VEGAS SUMMER SHOWCASE GUIDE

#ELITE #ROCKCHALK KD'S TRAINER >JAYHAWKS RELOAD JUSTIN ZORMELO JORDAN CLASSIC JOHN LUCAS IMSC JIM COUCH SUPER 16 NATIONAL TRAINING SHOWCASE PANGOS ALL-AMERICAN COMBINATOR MAGAZINE > > CONTENTS ISSUE #1. THE ISSUE. Combinator Magazine welcomes all players, parents and coaches to the Vegas summer basketball guide. Showcasing skill is more than just lacing up and playing. Strong, fundamental basketball play involves training, nutrition and focus. The contents of this magazine highlights players, trainers, and showcases that top basketball personnel attend and support. From the Jordan Game, where the top high school players are seen, to the John Lucas International Middle School Combine where they are discovered, these pages share the stories of basketball development. –Editor-in-Chief Sean Couch

VEGAS GEAR GET YOUR AND EATING GUIDE, GAME EXPLOSIVE , & AND READY NEXT GENERATION WITH THESE GAME DAY TRAINING TOOLS. NUTRITION & ENERGY BOOSTS.

06 VEGAS SUMMER SHOWCASE GUIDE 14 JUSTIN ZORMELO 16 TRAINING CIRCLE ’s training matrix on smash.

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17 JORDAN CLASSIC 18 20 OSCAR LIN Top HS Showcase finds a home at the Kansas Basketball is ecstatic about what many are Taiwan’s top 17-year-old guard trains and plays hard. Barclays . calling the one pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

23 JOHN LUCAS IMSC 26 JIM COUCH SUPER16 30 PANGOS ALL-AMERICAN The Top Middle School players in the all Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s first Coach runs a National Dinos Trigonis’ camp is the top West Coast Event go to the lab in Houston, TX. Training Showcase in City that attracts the of the spring. top freshmen and sophomores in the country.

> > COMBINATOR MAGAZINE JIM COUCH SUPER 16 NATIONAL TRAINING SHOWCASE

NEW YORK CITY < OCTOBER 20-21, 2013 < BARUCH COLLEGE

SEE THE TOP FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES IN THE COUNTRY PLAY IN FRONT OF JIM COUCH, THE TEACHER OF THE SKYHOOK!

TEAM TRAINING DRILL COMBINATOR MAGAZINE PUBLISHER: THOMAS BRYANT SPOTLIGHT < CUT THROAT CLARK CHEN U16 US NATIONAL ORIGINATOR > DON SHOWALTER - NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF BASKETBALL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF + TEAM MEMBER ESPN’S CHEIK DIALLO THE YEAR IN 2009, 9-TIME IOWA HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR, CREATIVE DIRECTOR: #2 RISING ESPN’S #10 USA BASKETBALL NATIONAL TEAM DEVELOPMENTAL COACH. SEAN COUCH SOPHOMORE RISING JUNIOR Cut Throat is a 4-on-4 intense and fast drill that has three rules DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: in order for the team to stay on offense – ALEJANDRO DANOIS • Must square up on each catch – this is the triple threat position with the ball CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: VAN COLEMAN on the hip and the shooting foot ahead. If the defense is playing very tight RON FLORES an attempt to square up is accepted CLARK FRANCIS ADAM ZAGORIA • Must move after a pass – cut to the basket, screen away or screen on 4 the ball is acceptable but cannot just stand DESIGNER + ART DIRECTOR: MATT TURNEY, @MATTTRNY • Must thank the passer on a made basket – if the coach passes the ball WWW.TURNEYCREATIVE.COM he must be thanked PHOTO EDITOR: • May add other rules such as limit to 2 dribbles, all players must touch the STEVEN COUNTS ball, cannot shoot until a ball screen occurs or any other rule you would like to implement WEBSITE: COMBINATORMAG.COM • If a rule is broken, that team is blown off the court by the coach and the defensive team goes to the offense and the new team comes in on WRITE TO US: SATURDAY ADMISSION: $10.00 [email protected] AFTERNOON NIGHT the defense 1-5 pm 5-9 pm Alumni Juniors vs • Play for a period of time – 4 minutes is good or a certain number of points Training Showcase Sophomore-Freshmen Scrimmage + Skills Competition Middle School All-Star Game

CREDS < DON SHOWALTER SUNDAY ADMISSION: $10.00 High School Pep Rally Sunday: 11-12 pm – US Olympic Committee (USOC) Volunteer Coach of the Year – 2012 National Freshmen Game: 1:00 pm – USA Basketball Developmental National Team Coach – U16 U17 teams 2009-14 National Sophomore Game: 3:00 pm – Four-Time USA Basketball Developmental Coach of the Year 2009-10-11-12 – Five-Time Gold Medal Coach for USA Basketball U16 and U17 teams – 2009-10-11-12-13 Proceeds go to the support of the Jim Couch Foundation – National Coach of the Year by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association – 2009 – Nike Skills and LeBron Academy Coach Free Basketball Clinic Program – McDonald’s All American Coach – 1999 – Coach – 2005 and 2012 – National Federation State and Regional Coach of the Year – 2009 WWW.JIMCOUCHFOUNDATION.ORG @Jimcouchsuper16 /Jimcouchsuper16

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> > COMBINATOR MAGAZINE COMBINATOR MAGAZINE > Las Vegas Basketball Tournaments Las Vegas Basketball Tournaments LAS VEGAS LIVE LAS VEGAS CLASSIC DATE: July 17-21, 2013 DATE: July 24-28, 2013 ORGANIZER: Hal Pastner ORGANIZER: Hal Pastner TWITTER: @BIGFOOTHOOPS TWITTER: @BIGFOOTHOOPS WEBSITE: www.bigfoothoops.com WEBSITE: www.bigfoothoops.com TEAMS: 300 TEAMS: 600 YEARS: 3 YEARS: 3 GYMS IN USE: 11 GYMS IN USE: 22

