by Ian Powers

Session #2 of the 2011 Nike Elite Youth Basketball League took place this weekend in Dallas. Ian Powers was in attendance and was kind enough to write up some coverage of the event for Northstar Basketball. Below are Powers' evaluations of some of the top players in attendance at the EYBL and a couple from the Next Level Tournament, with a focus on many of the elite Texans.


Grant Jerrett 6'9", 200, PF La Verne Lutheran, La Verne, CA 2012- The Arizona commit is an extremely long and skilled kid. He has high shoulders and a very nice touch around the basket. He changed the game on both ends of the floor with his excellent timing as a shot blocker and his advanced offensive game. He doesn't give you the appearance of a great athlete, but he can finish over you in traffic when you least expect it. He needs strength but he should be an early contributor for the Wildcats.

Jarnell Stokes 6'8" 240 Central, Memphis, TN 2012- This kid is simply a man amongst boys at this level. He is bull strong and has a good set of hands. He finished around the basket well with both hands and he shows a consistent jumper out to 17 feet. Catches and finishes in traffic. He is a man on the glass in and out of his area. He's a little stiff in his movement and finishes through contact. At 6'7" or 6'8" he will be undersized for the NBA level but he will be a dominant low post scorer on the college level.

Brandon Ashley 6'10" 220 PF, Bishop O' Dowd, Oakland, CA 2012- This kid has transformed his game from strictly being a low post player to one who can shoot it to three and face up and put it on the floor. He is 6'10" and still seems to be growing. He is very long and has huge, soft hands that allow him to catch and finish in traffic. He has nice form on his jump shot which bodes well for him in the future as he continues to expand his game. He is a very active shot blocker and is active on both backboards. Had some trouble staying on the floor this weekend due to foul trouble. Needs to add strength and bulk to his frame, but he his physique has gone through a good transformation already. Easily one of the top 5 players in his class and could quite possibly end up being the player with the most upside.

J'Mychal Reese 6'2" 170 PG, Bryan, Bryan, TX 2012- Reese has been hyped since he was in the 6th grade and people were starting to wonder why, but he has answered his critics in abundance this spring. There have been doubts about him being a true Point Guard because of having to share duties with highly touted teammate L.J. Rose. Reese is a scoring point who is lightning fast from end to end. To play with Reese you must be willing to get out and fill a lane. He gets in the paint at will for either a shot or set up for a teammate. At times he moves a little too fast but he is very poised and has a maturing game. He can shoot it to three and has quick feet and hands on the defensive end of the floor. Still doesn't allow the dog in him to come out enough. Once he figures out the nuances of the Point Guard position he can add to the golden era of great Point Guards we see in the league today.

Rasheed Sulaimon 6'3" 183 SG, Strake Jesuit, Houston, TX 2012- This 6'3" sniper will be a good fit for the Duke program. He does a nice job of shooting off screens or the catch. He has improved his ability to put the ball on the floor, but it still is a work in progress and not yet his bread and butter. He will be undersized as a two in the league and he doesn't have the explosive athleticism to make up for his lack of great size.

Matt Jones 6'4 185, SG, Desoto, TX 2013- Jones is a sharp shooting two that is fundamentally sound in all aspects of the game. He's smart and competitive. Is not a great athlete and needs to get stronger, but his shooting ability alone will make him a target for high majors.

Prince Ibeh 6'10" 230, PF/C, Garland Naaman Forest, Garland, TX 2012- This kid is not well known outside of Texas, but those in the Lone Star state are well aware of his abilities. He is active on both ends and has great timing as a shot blocker. You don't have to run plays for him because he is still very raw on the offensive end, but he does a great job cleaning up the offensive glass. Has a chance to be a pro because of his length, activity, and athleticism. Stay tuned.

Rodney Purvis 6'4" 185, SG/PG, Upper Room Christian, Raleigh, NC 2012- Purvis lists Dwayne Wade as his favorite player and it's not hard to see why. This 6'4" combo guard is relentless attacking the basket. His strength and ability to finish through contact makes him a tough guard. Didn't shoot a lot of jumpers this weekend, mainly due to his ability to get to the basket. [He reportedly decommitted from Louisville today]. It'll be interesting to see how his recruitment plays out.

Justin Jackson 6'5" 175, SF, HCYA, Spring, TX 2014- This kid is a Kevin Durant clone in terms of body type and length. Can really shoot the ball and moves well without it. Tough minded kid who is not afraid of playing up in the 17 and under division. Has a nice game on the baseline with a variety of soft floaters that go in regularly. If he grows to 6'8" to 6'10" ala Durant he will be special. Already is.


Next Level Tournament

Isaiah Austin 7'0" 210, Grace Prep, Arlington, TX 2012- The 7 footer had his ups and downs this weekend in Dallas. He has great length and great timing as a shot blocker. Is still rail thin, but has been on a weight program which shows in his physique. Has a great handle and ability to put the ball on the floor for a guy his size. Floats entirely too much on the perimeter when he can use his great length more around the basket. Upside is enormous and if he ever commits himself to playing more on the box, watch out.

Emmanuel Mudiay, 6'4" 185, PG, Arlington, TX 2014- It is amazing that this kid just turned 15 in March. This kid has a feel for the game that cannot be taught and belies his youth. He can get to the basket when he wants or can step out and shoot it from long range. Silky smooth player. His passing is clearly his best asset and he has shown the ability to make others better. He needs to learn to play hard against all levels of competition, but that should come with maturity. Has top 5 in the class of 2014 talent.