by Alex Schwartz

Day two of the Rumble in the Bronx was quite long to say the least. There were 12 sets of games at Fordham University, and besides a break for lunch, I was in the gym from about 8:10am to 12:15am the next day. A full day of hoops is always a good day though. I already put out my Day One Rundown, and will not recap the event's second day.

On day two of the Rumble in the Bronx, I was able to watch a number of super AAU teams, including the Albany City Rocks, Dallas Mustangs, Franchize All-Stars (TX), Team NJABC, Westchester Hawks (NY), South Florida Elite, New York Gauchos, Mass Rivals, Team Final (PA), New Heights NYC, New York Gauchos, and more. I spoke with a large quantity of players from these teams, as well as some others.

Check out the school lists/recruiting updates that I got on day two of the Rumble in the Bronx, as well as some of my observations on players at the event.

School Lists/Recruiting Updates

D’Angelo Harrison ’11, Dulles (TX), Franchize All Stars: Kansas State, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Arizona State, Georgetown, Arkansas, Texas A&M, UTEP, SMU, and Houston
                                   Offers: Oklahoma State, Arizona State, Arkansas, UTEP, SMU, and Houston
                                   Favorites: “No, I’m interested in everybody.”
                                   Note- Harrison, who said location is not a factor, plans to commit in “maybe August or September”.

Derrick Wilson ’11, Hotchkiss School (CT), New York Gauchos: Georgia Tech, Washington, Notre Dame, Stanford, Kansas, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Marquette are the schools he is talking to the most
                              Offers: Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Marquette
                              Favorites: “Not yet. I’m gonna probably narrow it down at the end of the summer and commit early fall.”

Devonta Abron ’11, Seagorville (TX), Dallas Mustangs: Texas A&M, Marquette, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Iowa, Iowa State, Houston, and Florida International
                              Offers: All
                              Favorites: Texas A&M, Arkansas, Houston, and Florida International
                              Note- Abron, who wants to stay local for college, plans to “commit at the end of July”.

Shaq Thomas ’11, NIA Prep (NJ), New York Panthers: Arizona, Providence, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State, Syracuse, and Boston College
                            Offers: Providence
                            Favorites: “No, not really. At this point I’m trying to visit schools and narrow it down before the end of the summer.”
                            Note-Thomas said that he will be visiting Virginia Tech and Boston Collegefor their elite camps, on June 23rd and June 30th respectively.

Angel Nunez ’11, Notre Dame Prep (MA), New York Gauchos: Louisville, West Virginia, UConn, Providence, St. John’s, Rutgers, Arizona, Wake Forest, Miami, Indiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, Kansas, Syracuse, and others
                           Offers: All except Kentucky, Kansas, and Syracuse
                           Favorites: None
                           Note- Nunez, who transferred from Cardinal Hayes (NY) to Winchendon School (MA) for most of his senior year, has since left for Notre Dame Prep. On why he made the more recent move, Nunez said, “It’s a better situation academically. That’s all it really was.” Asked when he plans to make his college choice, Nunez replied, “I’m gonna make my decision in September.”

Mike Taylor ’11, Boys & Girls (NY), Metro Hawks: Virginia, Virginia Tech, South Carolina, South Florida, Seton Hall, Rutgers, Pitt, St. John’s, West Virginia, Indiana, and Maryland
                         Offers: All except West Virginia
                         Favorites: None
                         Note- To read the full article that I wrote on Taylor and Sterling Gibbs for TurtleSportsReport.com, click Here.

Keaton Miles ’11, Lincoln (TX), Dallas Mustangs: West Virginia, Cal, Florida, Texas A&M, Baylor, Houston, Arkansas, and Wake Forest
                           Offers: Texas A&M, Baylor, Houston, and Arkansas
                           Favorites: “I’m still wide open.”
                           Notes- On when he plans to commit, Miles said, “Before my senior season.” Asked what the chances are he goes to college with AAU teammate Devonta Abron and if they have discussed it, Miles responded, “I could see that, but it’s not a necessity. It’s not needed, but if we end up on the same team I’d like it.”