CHECK IN LOCATION: Desert Pine HS, CHECK IN LOCATION: Spring Valley HS, 3800 E Harris Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89110 3750 S. Buffalo Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89147

2012 CHAMPIONS: 17U – Utah Pump N Run Red, 16U – Elite 2014 (TX), 15U – Hub City Gym Rats (CA), 2012 CHAMPIONS: 17U – Houston Hoops (TX), 16U – Oakland Soldiers (CA), 15U – Houston Hoops (TX), 14U- Team Bibby Red (AZ), 13U – Runnin Rebels (FL), 12U – Houston Rookies, 11U – Team Bibby Red (AZ), 14U-Mac Irvin Fire (IL), 13U – Oakland Soldiers (CA), 12U –Seattle Rotary Style (WA), 11U – Team Bibby (AZ), 9/10U – Inland Force (CA), Varsity Girls HS – Houston Hoops Rodriguez, Girls 14/15U – Vegas Elite 9/10U – Yellow Jackets (CA), Varsity Girls – Century Diamondbacks (ID), 14U Girls – Northern New Mexico Flight (NM)

COMPETITION: 4-team pool-play with all teams advancing to championship rounds. COMPETITION: 4-team pool-play with all teams advancing to championship rounds.

DID YOU KNOW? Before Las Vegas Live, Hal Pastner’s Kingwood Classic in Houston, TX DID YOU KNOW? 10 was the must-go tournament during the spring recruiting period. In 2007, 200 NBA professionals have participated in Big Foot Events over the years. 11 ? a record 753 teams ranging from 9U-17U entered the tournament. ? ADIDAS SUPER 64 LAS VEGAS FAB 48 DATE: July 25-28, 2013 DATE: July 24-28, 2013 RHODE ISLAND RECRUIT ORGANIZER: Ron Montoya HASSAN MARTIN WITH ORGANIZERS: Dinos Trigonis, Gary Charles, Grant Rice NEW HEIGHTS NYC AAU AT TWITTER: @LASVEGASFAB48 TWITTER: @ADIDASHOOPS ADIDAS SUPER 64 WEBSITE: http://adidassuper64.com WEBSITE: www.lasvegasfab48.com 441 TEAMS: 400+ TEAMS: YEARS: 4 10 YEARS: GYMS IN USE: 12 GYMS IN USE: 17 CHECK IN LOCATION: Bishop Gorman HS, CHECK IN LOCATION: Rancho HS, 5959 S Hualapai Way, Las Vegas, NV 89148 1900 E Searles Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101 DIRECTIONS LINK: http://www.lasvegasfab48.com/venue_directions.html DIRECTIONS LINK: http://exposurebasketballtournaments.com/39/adidas-super-64/gyms 2012 CHAMPIONS: 17U – Team Loaded (VA), 16U – Team SCAN (NYC), 15U – Team SCAN (NYC) 2012 CHAMPIONS: 17U – Mustangs, 16U – Louisville Magic, Fab 48 “Invitational Pool”: Teams in Pool A - D are in the “Sweet 15U – Elite, 14U – Championship Billups Elite Basketball Academy COMPETITION: 16” super pools and all teams in those respective pools get automatic berths into the championship playoffs. The teams that finish in the top 2 slots in Pools E - L COMPETITION: 16 pools, four games, single game elimination will get into the championship playoffs. after rankings based on pool play.

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> > > COMBINATOR MAGAZINE HOW CAN YOU BUILD YOUR GAME LIKE KD? JUSTIN ZORMELO JUSTIN ZORMELO METRICS THE BUILDING OF THE “L” COMBINATOR Chop: Sean Couch | Images: Courtesy of Position Sports “Let’s get up early, workout, and see how efficient you can be. WHAT IS AN “L” COMBINATOR? KD one morning said “Knowing what to A player in the NBA who the three- line, 50% from ‘Hard day of work do each time on dominates his position and the field, and 90% from the 6 am. I didn’t the defensive and masters the art of shooting, line. want to get offensive side dribble and passing. up.’ But he of the ball.” Getting better means never being was there In the world of player training, satisfied and KD’s low post game JUSTIN working.” the new basketball metrics have is the next focus. Surprisingly, in ZORMELO centered around scoring efficiency 220 attempts in the post during the measures. Trainer Justin Zormelo 2012-2013 season KD ranked #2 in CEO OF BEST changed Kevin Durant’s thought post per possession points. While BALL ANALYTICS process emphasizing scoring zone that only averages out to a little awareness through film study less than three touches a game KD’S SUMMER and day after training sessions to the stat gives KD confidence that TRAINER AND address weaknesses. As a result, KD his training approach is sound and IN-SEASON became the seventh player in NBA that his post scoring will match PERSONAL VIDEO COORDINATOR history to achieve the ‘percentage his perimeter game with triple double’ shooting 40% from more touches. WORKOUTS AND 14 TRAINING WITH: KEVIN DURANT FEATURED DRILL: DWYANE WADE DETERMINATION TO BASKET DRILL WORK ROY HIBBERT 1. Catch and Square. AND JEFF GREEN

2. “Determination” to the basket mind state. VIDEO COORDINATOR WITH BULLS 3. Get lower than defender and go through defenders VIDEO INTERN shoulder and hip with explosive long first step. WITH

4. Meet big at rim with body contact and “find finishing “The player should move.” Your eyes should be on the rim, shoulders master elbow shooting squared to basket, and release under control. from free throw line out to three-point line. When closely defended the “’What kind of player should be thinking DID YOU KNOW? player are you?’ Most ‘I’m going to the rim to Justin Zormelo found Glen Rice Jr. (photo right) at a Miami gym pick up run and players say ‘I’m a scorer suggested he work out with him. Rice was dismissed from Tech during take a high percentage the 2011-12 season and played a year in the NBA developmental league with the or play like another shot and I’m going to ? Rio Grande Vipers. Four months of continuous workouts helped him average player. Most don’t really make the shot on an 29 points in the NBDL playoffs and his overall performance earned him the know the answer. Where do .’ It’s called the 35 selection in 2013 NBA draft. Rice Jr. is now the highest drafted player in you score? Where don’t “determination-to-the- D-League history and aspires to make the roster in 2013. you score, and how do basket-mind-state.” Video: http://www.bestballanalytics.com/#!prettyPhoto/0/ opponents guard you?”

