DMVelite 80 recap

By Scott PhillipsSep 13, 2015, 1:40 AM EDT

BY ANDREW FEATHER

UPPER MARLBORO, MD. — The third annual DMVelite 80 took place on Saturday, Sept. 5, gathering the top high school sophomores, juniors and seniors in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia at Henry Wise High School.

Among those in attendance were several nationally-ranked players throughout the classes. Everyone at the one-day showcase was a college-caliber player in their own right, but here are a few of the standouts:

Chyree Walker, Bullis School (Md.) 2017 Wing

Walker put an exclamation point on what has been a huge summer by taking home the DMVelite 80’s Most Valuable Player Award. The 6-foot-5 wing showed off his freakish athleticism with numerous highlight reel dunks, including one to beat the buzzer and win his team the championship trophy. He was very efficient offensively, finishing second among all participants in points per game while shooting 72 percent from the field and going to the free throw line an event-high 19 times. But his dominating performance extended well beyond the offensive side of the ball. He was one of the event’s best defenders, tipping numerous passes and igniting the fast break for his team. It’s easy to see him being a standout in a pressure defense at the next level. Walker holds offers from Central Florida, Georgia Tech, James Madison, Old Dominion, St. Francis (Pa.), Towson, and VCU.

Immanuel Quickley, John Carroll (Md.) 2018 Point Guard

Standing at 6-foot-4 with the ability to play either guard spot, Quickley has some of the highest upside of any prospects at the event, and his feel for the game is incredible for someone heading into his sophomore year. He displayed the ability to get to the rim and create for teammates. Though he didn’t have a great statistical output over the weekend, Quickley’s combination of poise, size and skill showed why many think he will be one of the top lead guards in his class.

Daquan Bracey, St. Frances (Md.) 2016 Point Guard

A pure point guard, Bracey impressed with his ability to lead his team, despite playing with them for less than a day. He brought excitement every time he touched the ball, whether it was setting up teammates with pinpoint passes or getting by defenders with jaw-dropping crossovers. But while he brought the crowd to its feet, he did so while making all the right decisions.

Naji Marshall, Eleanor Roosevelt (Md.), 2017 Wing

Marshall was absolutely unstoppable when attacking the basket, where he initiated and finished through contact on his way to a team-leading 9.7 points per game. One of the most consistent sights of the weekend was Marshall getting by a defender and finishing above the rim, but he also showed nice touch on his midrange jumper. At 6-foot-5, very long with a motor that’s always running, Marshall was a menace defensively where he harassed the ball-handler and disrupted passing lanes. His performance Saturday was good enough to earn an offer from Virginia Tech, which joins a list that includes Manhattan, Rhode Island, Rutgers and Towson.

Noah Locke, McDonogh (Md.), 2018 Guard

Definitely the best looking sophomore at the event, Locke impressed with his ability to put the ball in the basket from anywhere on the floor. He finished fifth in points while shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc. Though he’s more of scorer at this point, Locke showed an ability and willingness to get his teammates involved. So far only UNC-Greensboro has pulled the trigger with an offer, but his performance Saturday and over the summer has Locke’s stock soaring.

Ejike Obinna, Virginia Academy 2017 Center

One of the summer’s fastest risers, Obinna defended his reputation as one of the area’s best big men, showing an improved offensive game from earlier this summer. Though he still doesn’t have much of an arsenal in the post, he showed more of a willingness to back down defenders and wasn’t afraid to power through for a dunk traffic. Where Obinna really impressed was on the defensive end, where he used his length well to contest nearly every shot in the paint and clean up the defensive glass. Though he’s still pretty raw and needs to add strength, it’s easy to see Obinna’s tremendous upside.

Luka Garza, Maret (DC) 2017 Center

Another of the area’s top bigs, Garza took total control of the paint in every game he was. He was the event’s best rebounder by far, pulling down nearly two more per game than anyone else there. Garza clogged up the post on the defensive end, finishing among the event leaders in blocks and not allowing opposing players easy access to the hoop. Offensively, he displayed a variety of moves down low and the ability to stretch the defense with his shooting ability. Though not an exceptional athlete, Garza already has the body of a college big man, plays smart and always competes with energy.