Jermaine Sanders ’11, Rice (NY), New Heights: Villanova, Providence, Virginia, Virginia Tech, St. John’s, Seton Hall, Rutgers, Marquette, Boston College, Maryland, and Miami
                                   Offers: Villanova, Providence, and St. John’s
                                   Favorites: None
                                   Note- To read the full article I wrote on Sanders, Vaughn Gray, and Kamari Murphy for ScoutFriars.com, click Here.

Eric Katenda ’11, Cheshire Academy (CT), Albany City Rocks: Notre Dame, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Siena, Michigan, Stetson, Iowa, Marquette, Georgia Tech, Georgetown, Providence, and UConn
                           Offers: Notre Dame, Wake Forest, Siena, Iowa, Georgia Tech, Georgetown, and Providence
                           Favorites: “Right now I would say I like Georgia Tech a lot because the coach is real nice. Georgia Tech, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Wake Forest, Siena, and Iowa [are my top schools], but I’m gonna take visits.”

                           Note- To read the full article that I wrote on Katenda and Daouda Soumaoro for NYChoops.net, click Here.

Vaughn Gray ’11, St. Benedict’s (NJ), Playaz: Virginia, Richmond, Oregon, Xavier, St. Joseph’s, Temple, and Providence
                           Offers: Richmond, Xavier, St. Joseph’s, Temple, and Providence
                           Favorites: “I really like the University of Virginia. I like Richmond too.”
                           Notes- Gray said he is transferring to St. Benedict’s for his senior year, after spending his first three at Don Bosco Prep (NJ). To read the full article that I wrote on Gray, Jermaine Sanders, and Kamari Murphy for ScoutFriars.com, click Here.

Daouda Soumaoro ’11, Our Savior New American (NY), Albany City Rocks: Colorado, Washington, and St. John’s
                                     Offers: Colorado
                                     Favorites: None
                                     Notes- Soumaoro, who has been playing basketball for six years, came over to the US from West Africa last December. To read the full article that I wrote on Soumaoro and Eric Katenda for NYChoops.net, click Here.

Chris Martin ’11, St. John’s Prep (NY), Westchester Hawks: Seton Hall, DePaul, South Florida, George Mason, Virginia Commonwealth, Fairfield, Tennessee, Clemson, North Carolina State, James Madison, Iona, and others
                          Offers: George Mason, Virginia Commonwealth, Fairfield, James Madison, and Iona
                          Favorites: Seton Hall, DePaul, Virginia Commonwealth, and Iona are his top four in order
                          Note- “I think DePaul and Seton Hall are close to offering. They seem real interested,” Martin said.

TJ Curry ’11, Christ the King (NY), New York Gauchos: Curry did not know his full list as his high school coach handles his recruitment, but said it is mostly Ivy League and Patriot League schools interested
                    Offers: Norfolk State
                    Favorites: n/a
                    Note- Curry, who said he carries a 92 average in school, said of whether he has a dream school, “Any school in Rhode Island I’m real interested in.”

Tevin Westbrook ’11, TBD, South Florida Sharks: For football, Duke, Central Florida, Texas A&M, Purdue, Florida International, Wisconsin, Virginia, Western Michigan, Florida, Miami, Florida State, and one more
                                 Offers: All except Florida, Miami, and Florida State
                                 Favorites: “At this point, all [of those] that are close to home. [The schools] that are far are pretty much out of the picture.”
                                 Notes- Westbrook is transferring out of Pine Crest (FL) “because the athletics weren’t up to par” and also because he “wants two more [state championship] rings” in high school. Westbrook is considering three schools, all in Florida, as schools to transfer to, in St. Thomas Aquinas, North Broward Prep, and Cardinal Gibbons. “I plan on going to college for football, but I may try to walk-on [to the basketball team] depending where I go,” Westbrook said. He mentioned that he has talked to both Duke and Texas A&M about playing both sports. On why he will focus on football, Westbook remarked, “I’m just better at it. I started playing sophomore year and I really didn’t wanna play, but I developed an instinct, I like hitting people. I like basketball, but I gotta go where my bread is.” For basketball, he is being recruited by Middle Tennessee State, Lafayette, and Florida Atlantic.