> > COMBINATOR MAGAZINE #ELITE SHOWCASE > TRAINING COMBINATOR MAGAZINE >

Tyler Ennis COMBINATOR TRAINING CIRCLE Equipment and hydration that boosts speed, skill, explosion and strength!

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16 17 JORDAN CLASSIC D.C., NYC, CHARLOTTE AND NOW HOME IN Chop: Sean Couch | Images: Courtesy of Position Sports 3 4 ashington, D.C. hosted the first Jordan Brand creating a one-of-a-kind experience for our athletes WClassic game in 2002 that featured Carmelo and we know Brooklyn is the perfect backdrop.” Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire. In 2005, it moved to ’s for a six-year- he 22 players selected are among a new breed run, which included memorable performances from Tof talent whose training regimen emphasizes Kevin Durant (2006), (2010) and Harrison conditioning that increases vertical leap, lateral Barnes (2010). After two years in Charlotte, highlighted quickness and strong handles. 1 2 3 4 5 by the talents of (2011) and Shabazz NIKE+ FUEL BAND POWER PLYO-BOXES EVERLAST 9-lb RUBBER LIFETIME BASKETBALL VITA COCA Muhammed (2012), the game returned to Michael CIRCA: 2002 The band tracks running, Going vertical and finishing MEDICINE BALL DRIBBLING GOGGLES COCONUT WATER Jordan’s birthplace, Brooklyn, New York, in what looks walking, dancing, basketball with a dunk can be part of Develop arm, hand, Learn to dribble with your An alternative hydration like a perfect fit for the Jordan All-American franchise. and dozens of everyday your game if you get into chest and core strength head up by blocking off choice that has gained SCORING RECORD: 34 popularity in the basketball BY LEBRON JAMES activities. It’s also a great a strong plyo-box routine. for explosive, space your lower line of sight. ore than 15,000 fans attended the 2013 showcase at watch! Players like to wear Any athlete can use these separating moves The goggles help with sports world. The drink , home of the NBA’s . bands and this one makes boxes for forward jumps, with the use of a court vision, ball control does not have the added M you want to stay fit and in lateral jumps, and other medicine ball. and the ability to focus sugar, artificial flavoring RECORD: 17 shape. Allows you to sync plyometric drills. Available on open teammates! and colors that other “Brooklyn is deep-rooted and immersed with art, music BY AMAR’E STOUDEMIRE in to your computer to in multiple heights for sports drinks have. and culture with numerous celebrities and entertainers keep track of your developing reaction time It is also a great such as , Jay-Z, , and electrolyte source. fitness routine. and overall explosiveness. stemming from its foundation,” said Larry Miller, RECORD: 14 BY Price: $149.00 Price: $749.95 Price: $39.99 Price: $6.99 Price: $19.61 for 12-pack President of Jordan Brand. “The [showcase] is all about nike.com www.power-systems.com everlast.com dickssportinggoods.com vitacoco.com

