It was the first event of the live period, and Hoop Group’s Pitt JamFest in Pittsburgh, PA is back in full effect. One of the biggest live tournaments on the east coast, this year was yet again stacked with high level competition. With over 500 teams in attendance from all over the country and Canada, there was plenty of talent to choose from, so we won’t be able to get to all over them, but stay tuned as we break down some of the best performances we saw over the weekend.
Amir Nesbitt | 6’1” PG | BWSL Chiz
After a great sophomore season in the DMV with Virginia Academy, Nesbitt is ready to fill it up in the EYBL and did so in Pittsburgh minus one game. He’s a three level scorer that an do it with or without the ball in his hands, and once he gets it going it’s going to be a long day for the opponents. His natural ability to score the basketball is great, but he’s also able to get you into your sets and create for others bas well.
JT Thor | 6’9” F | BWSL Chiz
Thor still has some things to work on, mostly filling out his thin frame, but the only freshman on Huntington Prep is showing the potential to be a future star. At 6’9”, he has a smooth left handed stroke from deep, can put it on the deck in transition and he can rebound on both ends. He can create his own shot and protect the rim, he just needs to fill out so he can bang in the post with bigger, stronger 6’9” guys.
Jalen Terry | 5’9” PG | The Family
Terry was a lot of fun to watch for The Family on their run to the 16U Championship game before they fell to NY Rens after he got hurt. In the semifinals against Expressions Elite, he took the game over scoring on five straight possessions, and once that happened he started to pick apart the team to help others get easy baskets. He showed good athleticism, he played with pace and has natural instincts on both ends of the floor.
Aminu Mohammed | 6’5” WF | BWSL Chiz
He only has one gear right now, which is 100% downhill attack, but Mohammed’s strength and motor make him a big time scoring threat, proven by how he led the WCAC in scoring as just a freshman. Playing up with 16U, Thor and him create a mismatch problem as it’s hard to matchup with them. He has grown man strength when attacking the basket, he can shoot when set and will only improve with time, which is a scary thought.
Carlos Johnson | 6’6” F | The Family
This kid was very intriguing throughout the event, as he was the most productive and consistent player on The Family, and his coaches also say that he’s a 4.0 student which is always good. At 6’6”, Johnson can play on the perimeter or inside as a small ball 4 man, and he has the ability to score from all three levels. He made jumpers from deep and on the face up, he attacked the offensive glass and he guarded multiple positions, making him not only the most productive but the most versatile player for them as well.
Jordan Battle | 6’2” G | Team Loaded 757
Every time I watch him I start to like him more, as Battle is a guy who is going to produce at a high rate and can play both guard positions. A natural scorer, he’s strong with the basketball and as a finisher around the rim, can create his own shot or get to the line and he can make contested shots from all over the floor. He’ll be a sleeper guy as a combo guard in the 757, but there’s no doubt you put him up against the best and he’ll still do a great job contributing.
Jordan Lewis | 5’11” PG | Team Loaded 757
Lewis has an old school point guards game that’s just easy to love. He understands mismatches and sets, he plays with pace, knows when to push the basketball and when to slow it up, and he’s a guy who makes everyone around him better. He’s an underrated on ball defender, and he has a terrific middle game with a pull up and a teardrop floater.
Devontae Blanton | 6’6” WF | All Ohio Red
I only watched All Ohio once when they beat Boo Williams, but Blanton was phenomenal as he had a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds, scoring all 17 in the second half. A big bodied wing, Blanton is able to use his strength on the glass and when attacking the rim, allowing him to finish through contact and get to the free throw line. He’s also a knock down shooter that stretches the defense and can score in bunches.
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