Kamari Murphy ’11, Lincoln (NY), Long Island Lightning: St. John’s, Siena, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Iowa, Iowa State, Providence, and Western Kentucky
                              Offers: St. John’s, Iowa State, and Providence
                              Favorites: None
                              Notes- While Murphy said he will be back at Lincoln next year, he mentioned that there is a chance he will take a post-grad year, but it is not a sure thing. To read the full article that I wrote on Murphy, Jermaine Sanders, and Vaughn Gray for ScoutFriars.com, click Here.

Lamin Fulton ’11, Neumann-Goretti (PA), Team Final: Niagara, Robert Morris, Richmond, Quinnipiac, St. John’s, Hofstra, Fairfield, UMass, Temple, and La Salle
                           Offers: Niagara, Robert Morris, Fairfield, and UMass
                           Favorites: “Not really, I like them all the same.”

Fred Landers ’11, Dillard (FL), South Florida Elite: Clemson, Tulane, Jacksonville, Florida, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion, Elon, Wichita State, and Santa Clara
                            Offers: Tulane, Old Dominion, Elon, and Santa Clara
                            Favorites: “Not at this point. I’m looking for a school to give me the best education where I feel like family.”

Kelvin Amayo ’11, NIA Prep (NJ), Long Island Lightning: Rutgers, Seton Hall, Oklahoma State, Louisville, Memphis, UConn, and Iowa State
                            Offers: Rutgers, Seton Hall, and others
                            Favorites: “No favorites, I’m wide open right now.”

Andre Drummond ’12, St. Thomas More (CT), Connecticut Basketball Club
Drummond’s AAU coaches did not want him talking to the media this weekend because of how many people talked to him at the Bob Gibbons TOC. One of his coaches with CBC, Joe Gaetano, said that Drummond has no favorites, adding, “Everything is on the table.”
Gaetano also provided some insight into Drummond’s recruitment as a whole as well as a his summer plans. “Everybody [is interested]. I don’t think there’s a school not interested at the moment,” Gaetano said. “At this stage of the game we are just gathering information [and we will] see how it plays out. He’ll be going to Germany with the USA team. We’ll be in Orlando in July and then we’ll evaluate everything. He’s only gonna be a junior.”

Player Notes

D'Angelo Harrison, a 6'3 shooting guard, was one of the most impressive players that I saw all weekend. While he does not have the frame of an elite player, Harrison certainly plays like one. He is a phenomenal scorer, especially off the shot from beyond the arc. Harrison could use a few more pounds, but he looks like a top-notch prospect.

The New York Gauchos beat Team NJABC in sudden death triple overtime in a U17 Gold opening round game that ended after midnight, and Derrick Wilson was the main reason why. A 6'1 point guard and native Alaskan, Wilson was almost unstoppable getting to the cup. With the body of a linebacker, Wilson bullies his way past defenders to the cup, also utilizing his superb athleticism and quality handle. Wilson could use some work on his jumpshot, but he is a definite high-major player who has made big strides over the past few years and will only get better.

Another player from Texas, Devonta Abron, was one of the top performers of the weekend. Abron is a 6'8 power forward, but what makes him special is that he has a nice face-up game. In addition to using his big body down low, Abron can step out at knock down a jumper. He is also a good rebounder and can score in the post.

With 6'6 small forward Shaq Thomas, it remains almost all about potential at this point. Thomas, a long wing, has always been a top-shelf athlete, but his overall game still needs to be refined. His shot has a improved a bit, but Thomas needs to develop more of an overall offensive game.

It was not the best weekend for 6'7 wing Angel Nunez. Similarly to Thomas, Nunez is a guy with a lot of potential, but he has yet to put it all together. Nunez is ultra long on the wing, and he uses his extremely long arms to work on the glass, especially at the offensive end. Nunez can put the ball on the deck a bit, but he is not a great finisher. There is definitely lots of upside with Nunez, but he needs to work hard to tap into it.

Mike Taylor was ill over the weekend, but he tried to play through it. A big-time shooter, Taylor is one of the top players in New York City. In addition, Taylor is a solid athlete and is a tough player. The 6'3 shooting guard has made himself a high-major player, as evidenced by the offers he is holding.