> > > COMBINATOR MAGAZINE COMBINATOR > ZAGSBLOG > SPOTLIGHT > RECRUITMENT COMBINATOR MAGAZINE > “Definitely, I’m sure that he would want to three. Conner Frankamp can play for anyone make his own legacy and you could and so can Brannen Greene. Frank KU see it kind of on Kentucky’s team Mason is about as underrated of this year,” he said. a as there is in “They had a lot of stars the class. It’s been a great and it kind of didn’t recruiting class, but we ANDREW WIGGINS need to have a great THE MOST DRAWN OUT AND HYPED jell as well as it did the team before recruiting class RECRUITMENT IN RECENT MEMORY HAS FINALLY COME TO AN END. when it had a lot because we lost Chop: Adam Zagoria | Images: Courtesy of Position Sports of freshmen that so many guys on really jelled a team that did together. So pretty well May 14, 2013 was the day that Andrew that support our program are going to be *WHICH this year.” Wiggins announced his plans to play at pleasantly surprised when they see him it’s just a Kansas, choosing the Jayhawks over the run and play the very first time he gets difference “He’s the two presumed favorites, State and the opportunity.” in players JAYHAWK RECORD best player Kentucky, as well as . and putting in the world Wiggins will now play basketball in the same combinations so I don’t “The other schools were great, but Kansas state as his older brother, Nick Wiggins, who together. WILL ANDREW know how had my heart,” Wiggins told Grant Traylor will be a senior at Wichita State. Coach far he can of the Herald-Dispatch, the lone reporter Wiggins’ decision gives Kansas Calipari’s a bring them,” permitted to cover the event. “That’s it. two players ranked No. 1 at very good WIGGINS Syracuse- I followed my heart.” their position in Wiggins (small coach so I bound point The 6-foot-7 Wiggins made the forward) and (center), wouldn’t blame guard Tyler announcement before his parents according to ESPN.com. it really at all BREAK? Ennis of St. and teammates at Huntington (W.V.) In this poll on ZAGSBLOG, only 12 on him.” Benedict’s Prep St. Joseph Central Catholic School, choosing percent of more than 7,000 voters Meantime, Florida told SNY.tv of a low-key signing instead of a big-time press had picked Kansas as Wiggins’s State folks had hoped Wiggins. “But having conference or an announcement on ESPN. destination. Kentucky led Wiggins would follow the best player in the Wiggins is the consensus No. 1 player in with 44 percent. both of his parents, world is not going to hurt anybody.”Still, Wiggins’s the Class of 2013 and is projected as the Kentucky fans had hoped — former NBA player Mitchell 18 No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Wiggins and former Canadian tenure in Lawrence figures 19 and many had expected to be short. The Naismith and Gatorade National Boys — that Wiggins would Olympic track star Marita Payne- Basketball Player of the Year, Wiggins join the parade of Wiggins, to the school. So did his friend The 2014 NBA Draft is expected to be averaged 23.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.6 McDonald’s and Huntington Prep teammate, Xavier much stronger than the 2013 Draft, which blocks and 2.5 assists last season. All-Americans Rathan-Mayes, a 6-4 who has been called “historically weak,” and Wiggins figures to committed in October. headline a draft a year from now which should also include “Obviously, everyone in Jayhawk-land is coming to Lexington next Wiggins and Rathan-Mayes are fellow Canadians and 2014 stars like Kentucky pledges and Aaron and overwhelmed and excited today,” Andrew Harrison and Arizona-bound forward . Kansas coach Bill Self said. season to play teammates on the Canadian Junior National Team. for coach John “Drew, you should come to FSU because you’re my best “He just needs to stay in the gym this summer shooting “This was a pleasant surprise because we Calipari. jumpers as well as working on his game off the dribble which never had an idea which way he was [leaning]. friend and because of the opportunity we have to do Kentucky already something special together that not too many people can will only increase draft status next year,” one veteran Andrew did this the exact way he said he was NBA scout told SNY.tv. going to. He played his cards very close to his has a record do together,” Rathan-Mayes told USA Today before the vest as did his mother and father. I knew we six McDonald’s All- announcement. “Other than that, I want you to go where Said a second NBA scout: “He is a great young player. He were one of four. The competition was very stiff Americans and Wiggins you’re happy; so no matter where you go, I’ll support you 100 should be right at the top of the college game right away and we were fortunate that we were able to would have made it seven. percent and be your biggest supporter!” and he is built for the NBA with his physical tools and his ink him today. He’s a tremendous talent and a “I don’t think there have Kansas is in the mix almost every year for a Final Four and exceptional understanding and skill set.” terrific kid. Probably an even better kid than ever been five McDonald’s next year will be no different with a class headlined by Knicks star Carmelo Anthony saw Wiggins play last month he is a talent. We think he has a chance to be All-Americans going to the same Wiggins and also including Embiid, Selden, Brannen Greene, at the Jordan Brand Classic in Brooklyn. about as good a prospect as we’ve ever had. school in one year, let alone the Frank Mason and Conner Frankamp. Asked if Wiggins could make an immediate impact in the “He brings athleticism, length, scoring six that has Kentucky this year,” “We had an unbelievable class when we signed Brandon NBA, Anthony said: “It takes time. I wish him the best. Next ability and he’s also an assassin, an alpha longtime New York recruiting expert (Rush), Mario (Chalmers), Julian (Wright) and Micah Downs year if he do what he gotta do and he’s ready to make that dog and we definitely need that when Tom Konchalski said. “And seven, (2005-06); that’s a big-time class,” Self said. step, then more power to him. I support his decision.” you have a whole bunch of I don’t think there ever will be.” “This one has more upside. Andrew has a chance to be For one year, Kansas fans — and not those from Kentucky, young kids,” Self said. “I the first pick in the draft. Joel Embiid goes from being an Florida State or North Carolina — can revel in Wigginsanity. think he’s going to be Nick Wiggins told SNY.tv at the Final unranked player to being the top center prospect in the not just a good player, Four that his brother, a naturally quiet, class. He’s raw but so gifted physically. Wayne Selden is a Read Adam Zagoria’s www.ZagsBlog.com on the net. but have the chance shy kid, might want to make his own McDonald’s All-American and top-15 guy. Everybody knows to be a great one. mark in college, as opposed to joining about those three, but they are sleeping on are the other I know the people a group of studs at Kentucky. *COMBINATOR PREDICTION: DUNKS IN A SEASON.

> > #COMBINATOR Oscar Lin THE NEXT JEREMY LIN? TAIWAN'S OSCAR LIN IS LOOKING TO BRING HIS GAME TO AMERICA. Chop: Samuel Brown | Images: Courtesy of Position Sports

99-stair Training Regiment According to the website livestrong.com, running stairs is a high-intensity activity that can improve your hops, provided certain things are taken into consideration. Running on the toes improves calf-muscle strength for better off-the-ground burst. Adding resistance after a few workouts by using a weight vest or ankle weights will increase your vertical leap. Implementing hopping sequences up stairs naturally allows for a slow lengthening of your leg muscles, which is the he first thing you notice about Oscar Lin are cornerstone of plyometric training. Include variations like his oversized calf muscles. T hops on two feet, hops on every other step, single foot hops “I just kept trying to dunk when I was growing up in and hopping as many steps as possible with each jump. Australia and I built my legs [with my stair workout],” he said via e-mail. In the minds of every developing player around the world, Goal: Improve vertical leap and foot speed. dunking the basketball is an all-consuming thought as they dream of that first moment when they finally achieve that over-the-rim status. Flash back to June 2012 at the Nike All-Asia Camp in Guangzhou, China, where under the watchful eye of Nike’s The young 6-foot-1 Chinese National, born Lin Kuan Director of International Basketball George Raveling, Chun in Australia and presently living in Taiwan, works the top 18-and-under ballers from the Far East compete. to increase his vertical leap by running up 99 steps of a Lin finished the camp as one of its top five players out Buddhist temple in a 10-kilogram weight vest. of 60 selected, earning him a spot in the 2013 Jordan His first set of two is a one-step, high-knee power bustle. International Game at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, After finishing up, he goes up the stairs for the second set where he scored nine points in 18 minutes, showing of two but this time skipping a step, quickly striding to handle, good mid-range skills and surprisingly the top. After a short rest, he progresses to the last of his improving hops, given his bulky lower legs. series, skipping two steps, straining to keep the same pace “My favorite moment about my Jordan experience was and form he started on his first set. the practice games,” said Lin. “They were intense.” His work ethic, and the fact that he dropped 55 points The experience left him yearning to play here in in a game during his undefeated high school the United States. championship season in Taiwan, has him on YouTube with a semi-official mixtape. He’s also buzzing on Oscar has interest from several high schools on the West Facebook and Twitter. Oscar, who has earned spots on Coast. He’s hopeful that his Jordan Game experience will both the 17U Junior National Australian squad and the assist him to earn some burn, like many of the game’s 18U Chinese Taipei Junior National team, is thinking international alumni, at the major NCAA D-I level, similar about playing his senior year of high school in America. to Australia’s Hugh Greenwood who is currently the Should we be excited? starting point guard at the University of New Mexico. > COMBINATOR MAGAZINE #ELITE TRAINING > CAMP > CLINIC

