Hoops Elite Magazine Premier Issue

H O O P SPremierIssue Taja Cole Coach Dawn Brown5-Peat?



06Hoops Elite Magazine > CONTENTS 04 What Does “Reclassification” Truly Mean? How does reclassification effect youth basketball today? 06 Star on the Rise - A Chat with Taja Cole The Richmond star goes national and joins University of Louisville 09 Perfect Practice Makes Perfect Micah Lancaster CEO of I’m Possible Training 10 NCAA Eligibility Center Quick Reference Guide19Taja Cole brings her talents to Louisville Behind the Local Legend George Hill of the Indiana Pacers 12 Coach Walt Webb opens up to Hoops Elite andProduction Director: Jayden DesignsContributing Writers: John Howard, Karan Kauhal, talks about his new facility, Hoops PlusBridgette ‘Bree’ King, Micah Lancaster, David Resa,Wendall Dumas, Ericka Greene, Terrance ‘Trip’ Gordon Reaching New HeightsPhotography: Chris Jones PhotographyHoops Elite Magazine 14 A Chat with Dawn Brown, Head Girlswww.HoopsEliteMagazine.com Basketball Coach of Prairie View A&M [email protected] | Issue 1 - Jan 2015 Women’s Basketball Coach, By: Karan Kauhal ntroducing Lamont Taylor 16 GetMeRecruited.com’s CEO and the new Director of Scouting Relations of Elevate Basketball Circuit Top Boys Youth Travel Basketball 18 Tournaments Where to play the best tournaments in 2015 A Minute of George Hill 19 Hoops Elite does rapid fire with star of the Indiana Pacers Top Class Rankings 20 See the Top 100 players for the class of 2016, 2017 and 2018 Getting to Know Grace 30 Men’s Asst. Head Basketball Coach and lead recruiter of UCLA, David Grace talks with Hoops Elite

