Daze

[BigTime]

If you get the chance, would you give us your 2012 Dallas-Metro top 10? Thanks in advance.

 

[SoonerDAZE]

There are a number of ways to "rank" kids IMO. Here, I'm going to make sort of a hybrid list that includes current level of play and potential, either based on athleticism or size. It's important to keep in mind that most of these kids haven't played significant time in DFW, so many of the best in the area have not been seen since school ball. As an example, Texas Assault (Marcus Smart's team) has not yet played in DFW this spring. I did see the core of that team, including Smart, Banyard, and Forte at the last GASO playing for their HS team (FM Marcus).

One last thing, I don't think this class is a particularly strong group for the metroplex. Most of the high D1 kids in Texas reside outside of the area in the 2012 class. Their order is based on the level of play I believe they'll be able to contribute to over 4 years in college.

1. Isaiah Austin
2. Prince Ibeh
3. Marcus Smart
4. Jelon Hornbeak
5. Chris Washburn
6. Nick Banyard
7. Zach Peters
8. Jordan Mason
9. Niem Stevenson
T10. Ryan Bowie/Drew Charles

 

[Sawyer]

Not real high on Smart (who apparently was recently offered by Texas and UNC)? Or just really high on Ibeh?

 

[DFWHoopster]

good list Daze- I really like Ibeh. He's raw but you can see that he will be a good player in college. Defensively he is elite.

I also like Drew Charles. I thought he was better than UT-Arlington. But I only saw him play a couple of games. In those games, he controlled tempo and seemed to make the right decision every time. And his body is strong enough to neutralize his lack of speed- like a Tweety Carter was able to.

 

[SoonerDAZE]

Not real high on Smart (who apparently was recently offered by Texas and UNC)? Or just really high on Ibeh?

I love Smart. He's as nasty as they come, this side of the gridiron. A true throwback. He will do whatever he has to to win a game. I have him listed below both Austin and Ibeh, because both of them have a combination of world-class size and athleticism.

In fact, I'd go so far as to say, Ibeh will have a shot at the League because of his (Isaiah is almost a certainty). There are plenty of examples of guys who've played in the league with almost zero offensive skills, like Ibeh.

Prince owns God-given elite abilities in at least two areas: he runs the floor like a gazelle in both offensive and defensive transition, and he's got impeccable timing and body control for blocking shots whether on the ball or from the weak side.

 

[SoonerDAZE]

good list Daze- I really like Ibeh. He's raw but you can see that he will be a good player in college. Defensively he is elite.

I also like Drew Charles. I thought he was better than UT-Arlington. But I only saw him play a couple of games. In those games, he controlled tempo and seemed to make the right decision every time. And his body is strong enough to neutralize his lack of speed- like a Tweety Carter was able to.

Thanks.

Drew is a kid I've watched extensively. He played for Wes at Team Texas last year, and with Tony and the Mustangs this year. He's definitely more capable than the Southland Conference, but is one of those rare kids that HATES all the brouhaha associated with recruiting.

He basically took the first offer he felt comfortable with and cashed out his chips. I know he was getting looks from some good mid-majors, but was just ready to put it behind him and focus on getting ready for his next four years of college, plus his senior year.

He basically told Tony he was out and quit the Mustangs, almost instantly after committing.

 

[BigTime]

Thank you Daze for taking the time. What do you know about OU and Ibeh? I know that we got in on him really, really early (via Coach Betts). Hope that pays off at least from a school loyalty standpoint.

Also, what are you hearing about Marcus and OU? There was a scout blurb written recently that hinted that OU is the leader at this point.

 

[SoonerDAZE]

Thank you Daze for taking the time. What do you know about OU and Ibeh? I know that we got in on him really, really early (via Coach Betts). Hope that pays off at least from a school loyalty standpoint.

Also, what are you hearing about Marcus and OU? There was a scout blurb written recently that hinted that OU is the leader at this point.

Both of their corners are respectively telling them to be patient and to not jump too early. I'd say we are legitimately in on both, and probably leading the pack with Smart. That said, there will be many high profile teams jump into the mix on both as the summer wears on. Prince will really gain exposure from playing EYBL - especially once Julius comes back.

Food for thought, I think Marcus wants to find a package deal for his best friend Forte, which will exclude blue blood programs like Kentucky and UNC.

 

[BigTime]

Both of their corners are respectively telling them to be patient and to not jump too early. I'd say we are legitimately in on both, and probably leading the pack with Smart. That said, there will be many high profile teams jump into the mix on both as the summer wears on. Prince will really gain exposure from playing EYBL - especially once Julius comes back.