Brayden Gault, Battlefield (Va.) 2018 Wing

Another rising sophomore who stood out among older players, Gault was a bastion of efficiency on Saturday. He led the entire event in scoring with 15 points per game, shooting 72 percent from the field. He showed a quick first step when attacking the basket and was able to finish through contact or get to the free throw line. Gault was active and engaged defensively and not afraid to go up against bigger players for rebounds. He wasn’t someone that wowed with any one aspect, but did everything well and was consistent throughout, which you love to see in a young player.

Justin Gorham, Calvert Hall (Md.) 2016 Wing

Gorham, who committed to Towson in August, was a do-it-all player for his team on both ends of the floor. The long 6-foot-7 wing was among the event leaders in points and showcased an ability to score both inside and out with efficiency, shooting 64 percent from the field and 67 percent from three point range. Gorham was very active defensively, denying his man access to the paint and disrupting passing lanes.

Jahlil Jenkins, Virginia Academy 2017 Point Guard

A relatively unknown commodity coming into the summer, Jenkins continued his breakout with another strong performance. He was one of the best pure point guards at the event, showing great command, a tight handle and the ability to find open teammates, leading the event with 5.3 assists per game. Though his first instinct was to set up teammates, Jenkins also displayed a nice scoring touch from outside, shooting 57 percent from beyond the arc. He had a huge impact on the game defensively, where his quickness and athleticism helped him lead the event in steals. So far the 5-foot-10 Jenkins has picked up three offers (Howard, LIU-Brooklyn and St. Peters), but expect that number to increase significantly.

Dajour Dickens, Miller School (Va.) 2017 Center

A 6-foot-11 big with tremendous upside, Dickens was one of the best players there when he played with a mean streak. Sometimes he seemed to shy away from contact, but when he didn’t he showed a polished game down low with a variety of ways he could score around the basket. Also, he displayed nice touch on his midrange jumper for a player of his size. Because of his length, defense was where Dickens was at his best. He seemed to change every shot in the paint and when he went for a rebound he nearly always got it.

Qudus Wahab, Virginia Academy 2019 Center

The lone freshman at this year’s DMVelite 80, Wahab has the potential to be one of the area’s best bigs in 2019. Already standing at 6-foot-11, Wahab is very raw offensively, but that’s to be expected for a player of his age. At Virginia Academy he will play alongside Ejike Obinna (see above) which should toughen him up and help him learn from one of the top post players in the area. While he is definitely more potential than production at this point, Wahab contributed on defense, where his size and athleticism make him a natural, finishing among the event leaders in blocks and rebounds.

Quick Hits

2018 wing Myles Dread of Gonzaga (DC) was one of the best sophomores at the event and should see his recruitment pick up significantly with more playing time at the varsity level.
2016 forward AJ Wilson is a freak athlete who played stingy defense and had a few highlight-reel dunks. He transferred from Montrose Christian to Elev8 Academy (FL) this summer and is choosing between Nevada, Rhode Island and Central Florida, among others.
DeMatha (Md.) 2017 guard Ryan Allen is known mostly as a shooter but he showed he could do much more at DMVelite 80, distributing and impressing on the defensive end.
National Christian (Md.) 2016 forward Christian Matthews displayed creativity when attacking the rim, scoring in a variety of ways. He should give Georgia Tech immediate scoring relief next year.
2016 Miller School (Va.) wing Ron Alston committed to NJIT at the DMVelite 80.

UConn adds former Rutgers guard Cam Spencer from transfer portal

Associated PressJun 9, 2023, 10:17 PM EDT

Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports

STORRS, Conn. — National champion UConn added some shooting depth to its roster Friday, announcing the signing of former Rutgers guard Cam Spencer from the transfer portal.

Spencer, who graduated last month with a year of eligibility remaining, averaged 13.2 points in his only season in New Jersey. The 6-foot-4 guard, who played his first three seasons at Loyola of Maryland, shot 44.4% from the floor, including 43.4% from 3-point range.

“Cam is the perfect addition to our basketball program,” UConn Coach Dan Hurley said. “He brings a unique combination of high-level skill and feel for the game, with a fierce competitiveness that has allowed him to enjoy a terrific college basketball career thus far.”

The Huskies lost their top 3-point scoring threat, sophomore Jordan Hawkins, to the NBA draft, along with wing Andre Jackson Jr. and post Adama Sanogo.

