Wednesday's action at this year's Reebok Breakout Camp in Philadelphia was an exciting one, as official camp games began on the evening. Also making things much more official was the fact that at 5:00PM, NCAA Division-I coaches were permitted to attend the camp's action. It was an interesting sight to behold as hundreds of college coaches waited outside the gymnasium on the campus of the University of Philadelphia until they were permitted to enter the building to observe the campers.
With such top-rated head coaches as John Calipari (Kentucky), Steve Alford (UCLA), Shaka Smart (VCU), Johnny Dawkins (Stanford), Cuonzo Martin (Tennessee), Jim Laranaga (Miami), Jim Boeheim (Syracuse), Danny Manning (Tulsa) and Larry Brown (SMU) as just some of the many coaches in the lobby waiting to enter the building, the excitement was in the air for the first night's action of games at this year's event.
While myself and the Arizona Preps' staff with me in attendance (Chris Buchanan and Rick Schramm) were there to see the camp's action and the many talented players in the this year's camp, we were primarily focused on catching the night's performance of each of the Arizona campers in the event.
Of the five Arizona prospects in participation this week, no player had more of an impact on the night than Sunnyslope High School's talented and rapidly developing 6-foot-10 senior post Michael Humphrey. Humphrey flat out blew up on day one after a strong performance in his team's game one victory. First of all, Humphrey is such a great kid with an infectious smile and a humble attitude that you want him to do well. In an age where so many kids have a ridiculous sense of entitlement, Humphrey is the exception. His sheer improvement as a player has come from his hard work and dedication to the game of basketball. He does not cheat the sport with a lack of intensity and selfishness, but rather plays hard and seems to always be enjoying his craft.
Humphrey would lead his team to victory on the night and, in the process, would show off a very fundamental approach to the game, which would be led by numerous shot blocks, rebounds, put-backs and three-pointers. Yes, three-pointers. Humphrey is as fluid a player at his size that I have seen in many years and, as a result, he is catching the attention of many high-major division-I college programs.
Top-rated national scout Clark Francis of HoopScoopOnline stated during Humphrey's game that he thought Humphrey was the top overall sleeper at this year's camp - an amazing opinion from such a well known scout and amidst such strong competition in the event.
By the end of the camp, if Humphrey can continue such strong play - look out. He could see a dramatic improvement in his national ranking and could garner numerous scholarship offers as a result.
Also playing very well on the evening was Westview High School's 6-foot-9 senior post Andre Adams. Adams posted 8 points and 7 rebounds in his team's win on the evening. Adams is playing on a loaded team, but his impact was felt as he rebounded well and blocked 4 shots in the win. Adams' play caught the attention of any college coaches in attendance as well, and although his approach to the game is not as polished as Humphrey's, his length and activity on the floor were good. Adams has such excellent potential for the future, that coaches recruiting him are looking down the road and not evaluating him as a finished product now.
Westwind Prep Academy 6-foot-3 senior guard Tate De Laveaga (Northern Arizona commit) was very impressive on the night as well. While playing on the same team as Adams, and backing up star 6-foot-3 senior guard Romelo Trimble (Univ. of Maryland commit), Tate showed just how much his added size and strength has improved his overall ability to play the game. De Laveaga rebounded hard from the point position, pushed the basketball and played with superior confidence on the evening. His ability to handle the point position and play with a competitive spirit was a nice sight for an Arizona product in an event with so much star power.
Desert Ridge HS 6-foot-2 senior guard Hunter Thomas also held his own on the evening. While his team was lose the game, Hunter would show no fear and would finish with 5 points and 4 rebounds in the game - very good numbers for this event (the leading scorer on his team had 9 points). His shifty ability to play the game and keep defenders off balance is intriguing, and he plays with a chip on his shoulder. While Hunter lacks true size on his thin frame, his ability to play the game is sound.
University of Portland inquired about Thomas after the game.
Mountain Pointe HS 6-foot-6 senior forward Chris Davis had a tough game for himself on day one, as he played on the perimeter on a team that had a lot of size. Finding himself on the wing, something he is not accustomed to, Davis struggled shooting the basketball, but did rebound the basketball well and ran the floor. Unfortunately for him, his shot was not falling, as he faced the best competition he has probably ever faced. He should settle down on Thursday and come with a much better effort.
Games will pick up again at 9:20AM on Thursday, and Arizona Preps will be there to bring you more of the day's action.
