Pitt JamFest Recap: Jack’s 2017 Top Performers
The annual Hoop Group Pitt JamFest took place last weekend at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, and one of the best April live period events in the country did not disappoint. Both Jack Herron and Adam Ayalew…
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Continue ReadingThe annual Hoop Group Pitt JamFest took place last weekend at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, and one of the best April live period events in the country did not disappoint. Both Jack Herron and Adam Ayalew were there for Vantage Hoops, and with 32 courts under one roof it was impossible for them to see all of the action, but they did see a good amount of kids as Virginia had teams in the 17U Gold, 16U Platinum and 15U Platinum championship games. Here’s some of the top 2017 performers that Jack saw, and stay tuned to Vantage Hoops for more coverage and content from the Pitt JamFest coming soon!
Kyle Copeland; 6’3” WG District Basketball Club: He announced that he will be attending Exettor Prep, and returned to a DBC team that he helped lead last year. Over the weekend, the 6’3” wing looked confident and was very aggressive to score. He’s always been a two-way impact player, and he earned an offer from American following his post grad season.
Nick Ball; 6’0” WG D1SA Spartans: The shooter did what he does best, consistently shooting it from deep and keeping driving lanes open for his point guards. Ball has good instincts on both ends, he moves well without the ball and has a quick release off the catch and bounce. He’s a deadly shooter that quietly gets it done regularly.
Josh Colon; 5’8” PG Spectrum Miron: Despite his 5’8” frame, Colon always finds ways to get it done on the court. A lightning quick guard, he breaks down defenses by getting into the lane and either finishing over bigger players, or making the right feed against the help. He had 13 points and paced Spectrum on their 17U Gold Championship run.
Admir Besovic; 7’0” C Spectrum Miron: He looks like he’s improving, and that’s the most important thing for Besovic right now. At 7’0” he already makes an impact defensively and on the glass with his size, but he’s stiff and raw on the offensive end. He showed better mobility, running the floor and finishing in transition, and his hands are improving too. He’ll be interesting if he keeps improving like this.
Kamil Chapman; 6’2” PG Team Loaded 757: The 2017 point guard from North Carolina was a handful as he went for 25 points and 6 assists in a win over New Jersey Ballaz. The lightning quick PG showed great feel and finishing ability in the paint, and was a hot commodity throughout the event.
Taqwain Drummond; 6’4” WF Team Loaded 757: Drummond looked healthy this weekend, and that’s relieving after the devastating knee injury he had his sophomore season. He had good lift on his jump shot, finished explosively and defended well. If he gets his confidence and athleticism all the way back, Drummond is a big wing that can score it in bunches.
Raemaad Wright; 6’4” WF Team Loaded 757 Black: Wright made a name for himself at Pittsburgh, surprising people with his 6’6” frame and long arms. He has work to do offensively, but he runs the floor and finishes at the basket well. He’s a high motor kid, especially defensively where he uses his length to alter shots and get in passing lanes.
Kevin Nicholson; 6’7” PF Team Loaded 757 (16U): Nicholson showed potential to be a scholarship player with his size, hands and ability to run the floor. He was productive around the basket, both rebounding and finishing with consistency. He continues to get better and he’ll be one to keep an eye on over the summer.
Jimmel Davis; 6’4” WF; Team Loaded 757 (16U): Davis is another long wing that surprised with his play on both ends. He shot the ball with confidence, and attacked closeouts where he finished a number of tough plays at the basket. He also got after it defensively, and with a reclass or prep year he could develop into a solid prospect.
James West IV; 6’2” PG BWSL WAWG: West is known as a knockdown shooter, but on WAWG he showed his ability to run a team and distribute as well as knock down open shots. The 6’2” lead guard has a great feel, sees the floor and delivers the ball where it needs to be.