Guard Tristen Newtown gave the Huskies a boost last month when he withdrew his name from the draft pool and returned to Storrs.

The Huskies began summer workouts this week, welcoming a top recruiting class led by 6-6 point guard Stephon Castle, a McDonald’s All-American from Georgia. The class also includes 6-7 wing Jayden Ross and 6-4 guard Solomon Ball from Virginia, 6-7 wing Jaylin Stewart from Seattle, Washington, and 7-foot center Youssouf Singare from New York.

“I think that some of my strengths will stand out in UConn’s style of play,” Spencer said. “They have a lot of great movement and they play so well together, with great chemistry. I think that I can come in and hopefully contribute to that.”

NCAA tweaks rules on block/charge calls in men’s basketball

Associated PressJun 8, 2023, 9:14 PM EDT

Jordan Prather/USA TODAY Sports

INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA is tweaking how block/charge calls are made in men’s basketball.

The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved rule changes on Thursday that require a defender to be in position to draw a charge at the time the offensive player plants a foot to go airborne for a shot. If the defender arrives after the player has planted a foot, officials have been instructed to call a block when there’s contact.

Defenders had to be in position to draw a charge before the offensive player went airborne under previous rules.

NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee members made the proposal after NCAA members complained that too many charges were being called on those types of plays.

The panel also approved reviews of basket interference calls during the next media timeout – if the official called it on the floor – a shot clock reset to 20 seconds on an offensive rebound that hits the rim, and players being allowed to wear any number between 0 and 99.

A timeout also will be granted to an airborne player with possession of the ball, and non-student bench personnel will be allowed to serve as peacekeepers on the floor if an altercation occurs.

Charlotte head coach Ron Sanchez resigns after winning CBI title

Associated PressJun 7, 2023, 1:39 PM EDT

Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Ron Sanchez resigned as head coach of the Charlotte 49ers.

Sanchez took over the 49ers on March 19, 2018, inheriting a team coming off a 6-23 campaign. In five years Charlotte went 72-78 under Sanchez, highlighted by winning the College Basketball Invitational championship this past season, the Niners’ first post-season tournament title in school history.

The 22 wins this past season are the most for Charlotte since 2001.

“Ron took over a proud but struggling program and carefully rebuilt it into a 22-game winner. He has led with class, dignity and devotion to our young men,” Charlotte director of athletics Mike Hill said. “His decision to step down from Charlotte was a difficult one for him and everyone associated with our program. We wish him and his family every happiness.”

Hill said the team has already begun a national search for a replacement.

“This is a bittersweet day for me and my family as I step down to pursue other opportunities,” said Sanchez, who came the 49ers after working as an assistant coach at Virginia under Tony Bennett. “It has been a tremendous privilege to lead the 49ers basketball program over the past five years and I want to thank Niner Nation for its support. I will be forever grateful to my staff, players and the university.”

Marquette extends Shaka Smart’s contract through 2029-30 season

Associated PressJun 6, 2023, 9:55 PM EDT

Adam Cairns/USA TODAY NETWORK

MILWAUKEE — Marquette coach Shaka Smart has received a contract extension after leading the Golden Eagles to their first outright regular-season championship and tournament title in the Big East.

Smart’s contract now runs through the 2029-30 season. This is the first extension Smart has received since signing a six-year deal when he took over as Marquette’s coach in 2021.

Marquette didn’t release financial terms of Smart’s deal.

“In a very short period of time, Shaka and his staff have done a tremendous job of establishing a winning culture, both on and off the court,” athletic director Bill Scholl said in a statement. “Shaka’s vision for the program is focused on extended, sustainable success. The individuals who interact with the team on a daily basis are able to observe frequent examples of growth and the excitement around the program is contagious.”

Marquette has gone 48-20 in Smart’s two seasons and reached the NCAA Tournament each of those years.

The Golden Eagles went 29-7 and won the Big East’s regular-season and tournament championships last season after the league’s coaches had picked them to finish ninth out of 11 teams. Marquette’s season ended with a 69-60 loss to Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament’s round of 32.

Purdue’s Edey returning to school at NBA draft deadline; Kentucky’s Tshiebwe stays in

Associated PressJun 1, 2023, 11:17 AM EDT

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Purdue’s Zach Edey decided it was the right call to go back to school instead of staying in the NBA draft. His predecessor as national player of the year, Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe, is sticking with his pro pursuit.