Keaton Miles was quiet in the game that I watched, but he definitely has the look of a big-timer. Miles has a sturdy build and is 6'7, so the power forward can definitely work down in the paint. His team had a fairly easy win and Abron was outstanding, so Miles just did not have to do much on this day.

One of the plays of the day came from 6'5 wing Jermaine Sanders when he hit a buzzer beating three in overtime to knock off Team Final and win the pool. For more on Sanders' play, see the aforementioned article at ScoutFriars.com.

Eric Katenda, a 6'8 power forward,  was unable to play this weekend. For more on his game, see the aforementioned article at NYChoops.net.

Vaughn Gray, a 6'5 wing, is more of a role player for the high-powered Playaz, but he did knock down the game winning shot in overtime at the buzzer on Friday night. For more on Gray's game, see the aforementioned article at ScoutFriars.com.

Despite not being a well-known player, 6'9 center Daouda Soumaoro was one of the most impressive players I saw this weekend. He is long and athletic and he does a good job of rebounding, scoring, and blocking shots in the post. For more on Soumaoro's play, see the aforementioned article at NYChoops.net.

Chris Martin's team got blown out the first time I watched them, but not because of him. The 6'0 point guard looked like a mid-major player at the very least. He is strong and gets to the cup, also using his solid athletic ability. Martin did not shoot the ball all that much, but he did demonstrate a nice ability to handle the rock.

Low-major Division I schools need to start getting on 5'10 point guard TJ Curry. His showing in the second half of his team's win over Mass Rivals was absolutely outstanding. Curry has a sturdy build to make up for his lack of height, he has a nice handle, gets to the cup well, and can shoot the outside jumper. In addition, Curry is a competitive player who can also distribute the basketball.

It seems that 6'6 power forward Tevin Westbrook is going to be going to college for football, but he would likely have had a shot to play low-major DI hoops if he had wanted. Westbrook is strong and tough in the paint, effectively utilizing his big build. It is evident why he has numerous football scholarship offers.

Kamari Murphy is a 6'8 forward with a lot of potential. Murphy, a New York City standout, has a fair amount of work to do on his overall game, but he is definitely a player with a lot to work with. Murphy is long and fairly athletic, rebounds the ball, and has somewhat of a face-up game.

Lamin Fulton is undersized for a point guard at 5'10, but he is a nice talent nonetheless. Fulton is a guy who can score the basketball, but he is also adept at finding the open man and distributing the rock. At the least, Fulton is a low-major Division I player, and he would have a chance to be a superb player at that level.

Fred Landers is a 6'5 forward who had a quality showing in his team's big win over the Westchester Hawks. Landers is undersized, but he does a good job of rebounding the basketball and scoring in the paint. He has nice athletic ability and is also able to put the ball on the floor.

Kelvin Amayo, a 6'4 guard, has really progressed over the past few years, and has turned himself into at least a mid-major DI basketball player. Amayo has a solid handle and although his jumpshot needs work he is a terrific athlete, and he is able to finish with ferocity when he gets to the hoop.

It was not Andre Drummond's finest shooting in the Big Apple, but the 2012 superstar big man did have some great flashes here and there. He is quite versatile, as he is able to put the ball on the deck, distribute, run the floor, and can shoot the midrange jumpshot. Drummond, though, is at his best when he works down low, where he scores, rebounds, and blocks shots.

Now, for a few guys that I did not talk to on Saturday, but did see play:

Luke Mergerson '11 is a 6'7 forward out of Duncanville (TX) who was running with the Dallas Mustangs this weekend. Mergerson definitely has some work to do on his game, but he has a solid frame and can get up and down the floor. He is a guy I would like to get another look at.

Michigan State-commit 6'3 shooting guard Dwaun Anderson '11 of Suttons Bay (MI) was at his absolute best for Team NJABC in the triple OT thriller loss. Anderson is an other-worldly athlete, routinely throwing down big-time dunks, but has expanded his game since last summer. Anderson's jumpshot has improved and he is comfortable shooting it, though he does need to become more consistent. Anderson has a solid handle, but it could use a bit of work. Possessing a strong, sturdy frame, Anderson is an intense player who uses his athleticism to get to the cup and create good shots. He showed why he is heading to MSU.