Harvey had a great camp for somebody his size, Jalek Felton as well. He’s a match- Mullins, SC does a great job of JOHN LUCAS up problem waiting to running the court, is happen, thanks to his very aggressive on the INTERNATIONAL strength and athleticism, boards, and has a knack aggressiveness around for being able to either the basket, and ability find a way to score, or MIDDLE SCHOOL to score in a variety of overpower the defender ways. We also were really in the low post. COMBINE impressed with 6-foot- Chop: VAN COLEMAN | Images: Courtesy of Russell Ross 5 Michael Porter from Rounding out our top Columbia, Missouri, five-ranked players #LUCAS who is about 75 spots in camp was 6-foot- LAB too low at #88 nationally 6 on our current list of the from Houston, . top players in the But, quite honestly, Class of 2017. he’s almost too smooth for his own good and Porter, clearly one of the has not developed most competitive players the outside shooting #1Overall Pick by in camp, has an excellent necessary for him shooting touch from out to evolve into the in the 1976 NBA on the perimeter, has perimeter player that he Draft, 13-year great hands, and gets is projected to become. Head Coaching more than his share of Instead, he’s more like a career in NBA with rebounds. His high skill point/forward, as he has , 22 level shouldn’t come as pretty good ball handling Philadelphia 76’ers much of a surprise in and passing skills, is and Cleveland light of the fact that his adept at bringing the Cavaliers 1992-2004. father is an assistant ball up the court, and The most respected coach basketball coach is a match-up problem talent evaluator on for the women’s team with his size, quickness, the middle school When the dust settled after the 2013 John Lucas Resources International Middle P.J. Washington at the University of Frisco, TX and athleticism at the and young high School Combine in Houston, Texas, it was pretty clear that 6-foot-2, Jalek Missouri. And even defensive end. school level in the Felton, who will be a freshman at Mullins High School in South Carolina this more intriguing, One more player who United States. fall, was the most naturally gifted player in the gym. his mother stands 6-foot-4, and she tells deserves special mention Location: us that her oldest son is 5-foot-11 Marcus Felton, the nephew of former University of North Carolina All-American and St. John’s has three younger Shaver from Honolulu, High School current New York Knick , who had 19 points, five assists and brothers, two of whom Hawaii. He really knows Houston, Texas five steals when we saw him last December at the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle are projected to be how to score, is terrific Beach, made a strong case for being the second best player in the class of 2017, 7-footers, who also off the dribble, is Level: behind 6-foot-9 Cody Riley, who hails from Chatsworth, . have a chance to be explosive in transition, has a high basketball Middle School good players. IQ, is a tremendous 7th and 8th graders Felton has a strong inside, outside, and mid-range game, along with a terrific 6-foot-5 Kelvin Calhoun competitor, and was one basketball IQ. He’s a real competitor, and, like his uncle, a class act and a great from Warrenville of the best defensive Year: kid. He shined against some great competition at this year’s Lucas camp, which Heights, , is a players. He seems to get 6th included such burgeoning talents as 6-foot-6 Jarred Vanderbilt from Houston, physical specimen and better and better every a beast inside. He’d not time we see him. @COACHJOHNLUCAS1 6-foot-3 Chris Giles from Plano, Texas, 6-foot-5 Darren “D.J.” Harvey from previously been on our Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, and 6-foot-6 P.J. Washington from Frisco, Texas, Follow Van Coleman at radar screen, but has www.hot100hoops.com Darren “DJ” Harvey all of whom are ranked among the top 10 nationally in the Class of 2017. surprising mobility and Clark Francis at Owens Cross Roads, AL www.hoopscooponline.com

