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Reebok Breakout Underclass Camp Report

Reebok Breakout Underclass Camp Report
June 20-23, 2008
Chicago, Illinois
Prepared by Rob Taylor
Editor, Buckeye Prep Report

For the fifth consecutive year, Chris Rivers and Reebok hosted their underclassman camp.  This year, the camp formally know as Camp Next, drew 124 players from across the county to the Joy of the Game basketball facility in Chicago, Illinois for the Breakout Underclass Camp. Unlike other major shoe company camps, which require a big reputation or connected sponsor to get an invite, the new generation of Reebok camps gives the unsung player the opportunity to play their way into RBK U or the Breakout Camp though several smaller regional camps.

Yes there were a handful of scouting services documenting the action, and although campers had an opportunity to display their talent in four games, the primary focus of the camp was on player development. This focus was evident from the very beginning, as camp instructors ran the players through a series of advanced skill and drill stations from the onset of the camp. Below are performances notes on several of the players who had “breakout” performances at the camp.

Top Performer Notes

Talk about “breakout,” Lenzelle Smith, a 6’4 combo guard (2010) from Chicago, Ill. (Zion Benton HS) was easily the top player in the camp. Smith used his size, strength and skill set to dominate his opponents. I like everything about this player including his non-stop motor. Smith showed he could get the job done from both inside or outside.  He was much to strong and physical for smaller guards and much to quick and skilled for bigger post player. He was an absolute match-up problem for any body brave enough to try and guard him.

Denzel Brito, a 6’2 PG (2010) from Wareham, MS. (Lawrence Academy) was the top floor general in the camp. Brito is a big point guard with a strong body. He is highly skilled, with great vision and the ability and willingness to dish the rock to open teammates. In addition to his skill set Brito showed his athleticism with several in game dunks. Brito has a good feel for the game; possess good instincts and a number of other intangibles including communication and leadership.

Perry Ellis, a 6’8 WF (2012) from Wichita, Kansas (Wichita Heights HS), was one of the youngest players at the camp, not to mention one of the most talented players in Chicago.  Ellis’ skill set is impressive and is supplemented by a super smooth overall game. His play throughout the camp earned him an invitation to the big camp in Philly. Ellis is very long and athletic with a nice mid-range game to boot.  Ellis has a huge upside.

Rashad Perkins, a 6’6 WF (2010) from Starksville, MS (Starksville HS), is an athletic freak.  This kid tried to dunk everything in sight. Not only did he have multiple dunks in the game I saw, even between games Perkins initiated his own impromptu dunk contests. Although he is more athletic than skilled at this point in his development, Perkins was very productive and played hard every game.

Kyan Anderson, a 5’11 PG (2011) from Cedar Hill, TX. (North Crowley HS), possesses good size and impressive speed. Anderson pushed the rock from baseline to baseline better than any player in the camp and often led to a drop off to a teammate and an easy bucket.  Although he is more of a slasher at this point in his development, he showed that he could knock down the open shot when available.

Any discussion about upside potential has to include rising sophomore Chris Coleman, a 6’9 C (2011) from Buffalo, New York (Burgard HS), who parlayed a standout performance in the all-star game into an invitation to the RBK U All-American Camp. Coleman exhibited just enough post moves and some athleticism during the all-star game to get people excited about his potential. Coleman is a big kid who takes up space in the paint.  He even flashed a soft touch around the basket.  Keep an eye on this kid; he will be a legitimate post prospect going forward.

Jalen Courtney, a 6’8 PF (2010) from Madison, MS. (Provine HS) parlayed a breakout all-star game performance into a spot at the big camp. Courtney has great body and a combination of strength and a soft touch.  Courtney, although not flashy, played sound and team-oriented basketball.

Andre Henley, a 6’6 WF (2011) from Chicago, Ill (De La Salle HS), caped off a productive weekend with a standout performance in the all-star game.  Henley put up some impressive numbers in the all-star game and earned an invitation to the RBK U.

Stevie Taylor, a 5’8 PG (2011) from Gahanna, Ohio (Lincoln), established himself as one of the top four point guards at the camp. Although his floor generalship was on display over the weekend, his offensive explosion (back-to-back 20 point games) was equally impressive. Taylor scored in multiple ways including a nice looking pull-up jumper, the 3-ball and a deadly floater. Although he was selected to the Top 20 all-star game, a Saturday night thumb injury prevented him from participating.

George Marshall, a 5’11 PG (2010) from Chicago, Ill (Brooks High School) logged in an outstanding camp. Marshall did a great job of controlling the game as well as using his size and strength to get to the cup.  Marshall was one the driving forces on his camp team and provided much of the scoring.  Marshall’s performance in the all-star game was stellar, as he had jump shot dialed in. Marshall was also selected as one of the top four point guards at the camp.

