.

What would you like to weigh by the time you reach college?

About 185 pounds of muscle (laughs)

Who’s the best player you’ve ever faced?

Reggie Bullock

Have any of the Duke coaches contacted you yet?

No sir. Well, actually my AAU coach on my old team told me that they were interested in me in ninth grade, but I never heard from them again. I always wondered what happened.

Well, I believe they might have some interest in you now.

Really?

Yes. My partner wouldn’t have had me interview you tonight if they didn’t. You may be on their radar.

Wow. That’s amazing.

What do you know about Duke?

I don’t really follow it, but I know they just won the national title. I only really get to watch highlights on Sportscenter in the morning with breakfast.

Well, you’re busy studying. How about Coach K?

I think he was the coach of the USA team, right?

Yeah.

Would you be interested in Duke, if they start to recruit you?

Yes, definitely. My friend at school just loves Duke. He loves everything about them. I’d like to visit Duke, if they’re interested in me.

Well, maybe you two could visit together if all comes together.

Yes, sir.

Finally, what would you like the audience to know about you away from the court?

I’m a funny guy, but I’m also a good student and approachable. I try to nice to everybody in school. If you’re a stranger, you can always approach me and I’ll be happy to talk to you. (Hugs BDN)

Thank you, Levi.

Thank you, sir.

I’ll be keeping an eye out for you. [/private]

Duke Basketball

2012 Prospect Justin Anderson says Duke is his dream school

April 12, 2010 Mark Watson

HAMPTON - BDN continues it's coverage of the Nike EYBL with another prospect interview, this time with Justin Anderson, a player who already has a college ready body at a very young age. Anderson [6-5 Rockville, MD., Montrose Christian, class of 2012, ranked 14th by in his class by Prep Stars] took time to talk about his take on Josh Hairston and his game. During the interview he stated that Duke was his dream school growing up and then talked in depth about the recruiting process and where he stands at this time.

If somebody had never seen you play, describe your game in your own words.

I would say enthusiastic. I love to defend which is something a lot of people really don't like to do. I just love getting the easy buckets just to get my team going. I'm all about my team.

How long have you played for Montrose Christian?

I have been at Montrose Christian two years now and I will likely play for them again this season.

You're teammates with Josh Hairston. Can you describe his game for me?

He's [private] really good. Josh can score the basketball in many different ways. He can put it on the floor, he can rebound and shoot over guards. He can rebound and tip it back in or dunk. He can do so many things. I haven't played like a scorer like him in awhile.

Where do you currently stand in the recruiting process?

I really haven't got deep into it yet. I like Maryland, Duke North Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma. I really haven't got to deep into it yet because I have two more years.

Which school is recruiting you the hardest?

Maryland is the most aggressive and they've been on me a while. I like Coach Williams and his intensity.

What other schools are looking at you?

Duke has been in contact with me just from coming through and seeing Josh [Hariston who will be a freshman this coming season] and they're a really good program. If there is anybody who deserves that championship this year, it's them and they were the two best teams in the championship and I just love how Coach K runs his team and let's them play. And North Carolina, they had a bad year but Coach Roy is a good coach and they'll bounce back and they have good coaches to be around. Just being around Kendall [Marshall] and the decision he made and I may possibly consider them as well.

Did you have a dream school growing up?

My dream school has always been Duke and the reason why is when I was playing video games I would be Duke. They always had a three point shooter so I would pick Duke. I love beating everybody as Duke on the NCAA video games. As I get older, it's [the recruiting process] starting to become much more intense. You don't just go out and pick someone, becasue you never know what they are really like until you see them up close.

Who is the lead assistant from Duke?

Coach James. He played for Coach [Stu] Vetter. He comes up and is authentic. He may say hello and talk to my parents about maybe coming down and seeing the campus and all but nothing official.

Your parents will play a big role in your decision?

Oh, most definitely. The reason why is because they were the ones to get me in this position with sacrifices and all. My mom doesn't want me to go too far from home but if that's what it takes it's what I have to do.

Your goals for this event would be?

Just to win out. We took one loss but that will motivate us to win these next games.

What are you looking for in a school?

Just a school that I can use my athleticism. I'd rather go to a school that runs up and down a lot and slows it down when they have to.

Thanks for your time and good luck in your future endeavors.

Thank you. [/private]