> > COMBINATOR MAGAZINE

The HOOP SCOOP’s Ranking of the Top 50 Players based primarily on performance in the JOHN LUCAS RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL COMBINE is as follows: 1 Michael Porter 6’2 8th GR | Jalek Felton Mullins, SC Columbia, MO 2 6’5 8th GR | Darren “D.J.” Harvey Owens Cross Rds, AL 3 6’5 8th GR | Michael Porter Columbia, MO 4 6’5 8th GR | Kelvin Calhoun Warrenville Heights, OH 5 6’6 8th GR | Jarred Vanderbilt Houston, TX 6 5’11 8th GR | Marcus Shaver Honolulu, HI 7 6’5 8th GR | D.J. Russell Orange Park, FL 8 6’3 8th GR | Chris Giles Plano, TX 9 6’6 8th GR | P.J. Washington Frisco, TX 10 6’7 8th GR | Ira Lee Hidden Hills, CA 11 6’8 8th GR | Wendell Carter Fairburn, GA 12 6’1 8th GR | Deondre Bourne Brooklyn, NY 13 6’5 7th GR | Ladarius Marshall Jackson, MS 14 6’3 8th GR | Victor Bailey Urbana, IL 15 6’8 7th GR | Oumar Keita Jackson, MS 16 6’4 8th GR | Saginaw, MI 17 6’2 7th GR | Stanley Cassius Encino, CA 18 6’5 8th GR | Nickolas Alikakos Westchester, PA 19 5’10 8th GR | Ricky Nelson Houston, TX 20 6’5 7th GR | Michael Barber Jackson, MS 21 5’10 8th GR | Willie Herenton Chicago, IL 22 5’9 6th GR | Tyger Campbell Austin, TX 23 5’10 7th GR | Deven Nelson Fountain, CO 24 6’3 8th GR | Kolejuan Brown Far Rockaway, NY 24 25 5’11 8th GR | Jacob Wiley Houston, TX 26 6’2 8th GR | Philip Flory Wisconsin Rapids, WI 27 5’9 7th GR | Courtney Ramey St. Louis, MO 28 6’2 7th GR | Michael Feinberg Hidden Hills, CA 29 6’2 8th GR | Bradley Belt Meridianville, AL 30 6’1 8th GR | Charles O’Bannon Las Vegas, NV 31 5’10 7th GR | Quade Green Philadelphia, PA 32 6’2 7th GR | Christian Popoola Las Vegas, NV 33 5’11 8th GR | Alex Fernandez Austin, TX 34 6’7 8th GR | Landon Walker Gering, NE 35 6’1 8th GR | Ahmad Onezime Lafayette, LA 36 6’10 8th GR | Chineduvictor Uyaelumnd Miami, FL 37 6’2 7th GR | Ahmad Williams Ft Washington, MD 38 6’0 8th GR | Ethan Thompson Gardena, CA 39 6’5 7th GR | Hunter Quick Lake Jackson, TX 40 5’9 8th GR | Josh Williams Houston, TX 41 6’3 8th GR | Caleb Simmons Phoenix, AZ 42 6’3 8th GR | Chaundee Brown Clermont, FL 43 6’3 7th GR | Diante Wood Anniston, AL 44 6’4 8th GR | Cody Bowes Miami, FL 45 6’6 8th GR | Morningstar Takapu Goodyear, AZ 46 6’7 7th GR | Russell Barlow Garland, TX 47 67 7th GR | Reginald Crawford Florissant, MO 48 6’5 8th GR | John Petty Huntsville, AL 49 6”4 7th GR | Joseph Jones Buffalo, NY 50 6’3 8th GR | Jonathan Dockery Houston, TX

> #ELITE SHOWCASE > TRAINING COMBINATOR MAGAZINE >

Class of 2011 almumi (l-r): Marcus Floyd, PA , NV Jamar Ergas, ONT, and , NJ

National FreshmEn + Sophomore Training Showcase JIM COUCH AGE: 82 Chop: Samuel Brown | Images: Steven Counts SKILL PACKAGE: TEACHER OF THE SKYHOOK HOMETOWN: DYCKMAN… IN NEW YORK CITY FAVORITE DRILL: DEFENSIVE SLIDE SEQUENCE @JIMCOUCHSUPER16 USA Basketball’s BJ Johnson 2012 Jim Couch Freshman talks to campers Game MVP Temple Gibbs (Seton Hall Prep, NJ) Averaged 14.4 points per game as Freshman in HS 27

Thomas Bryant (Bishop Kearny HS, NY) Selected to U16 United States National Team. Was unranked before his 2011 MVP appearance at Jim Couch Game.

Jim Couch took a 13-year-old boy Stephen Zimmerman, Thomas Bryant programming and showed strong shot named Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul- and Thon Maker are three players blocking skills, a 3-point touch and Jabbar) to Dyckman Park in NYC one who participated in the event. a motor that earned him a spot on day and showed him the skyhook. The the 2013 USA U16 team that won a shot and the player are now part of NBA Two year ago, co-MVP Stephen gold medal this summer at the FIBA history. His national two-day training Zimmerman (#7 in ESPN Top 60 Class Americas Championships. showcase, now in its third year at of 2015) showed a unique presence as Baruch College in midtown Manhattan, a mobile center with strong transition Last year, Thon Maker (#2 in ESPN Top is a place where younger players are passing skills. His developing perimeter 25 Class of 2016) participated and his encouraged to build strength, game could make him a 7-foot inside/ potential to develop into a dominant speed, and skill. out offensive player that could transform post with strong mid-range skills could the center position. Co-MVP Thomas vault him into a category we haven’t seen Mr. Couch has always encouraged Bryant (#14 in ESPN Top 60 Class of from the position. players to develop unique skills to 2015), a 6-9 forward from Rochester, break molds and stereotypes of size and NY came highly recommended by position. But the key is conditioning. Rob Kennedy’s Hoop Group Elite

> > COMBINATOR MAGAZINE #ELITE SHOWCASE > TRAINING COMBINATOR MAGAZINE > COACH STEVE ESPAILLAT’S ICONOMETRIX.32 BIGG PUSH DRILL: THON < Lateral Movement Drill that enhances foot speed on the court and works on hand-eye coordination. MAKER • Place one foot on the ball and one off in The building of athletic triple threat position a 7-footer! • Place weighted pike in hand that matches Chop: Nick Metallinos | Images: Steven Counts foot that is planted on ground They say that in order to know where you’re going, you must • Shift pike to opposite hand as you step off first know where you’ve been. For Thon Maker, a 7-foot the bosu ball and end up with opposite foot rising sophomore from Australia by way of the Sudan, the on the floor and pike in opposite hand path to his ultimate goal is clearer than it’s ever been. • Repeat for 30 seconds, four sets Maker, who recently showcased his skills at the Jordan Brand Classic’s International Game in Brooklyn, left the Sudan CREDS: when he was just seven years old to attend school in Maker is the only rising sophomore who was selected to Australia. A fortuitous meeting with Edward Smith, participate in this year’s NBA Players Association Top 100 •LEAD TRAINER OF JIM COUCH SUPER 16 TRAINING DAY now Maker’s guardian and coach in the United camp, along with the Nike Elite 100 Camp in St Louis. •TRAINED WITH NBA’ERS FELIPE LOPEZ AND ELTON BRAND States, led the slightly-built big man to America to The teenager is humbled, but he still has his eyes set on the •CERTIFIED PERFORMANCE TRAINER, PES, NASM pursue his hoop dream. bigger prize.