Food for thought, I think Marcus wants to find a package deal for his best friend Forte, which will exclude blue blood programs like Kentucky and UNC.

I have to question whether or not we are in a position depth or talentwise to take a kid like Forte.

I am banking on Marcus wanting to stay close to home and that giving us the edge over the blue bloods.

OU could sure use a defensive presence like Prince.

 

[Sam]

I love Smart. He's as nasty as they come, this side of the gridiron. A true throwback. He will do whatever he has to to win a game. I have him listed below both Austin and Ibeh, because both of them have a combination of world-class size and athleticism.

In fact, I'd go so far as to say, Ibeh will have a shot at the League because of his (Isaiah is almost a certainty). There are plenty of examples of guys who've played in the league with almost zero offensive skills, like Ibeh.

Prince owns God-given elite abilities in at least two areas: he runs the floor like a gazelle in both offensive and defensive transition, and he's got impeccable timing and body control for blocking shots whether on the ball or from the weak side.

When I saw Prince at the EYBl and a little at an Next Level event the week before he looked incredible raw but was one of the most imposing figures there due to size. He seems like an ideal big man to bring in 2012. His freshman year will be more about learning with Senior posts in Osby, Fitzgerald and Arent in front of him.

OU hasn't had a big shot blocker like him in a while and he would do a bunch to help team defense.

Daze what are your thoughts on Hornbeak? The few times I saw him with Grace Prep last year he never really impressed me.

Has Banyard grown enough to be a full time 4 or is he still only about 6'6/6'7?

Also are you going to be at the GASO this weekend? I plan on heading down for Sunday and possibly Monday.

 

[DFWHoopster]

Daze, Sam or BT- if you had to choose between Keith Frazier and Matt Jones, who would you choose?

 

[SoonerDAZE]

When I saw Prince at the EYBl and a little at an Next Level event the week before he looked incredible raw but was one of the most imposing figures there due to size. He seems like an ideal big man to bring in 2012. His freshman year will be more about learning with Senior posts in Osby, Fitzgerald and Arent in front of him.

OU hasn't had a big shot blocker like him in a while and he would do a bunch to help team defense.

Daze what are your thoughts on Hornbeak? The few times I saw him with Grace Prep last year he never really impressed me.

Has Banyard grown enough to be a full time 4 or is he still only about 6'6/6'7?

Also are you going to be at the GASO this weekend? I plan on heading down for Sunday and possibly Monday.

Jelon is hard-nosed, but athletic player. He's the victim of too much talent at GP. He's not needed, and in some cases, not allowed to utilize all his game. With Texas Pro, he's stepping up and showing glimpses of what the future might hold. He can defend and has some size. He'll sneak up on you many times and quietly have nice stats to conclude a game.

Banyard is the same player and same size as last school year. He's more aggressive and more comfortable with his new teammates. Not much has changed with regard to skills, but he has the chance to put on significant weight which will help him in college. Not a high-major kind of kid to me.

I will be at the GASO this weekend. Should be a good one.

 

[SoonerDAZE]

Daze, Sam or BT- if you had to choose between Keith Frazier and Matt Jones, who would you choose?

These two are apples and oranges. I'm assuming you're asking because they both are listed as shooting guards. To me, that's where the similarity ends.

BTW, Keith is probably close to 3 inches taller than Matt these days and doesn't really have the ball skills to be a true SG at the next level. I'd classify him as a hybrid SG/SF.

Matt is a throw back player. He plays the game the right way and has a very high bball IQ. He has decent ball skills, and can dribble well enough in the half court, but needs to continue to work on his ball handling, especially if he's done growing at 6'4". He plays good defense because he understands angles and is very tough and aggressive, but is not an elite athlete. He's always thinking the game and has a great attitude.

Keith is an elite athlete and is very explosive. He plays almost no defense, and is very "street" both in attitude and in game. He's one of those players you don't want to anger, because he'll take it personal and go off for 40 on you, talking to you and the crowd the whole time. He doesn't dribble the ball well and doesn't like aggressive defense. He is not always intense, especially if the game or opposition doesn't interest him.

They both can shoot it, but Matt's more of a fundamental shooter. They both have nice range, but Keith uses more elevation on his shot and is more streaky. Keith can truly dominate a game on the offensive end. Matt's production typically comes in the flow of the game. You can isolate Keith and he'll get his. Matt needs more screens and plays called for him.