And Connecticut’s reign as NCAA champion will begin with multiple starters having left for the NBA draft and one returning after flirting with doing the same.

The 7-foot-4 Edey and UConn guard Tristen Newton were among the notable names to announce that they were withdrawing from the draft, the NCAA’s deadline for players who declared as early entrants to pull out and retain their college eligibility.

Edey’s decision came in social media posts from both the center and the Boilermakers program that earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament behind Edey, The Associated Press men’s national player of the year.

But Tshiebwe announced late in the afternoon that he would remain in the draft after a college career that included being named the AP national player of the year in 2022.

For the current champions, Newton (10.1 points, 4.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds) is returning after being one of four Huskies to declare for the draft after a run to UConn’s fifth national championship in early April. He scored a game-high 19 points to go with 10 rebounds in the victory over San Diego State in the title game.

The others were Final Four Most Outstanding Player Adama Sanogo, wing Jordan Hawkins and versatile guard Andre Jackson Jr. Sanogo (17.8 points) and Hawkins (16.3) have made it clear they have closed the door on their college careers, while team spokesman Phil Chardis said that Jackson (6.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists) would remain in the draft.

The Huskies have 247sports’ No. 3-ranked recruiting class for next year to restock the roster, led by McDonald’s All-American point guard Stephon Castle.

The NBA’s withdrawal deadline is June 12, but is moot when it comes to college players returning to school due to the NCAA’s earlier timeline to retain playing eligibility.

STAYING IN SCHOOL

TREY ALEXANDER: Creighton gets back a 6-4 guard who averaged 13.6 points and shot 41% from 3-point range in his first full season as a starter.

ADEM BONA: The 6-foot-10 forward and Pac-12 freshman of the year is returning to UCLA after starting 32 games as a rookie and averaging 7.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks – with coach Mick Cronin praising his toughness for “competing through multiple injuries for as long as he could” in a statement Wednesday.

EDEY: He averaged 22.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.5 assists while shooting 60.7% from the field. His presence alone helps Purdue be a factor in the Big Ten race.

JOSIAH-JORDAN JAMES: The 6-6 guard went through the NBA G League Combine and had workouts with multiple teams before opting to return to Tennessee for a fifth season alongside teammate Santiago Vescovi.

JUDAH MINTZ: The 6-3 freshman averaged 16.3 points and 4.6 assists for Syracuse, ranking third among Division I freshmen in scoring behind only Alabama’s Brandon Miller and Lamar’s Nate Calmese.

OWLS’ RETURNEES: Florida Atlantic got good news after its surprise Final Four run with the return leading scorers Johnell Davis (13.8) and Alijah Martin (13.4). ESPN first reported their decisions, while Martin later posted a social media statement.

TERRENCE SHANNON JR.: Illinois got a big boost with Shannon announcing his night in a social media post. The 6-6 guard is returning for a fifth college season after averaging 17.2 points.

SPARTANS’ RETURNEES: Michigan State announced that guards Jaden Akins and A.J. Hoggard have withdrawn from the NBA draft. Standout guard Tyson Walker had previously withdrawn in April, setting up Tom Izzo to have five of his top scorers back.

GOING PRO

KOBE BROWN: Missouri’s 6-8 swingman opted against returning for a fifth college season after being an AP first-team all-Southeastern Conference pick averaging 15.8 points last season.

JAYLEN CLARK: The third-year UCLA guard averaged 13.0 points and 6.0 rebounds while leading the Pac-12 with 2.6 steals en route to being named Naismith national defensive player of the year. Cronin called him a winner with strong intangibles who made UCLA “a better program because he chose to be a Bruin.”

BRICE SENSABAUGH: The Ohio State freshman averaged 16.3 points and 5.4 rebounds in 31 games before missing his final two in the Big Ten Tournament due to a knee injury. He’s a potential first-round prospect.

TSHIEBWE: The 6-9, 260-pound forward is a tough interior presence who led the country in rebounds for two straight seasons (15.1 in 2022, 13.7 in 2023) while racking up 48 double-doubles. But he faces an uncertain next stop and is projected at best as a second-round prospect.