Kazembe Abif '11, a 6'6 power forward from Lawrenceville School (NJ), may have solidified himself as at least a mid-major player this spring with Team NJABC. Although undersized, Abif has a fantastic motor plays quite hard, and is great on the boards. In addition, he can score the basketball and has somewhat of a face-up game.

Ryan McCoy '11 has great size and length for a small forward at 6'6 and the Montgomery (NJ) profuct had a nice weekend for Team NJABC. McCoy needs to work on his consistency from beyond the arc, but he is a quality shooter from three-point land. McCoy can handle the rock a bit and is likely a low DI player.

Jeremiah Eason '11, a 6'5 forward from Dillard (FL), teamed with his high school teammate Landers on South Florida Elite and they were the team's top two players. Eason is a nice talent who rebounds the ball and has a pretty big frame. He is another guy I would like to get another look at.

Jordan Laguerre '11 of New Hampton Prep (NH) had a superb weekend for Mass Rivals. A 6'2 point guard, Laguerre is adept at getting to the cup off the dribble, as he has a good handle to go along with nice athletic ability. He seems to be a mid-major player at the very least.

Zach Auguste '11 of New Hampton Prep (MA) and Mass Rivals was one of the longest players that I laid eyes on all weekend. A 6'7 wing, Auguste has a frame that oozes with potential. He needs to continue to refine his game, but Auguste is a guy worth monitoring, as he possesses such great length.

Bishop Loughlin (NY) 5'8 point guard Anthony Givens '11 teamed with TJ Curry to form a superb backcourt for the New York Gauchos despite the fact that both are undersized. Givens gets to the hole despite his height, and once there, he is able to finish. Even though he is small, Givens might have a shot to play low DI ball.

PJ Torres '11, a 6'5 wing out of New Rochelle (NY), is another guy who had a solid weekend for the New York Gauchos. Fairly long on the wing, Torres is a talented shooter with good enough athletic ability. In addition, Torres us a top-notch defender from end to end of the floor, using his long arms and quick feet.

Shamel Williams '11 of Thomas Jefferson (NY) continued his tear this spring while playing with New Heights. The 6'6 power forward is a talented shotblocker with a good frame. In addition, he rebounds the ball and is able to score it too. He should definitely have low-major schools on his trail.

In addition to wearing the best sneakers I saw all weekend, Tyrone Johnson '11 of Plainfield (NJ) also had a nice showing for Team Final. While he is more of a combo guard and needs to improve upon his distribution skills, Johnson can really score the rock and is a fantastic athlete.

Maryland-commit Sterling Gibbs '11 of Seton Hall Prep (NJ) had quite the weekend for the New York Panthers, but he did so quietly. Gibbs is the type of player who can do it all and is someone you want on your team. He is a 6'2 point guard who efficiently runs an offense, scoring from beyond the arc, and distributes the ball quite well. He has developed into one of the better point guards in the class of 2011 on a national level.

UConn-commit Maurice Harkless '11, who will transfer from Forest Hills (NY) to South Kent (CT) for his senior year, had a really good weekend for the New York Panthers. The 6'7 wing has super length at the three spot and he is also quite good athletically. Harkless rebounds the ball and scores around the hoop, but he does have work to do to refine his all-around game.

Yemi Makanjuola '11 showed some real nice flashes while playing with the New York Panthers. A 6'8 power forward out of Oak Hill Academy (VA), Makanjuola did not get much run playing for the powerful OHA, but he is definitely a Division I player. Makanjuola rebounds, plays smart, can block shots, and scores a bit.

Chuck Oliver '11 had another superb weekend with the New York Panthers. The 6'1 combo guard out of Scotch Plains-Fanwood (NJ) is a knockdwon shooter, something that has been known for a while. Now, though, Oliver's overall game has become more developed. He can get to the cup off the bounce, which means defenders cannot play him tight behind the arc.

Note- photo at the top left is of D'Angelo Harrison; all photos are from http://scouthoops.scout.com/