In my opinion, one of the biggest sleepers at the camp was 6’6 WF Nino Williams from Lansing, Kansas. Because Williams was playing in the shadow of Lenzelle Smith, his athleticism and overall talent level went a bit un-noticed.  However, his ability to hit the midrange shot and finish around the basket was enough to secure an all-star game call-up.

Below is a list of the top 20 players at the camp regardless of class. Each of the players listed below were chosen for the all-star game by the camp coaches and staff.  There were a couple of late additions/alternates to the list due to injuries and other reasons. The names in bold print represent those players who received invitations to RBK U All-American Camp.

Top 20 Player Rankings

RANK NAME HT. POS. HOMETOWN (ST) SCHOOL
NR Kyan Anderson (2011) 5’11 PG Forth Worth (TX) North Crowley
NR John Bailey (2010) 6’8 PF Mesa (AZ) HS Unknown
NR Pierre Bland (2010) 6’2 WG Jacksonville (FL) HS Unknown
NR Denzel Brito (2010) 6’2 PG Wareham (MA) Lawrence Academy
NR Chris Coleman (2010) 6’9 C Buffalo (NY) Burgard
NR Jalen Courtney (2010) 6’8 PF/C Madison (MS) Provine
NR Perry Ellis (2012) 6’8 PF Wichita (KS) Wichita Heights
NR Dre Evans (2010) 5’10 PG Dallas (TX) Dallas Carter
NR George Fant (2011) 6’6 WF Bowling Green (KY) Warren Central
NR Andre Henley (2010) 6’5 WF Chicago (IL) De La Salle
NR Marvin Jordan ((2010) 6’0 G Peoria (IL) HS Unknown
NR Stephen Holt (2010) 6’3 WG Beaverton (OR) HS Unknown
NR Blake Mclimans (2009) 6’10 C Orchard Park (NY) HS Unknown
NR George Marshall (2011) 5’11 PG Chicago (IL) Brooks
NR Rasheed Perkins (2010) 6’6 WF Starksville (MS) Starksville
NR Admir Sahbegovic (2010) 6’8 C Jacksonville (FL) HS Unknown
NR Lenzelle Smith (2010) 6’4 WG Chicago (Ill) Zion Benton
NR Stevie Taylor (2011) 5’8 PG Gahanna (OH) Lincoln
NR Cole Dickerson (2010) 6’9  C Washington State (WA) HS Unknown
NR Nino Williams (2010) 6’5 WF Lansing (KS) Leavenworth

In addition to the players that were ranked among the top 20 performers at the camp, there were a number of others kids who stood out in the event.  Below is a list of fifteen players to keep an eye on.  Some of these players participated in the all-star game as late additions and alternates (bold).

Fifteen Players to Watch

NR Blake Bozeman (2010) 6’1 WG Bowie (MD)
NR Brandon Hayman (2011) 6’2 WG Braselton (GA)
NR Tres Houston (2010) 6’2 WG College Park (GA)
NR Anton Hutchins (2010) 6’3 WG Dayton (OH)
NR Phillip Jackson (2010) 6’8 C Chicago (IL)
NR Greg Kelly (2010) 6’8 C Newton (MS)
NR Jonathan Marsh (2009) 5’11 PG Buffalo (NY) Lee Academy
NR Andre Stringer (2010) 5’9 PG Jackson (MS)
NR T.J. Taylor (2010) 5’8 PG Oakland (CA)
NR Phillip Taylor (2010) 5’10 PG Marietta, (GA) Wheeler
NR Stephen Topercer (2011) 6’1 WG Scottsdale (AZ)
NR Ross Travis (2011) 6’5 WF Chaska (MN)
NR Jordan Treloff (2010) 6’10 C Chicago (IL)
NR Oliver Wells (2010) 6’1 PG Cedar Hill (TX)
NR Ladarrin Williams (2010) 6’6 PF Monroe (LA)

Because everybody wants to know where the big guys are hidden, below is a list of the players who are 6’7 and above who have not already been mentioned. As people know, big guys are the slowest to develop and any kid who already has good size at an early age needs to be monitored for future potential. Although the players on this list did not “blowup,” over the weekend, they could become future big-time prospects in the next couple of years.

The Bigs

NR Devonte Abron (2011) 6’7 C Seagoville (TX)
NR Henry Brooks (2011) 6’7 C Fairburn (GA)
NR Aleon Calhoun (2010) 6’7 C Anderson (TX)
NR Jason Carter  (2010) 6’7 C Richmond (TX)
NR Will Davis (2010) 6’7 C Sacramento (CA)
NR Will Ervin (2011) 6’7 C Burlington (NC)
NR Clay Horne (2010) 6‘7 C St. Paul (MN)
NR Alex Murphy (2012) 6’7 C Wakefield (RI)
NR Jordan Didier (2010) 6’8 C El Mirage (AZ)
NR Robert Garrett (2011) 6’8 C Sacramento (CA)
NR Ben Mills (2010) 6’10 C Hartland (WI)