“He [Smith] decided to build an athlete “I want to be in the league,” said Maker. “I want to become Reminders: Maintain athletic, triple-threat position Bosu Ball > out of me,” said Maker. “At first, the best at whatever I do, so I’m just trying to challenge at all times. Make sure that the pike or weighted bar 28 < Weighted Pike all I wanted to do was go to myself every day.” 29 or lifting bar is positioned on the floor at the middle of bosu ball school, and be the best at and brought down to knee-level. Make sure your whatever I decide to study He seems to understand the type of discipline and foot lands in middle of bosu at all times. at. I decided to go along dedication that it will take for him to get there and with [Coach Smith] not content to have fun while simply cruising on his and here I am playing raw potential. JIM COUCH TRAINING + CONDITIONING basketball.” “Everybody [in the NBA] works hard to be there,” Jim Couch Scouting: Maker is more advanced Focus: Foot Speed. Maker now he said. “They’re not there for any reason those on defense at this point but there is a guard skill finds himself are the guys who push themselves to the Thon is an above average straight runner with component in him that will be more evident as he at The next level.” average lateral speed. A drill we had him do at grows stronger and his foot speed improves. He Carlisle School in Virginia, the 2012 National Training Showcase was the has the ability to develop an offensive skill package where he posted averages of 23.4 Smith, who has overseen Maker’s body “Big Push” Lateral Speed sequence, which we haven’t seen from 7-0 foot player - one that points, 12.4 rebounds, and 4.9 blocks re-construction from a skinny 190 pounds increases muscle development in the feet, will show equal skill as a true post player and a per game as a freshman. to his current 210 and counting, believes his calf and hamstring/gluteus areas. In his final put-it-on-the-floor scorer. He works out with Kevin ceiling is limitless. 30-second interval, he showed increased Durant’s trainer, Justin Zormelo, and we are going Maker’s unique skill set – he has a wingspan quickness and adaptation to the drill, showing to continue to encourage him to become that 7-0 of 7’4”, can handle the ball like a guard, and is “Out of all the kids I’ve had, he is the capable of shooting well from16 to 18 feet – makes he has the ability to be an above average on the hybrid that can be a post presence first and put it most special,” says Smith. “He’s able to ball defender at his position to go along with his him an intriguing prospect. From the moment of his take something, and then add his own on the deck second. arrival in America, he’s been constantly working out natural shot blocking ability. flavor to it.” and striving to improve. MAKER NOW FINDS HIMSELF AT With three more years of high school, Offensive training: THE CARLISLE SCHOOL IN VIRGINIA, “We were heading to the [John] Lucas camp, and I was summer ball, strength training and skill His guardian Ed Smith said that his work is expecting a lot of competition,” Maker said of his first development ahead of him, the path to “directed towards him dominating both the mid- WHERE HE POSTED AVERAGES OF 23.4 experience playing hoops in America. “So, we worked his preferred destination, though far post and the elbow areas. He is concentrating POINTS, 12.4 REBOUNDS, AND 4.9 BLOCKS out a lot. We trained real hard and when we got there, it from easy or promised, seems more on learning his pivots and counters to defensives was paying off. People could see the results.” welcoming with each passing day. designed to stop him.” PER GAME AS A FRESHMAN.