 

[DFWHoopster]

SoonerDaze- thanks. I agree with your comments but my sample size is much smaller I'm sure. I have seen Keith play a few times and have been concerned about body language/ defensive intensity. Similar to LeBryan Nash. Of course, with elite talents like that, you never know when the switch comes on and stays on so I'm sure all the high major programs will take the risk on a guy like Frazier.

Matt Jones is just a baller the way Marcus Smart is. I saw his playoff game against Garland. They (Desoto) lost but Jones gave it everything he had. He's smooth offensively and likes to back door cut (a lost art).

One play stands out in my mind. Garland has a 3 on 1 break and Jones is the guy back. Jones reads the guard's intentions well- he fakes defense towards the basket and then busts his butt to get out to the 3 point line to contest a 3. The 3 was missed. 95% of high school players give up on that play even in a crucial playoff game. And of course open 3's are easier than 3's with an athletic aggressive maniac coming your way to disturb you.

 

[WillJennings]

Not to speak for Sam, but he is going to be doing some indept evaluations on some of those North Texas guys. One guy that I'm interested in getting some opinions on is 6'2 sg Marcus Foster from Wichita Falls Hirschi. I know that a lot of schools are going to get involved with Foster. His AAU coach, who was coaching Fraizer for a bit this year, said Foster was the best player on that Dallas Mustang team.

Fraizer is now with DHJ5, an AAU team coached by Stacy Houston, but dedicated to his fallen son Deion, who died in a car accident in Duncan, OK.

 

[SoonerDAZE]

Not to speak for Sam, but he is going to be doing some indept evaluations on some of those North Texas guys. One guy that I'm interested in getting some opinions on is 6'2 sg Marcus Foster from Wichita Falls Hirschi. I know that a lot of schools are going to get involved with Foster. His AAU coach, who was coaching Fraizer for a bit this year, said Foster was the best player on that Dallas Mustang team.

Fraizer is now with DHJ5, an AAU team coached by Stacy Houston, but dedicated to his fallen son Deion, who died in a car accident in Duncan, OK.

I agree that Marcus is a talent, but he is raw and built like a PG. He is athletic like John Wall - no joke - but he doesn't have the ball skills to be a 1 right now. In fact, when Kendal went down with a broken ankle, they struggled to find a PG replacement. Instead of pushing Marcus to the one, they have moved Shirmaine Thomas there, who has never played the point either. Which is further indication of how far Marcus is from being ready to contribute at the 1 at the next level.

As for his game, he's an offensive stud from deep and athletic as all get out to the rim, but he's not really a slasher with the ball in his hands. He has a good attitude and plays in a positive way most of the time. Not much on defense with regard to effort or skill, but certainly has the athleticism to be an elite defender on any level. He is likely the most athletic guard in the state for this class. Just effortless.

IMO, the best player on that team doesn't even start for them and has kind of been all over the place this spring looking for a new team, after leaving Team Texas. Nathan Hawkins is totally under the radar, but is the most well-rounded SG/SF in the state. He looks to have found a home with that Mustangs team, and should be a major contributor by the time July rolls around. Keep an eye on him as he has all the tools. Won't be surprised if he doesn't turn out better than either Matt Jones or Keith Frazier in college.

 

[WillJennings]

The Dallas Mustangs pg issues have trinkled up to Oklahoma as they have looked for some pgs in this area. We have seen Shrmaine and my opinion is that he is not pg material.

 

[SoonerDAZE]

The Dallas Mustangs pg issues have trinkled up to Oklahoma as they have looked for some pgs in this area. We have seen Shrmaine and my opinion is that he is not pg material.

I would agree that he's not currently a PG, but his size will dictate he become one if he wants to play high-major basketball. Same with Marcus. They both need more PG skills and experience OR they need about 2 to 3 inches.

Shirmaine handles the ball well enough to be a primary ball handler, but his mindset and offensive skills are totally that of an off guard. He cannot defend the better, bigger 2's without help, but can defend 1's. He can get to the paint anytime he wants to and against anyone, but is only looking to score, and is finding that difficult against better teams, especially playing up like they are.

They are scheduled to play DJH5's top team in pool play on Saturday. That will be a good contest. DJH5 will be without Keith, but has plenty of other high-major kids. Alex Robinson is a top 2014 in the state, with tons of game and athleticism. He runs the show for them. Great prospect. He's a reclassified 2013.