> > > COMBINATOR MAGAZINE #ELITE TRAINING > CAMP > CLINIC COMBINATOR MAGAZINE >

If Dinos Trigonis didn't invite you...hit em' @trigonis30 to tell him you should have been down... 2013 Pangos All-American Camp Awards PANGOS (Selected by Cal-Hi Sports) Bill Russell award (best shot blocker): Carlton Bragg, ALL-AMERICAN Villa Angela St. Joseph (Cleveland, OH) 6-9 2015 Chop: Ron Flores | Shots: Nick Koza Dinos Trigonis award (best post interior passer): Stephen Zimmerman, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV) 6-11 2015 Stanley Johnson Most Outstanding Player CREAM OF THE CROP PANGOS CAMP award (best perimeter passer): Tra Holder, At the conclusion of the three-day camp on Sunday afternoon, scouts and media in attendance assisted camp director Dinos Brentwood (Los Angeles, CA) 6-0 2014 ALL-TIME M.O.P.S. Trigonis in selecting the participants for the “Cream of the Crop” Rafer Alston award (best ball-handler): Josh Perkins, Stanley Johnson Top 60 and the “Cream of Crop” Top 30 All-Star Games. 2013 Mater Dei – Santa Ana, CA 6-7 SF Regis Jesuit (Aurora, CO) 6-2 2014 2012 Currie – Chicago, IL 6-9 PF While Vaughn didn’t earn camp MOP honors, his performance in the Top 30 game didn’t make the selection of Johnson any 2011 Bishop Gorman – Las Vegas, NV 6-6 WF easier. He came into the camp with a reputation as one of the Ronnie Fields award (best dunker): Chris McCullough, 2010 – Henderson, NV 6-2 PG nation’s best outside shooters, but during the event displayed (Wolfeboro, NH) 6-9 2014 solid decision-making skills in the open court and better-than- 2009 Ames – Ames, IA 6-7 WF advertised athleticism while attacking the basket. Kurt Rambis award (hardest worker in paint): Andre John Wall 2008 Word of God Academy – Raleigh, NC 6-3 PG Vaughn earned all-star game MVP honors for the victorious red Adams, Westview Prep (Avondale, AZ) 6-8 2014 2007 Brandon Jennings Oak Hill Academy – Mouth of Wilson, VA 6-1 PG team. He led six players in double figures for the winning team 2006 Artesia – Lakewood, CA 6-5 SG with 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Not only did he make 3-of-6 Mario Elie award (pleasant surprise): Jaylen Johnson, 3-pointers, but he came up with timely baskets when the blue Ypsilanti (Ypsilanti, MI) 6-9 2014 2005 Jerry-Davon Jefferson – Lynwood, CA 6-8 WF team attempted to take control. With seven minutes remaining 2004 C.J. Miles Skyline – Dallas, TX 6-6 WF in the game, the blue team pulled within two points, but Vaughn award (not playing to potential): 2003 Robert Swift – Bakersfield, CA 7-0 C answered with a 3-pointer as his team pulled away down the Chris Sandifer, Serra (Gardena, CA) 6-4 2014 30 stretch to record a 123-113 victory. 31 he Pangos All-American Camp CA), guard (Prime Lakers’ Ron Artest and the “People know now I’m a scorer on three levels (outside, Ralph Sampson award (not using god given talents): Ttraditionally brings some of the Prep Academy, Dallas, TX), forward ’ . driving, inside) and I can pass and lock up on defense,” Cameron Walker, Righetti (Santa Maria, CA) 6-6 2015 nation’s best high school basketball talent Chris McCullough (Brewster Academy, Vaughn said. “I think I played well this weekend, At times during the camp, Johnson but you can always play better.” to Southern California to kick off the Wolfeboro, NH), guard Josh Perkins (Regis was over dribbling and penetrating, but Schea Cotton Award (looks good in camp environment): summer recruiting season. Jesuit, Aurora, CO) and wing Rashad was productive enough to become the Johnson also had a big game with 16 points while making all four Elijah Thomas, Prime Prep Academy (Dallas, TX) 6-8 2015 The camp has solidified the national Vaughn (Robbinsdale Cooper, New Hope, first California native to earn Pangos of his 3-point attempts. The other Californian to reach reputation of some of the nation’s top MN) — that were all outstanding. Any one Camp MOP honors since 2007. At that double figures for the winning team was junior-to-be guard Tyler of them could have been chosen MOP award (would shine in more structured setting): prospects in recent years such as Mr. time, Brandon Jennings (who was in Dorsey of St. John Bosco of Bellflower. He finished with 15 points without much dissention. Basketball USA picks Harrison Barnes of attendance on Sunday), was at Oak Hill and six assists. Trey Kell, St. Augustine (San Diego, CA) 6-3 2014 the , John Wall of In the end, Johnson was chosen MOP. It Academy of Virginia. He began his high the Washington Wizards and Shabazz wasn’t a choice by any means, school career at Compton of Dominguez. Mudiay, the most physically dominant guard at the event, led Player who deserved to be in Top 60 game: Trey Kell Muhammad, a likely first round pick in this but the reigning Cal-Hi Sports State Junior the blue team with a game-high 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting Johnson had an explanation for his and had five rebounds and six assists. Wing Daniel Hamilton year’s NBA Draft. The three-day camp has of the Year displayed a rare combination of increased ball-handling role and what Best Top 60 player who deserved to be in Top 30 game: also served as a platform for lesser-known power and perimeter skills. The versatility of St. John Bosco of Bellflower, who was matched up at the some perceived as playing away beginning of the game with Vaughn, had a solid outing with Michael Humphrey, Sunnyslope (Phoenix, AZ) 6-9 2014 talents to make a name for themselves in his game has some scouts comparing from his strengths. and expand their recruiting reach. him to a combination of the Los Angeles 18 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Top 30 player better suited for the Top 60 game: “Next season (at Mater Dei), I am going In the top Top 50 game, three Californians went for double In recent years, the to be playing more point guard and Namon Wright (Findlay Prep, Henderson, NV) 6-4 2014 figure scoring for the blue team in its 117-110 victory over performance will look to facilitate the offense,” said of the camp’s top Johnson, whose college list includes the read team. player has been a Biggest sleeper that emerged: Michael Humphrey Arizona, Kentucky and UCLA as the names Leading the way was guard Rex Pflueger, who will spend his near coronation and most often mentioned. “I am not a selfish it took away most of junior season at Mater Dei of Santa Ana after playing at JSerra Best Overall Prospect: Thon Maker, Carlisle School player, but I will take what the defense of San Juan Capistrano as a sophomore. He had 21 points, five the suspense for the gives me and if they are not going to come (Martinsville, VA) 7-0 2016 presentation of the assists and two steals. Guard Devin Watson of Army-Navy out and guard me, I will take the opening.” Academy of Carlsbad had a 13-point, five-assist, four- Most Outstanding Camp MVP (highest consistent level of play in every game): Player award. This If Johnson continues to develop his performance and wing Isaiah Bailey of Compton chipped year, however, perimeter skills and combine them with in 13 points. Emmanuel Mudiay, Prime Prep Academy (Dallas, TX) 6-4 2014 there was a group his improved outside shot, perhaps one Scoring a game-high 17 points for the blue club was guard of five players day comparisons to Pierce won’t Terrence Phillips, the younger brother of Jennings, who now Ronnie Flores is the managing editor of CalHiSports.com only be projections. – forward Stanley plays for the NBA’s . Like his older brother He can be reached at [email protected] Johnson (Mater : Cream of the Crop Top 30 MVP once did, Phillips attends Oak Hill Academy. Don’t forget to follow him on Twitter: @RONFLORESHSFB Dei, Santa Ana, Stanley Johnson: Most Outstanding Player Emmanuel Mudiay: Camp MVP > > The Shirts & Skins Circuit Collection is designed for elite club/AAU teams who play during the travel basketball season. This grueling schedule is commonly known as the “Circuit”. The players on these teams are the best in their class, playing in front of college coaches looking for the next recruiting class. The few who are fortunate enough, earn collegiate athletic scholarships. This is grassroots basketball at its most competitive. www.shirtsandskinsinc.com