Hoops Elite Magazine By Bridgette “Bree” KingWhat Does “Reclassification” Truly Mean?With so many youth sports clubs pushing The definition of “Reclassifying” is an aca- secondary school shall be based on thefor athletes to “reclassify”, it is truly an demic one and it is as follows:“Reclassifying prospective student-athlete’s prescribedinteresting thing when it is determined is deciding to change the date you gradu- educational path in his or her country.that many coaches, players and the ate from high school and/or enter college This generally means that a prospect mustplayers’ parents do not have a true after you have started the ninth grade” have finished the NCAA’s 16 require coreunderstanding of what “reclassifying” (“Reclassifying 101: Important Info To Con- courses by the time he or she finishes hightruly means. Many view reclassifying as sider Before Reclassifying”, 2001-2014). school. A prospect’s GPA is also more orsimply retaining a player in a grade for When a student participates in athletics, less locked in based on classes completedan additional year in junior high in order reclassification comes with some very before graduation (Academic Issues).to be the biggest and strongest on the important deadlines and the major one is To summarize, reclassification means thatcourt. Many think that reclassifying is as follows: a high school student-athlete may applystrictly for athletic purposes. However, the According to “Reclassifying 101: Import- to reclassify to change the date that theyreality of the matter is that reclassifying ant Info To Consider Before Reclassifying” graduate and enter into a Division I college,is purely for academic reasons, but, has (2001-2014),”The most important aca- however, the student athlete must completebeen manipulated in reverse for athletes demic consideration when reclassifying their required NCAA 16 required coursesto have a leg-up on the competition and is the NCAA’s core-curriculum time limita- by the time their original class reachespotentially earn Division I scholarships. tion, from Bylaw 14.3.1.2.1: their graduation date. This requirementFirst, which athletes does reclassification A prospective student-athlete must com- does not apply to NCAA Division II andapply to? Reclassification can apply to plete his or her core-curriculum require- non-NCAA colleges and universities. Forany student-athlete seeking to start ments not later than the high school example, if there is a player on the rostercollege early, however, as far as athletics is graduation date of the prospective stu- who graduates in the year 2020 and wantsconcerned, reclassification-as it is applied dent-athlete’s class [as determined by to attend the University of Texas and playto athletes competing in youth sports- the first year of enrollment in high school the sport of Basketball, even if he or shenormally only applies to those student- (ninth grade) or the international equiva- reclassifies, the student-athlete still onlyathletes seeking admission to compete lent…]. Graduation from high school or has until 2020 to complete the NCAA 16at a NCAA Division I college or university. required core courses for eligibility to playNow, let’s look at the definition.4 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite Magazinefor the University of Texas. However, due tally better than the players that they areto this rule, reclassification is rarely granted competing against.and oftentimes leads to a student athlete The issue has been exasperated even more,losing a year of NCAA eligibility-thus their and has become even larger problem,chance at playing for a Division I program- due to NBA players such as Jalen Rosebecause they do not complete their NCAA coming out in support of reclassification.academic requirements within the required Where a player should be playing in thetime period. 8th grade, they are encouraged to repeatThis has prompted what is now occurring, the 7th grade purely for athletic-and notwhich I term “Reverse Reclassification”, academic-reasons.where athletes and their parents are Now, before I go any further, let’s discussencouraged to retain a player during what reclassifying is not:their Junior High years so that the NCAA • Reclassifying is not delaying the startReclassification rule does not apply and thestudent-athlete can still graduate with their date of a child in Pre-K or Elementaryoriginal class and still hopefully earn an school in order to be bigger for sportsathletic scholarship to a Division I university. • Reclassifying is not allowing anNow, let’s think about this a little further. athlete who has failed a grade toThe University Interscholastic League (UIL) repeat that grade and play sportsSection 441 states that “Amateur Athletic • Reclassifying is not a student that hasStatus does not apply to students until been held back in school because hethe first class day of their ninth grade year” or she cannot pass a standardized test(University Interscholastic League, 2014- and they can’t promote until they do15, “Section 1400: (h) AMATEUR RULE.”), Those are loopholes being exploited, butmeaning that the Amateur Rule does not by definition, not reclassifying.apply to Junior High athletes. Now, many youth sports coaches may notThere lies the problem. have a problem with-and may encourageIn recent years, there has been a nation- parents of their players-to reclassify. Theal outcry of cheating in national youth wins by squads with reclassified playerssports leagues and organizations be- leads to these coaches making namescause there are players that are actually for themselves and their programsa year older playing down because their potentially being sponsored by globalparents have retained them in either the athletic brands, giving their program7th or 8th grade so that they are much and their players the right to play in highlarger and more developed in both phy- profile tournaments where only Divisionsique, as well as, mental and physical I scouts and recruiters will be. But, whyskills development. This also allows the not make those players play in their truestudent-athlete to enter into high school grades and compete against playersafter playing three years of Junior High their size and at their developmentalUIL Basketball and they have, in essence, level instead of dominating smaller, less-played seven (7) years of UIL ball when developed squads?they should have only played six (6). The That is why so many parents and coachesstudent-athlete’s potential high school of ethical and moral foundations viewNCAA academic eligibility standards and reclassification as cheating instead ofrequirements are not in jeopardy. All of what it is meant to be-a plan of actionthis leads to potential increased percent- to allow high school athletes to startage of the athlete earning a Division I their college coursework early in order toscholarship because they are so much prepare to compete at the college level.bigger, much stronger and developmen-ReferencesReclassifying 101: Important info to consider before reclassifying. (2001-2014). Retrieved fromhttp://www.athleticscholarships.net/2012/07/13/reclassifying-important-info-consider.htmUniversity Interscholastic League. (2014-15). Junior high coaches manual. Retrieved fromhttp://www.uiltexas.org/files/athletics/manuals/JH_Manual_14-15.pdf.5 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Star on the Rise A chat with Taja ColeHoops Elite Basketball sat down to talk with the University of Louisville recruit star guard, Taja Cole. Beforetaking the trip to Louisville from her hometown in Richmond, Virginia, Cole gave her first interview to HEMand talks about basketball, her clothing line and the road to Kentucky.HEM -Thanks for taking the time to chat with anymore… what I do is for her. I strive daily yourself like a high school athlete, and ifus, Taja. Let’s jump right into it as we have so to be an even better person so I can be a you’re in high school you should be playingmuch we want to learn about you. First things role model in my nephew’s life. like you’re a college athlete. So I just tookfirst, when did you start playing basketball? HEM – Is there a player in college or the that in and surrounded myself with goodTC – Thanks for having me. I started WNBA that you consider your skills most people that I knew would take my game toplaying basketball when I was 7. mimic? the next level.HEM - What does your training regime TJ - Yes, Diana Taurasi. I think I mimic her HEM - We know you have chosen U of Lconsist of? game by watching how good she sees the for your college. What other colleges wereTJ - I have multiple trainers for different floor. I try to do the same. Some people ask pursuing you? Why did you chose U of L?reason. I have a speed and agility trainer, how many points they scored after the game TJ - I chose to be a cardinal because I felt likea point guard/defense/IQ trainer and but for me… I want to know how many assist it was the best fit for me overall; Basketball2 shooting trainers; one for form and I had. It’s a big thing to me to get my team and family wise. I love being around myconsistency and the other for ways to get involved. I like to score, but I also like to do family, and Louisville felt like a familyyour shot off quicker so it can be affective. whatever I have to do to see my teammates environment. Louisville moving into theNo matter what trainer I’m with I still try shine and to get the win. And I think I learned ACC was a big factor in my decision becauseto incorporate ball handling, defense and a little bit of that from DT3. I wanted my parents to be able to come seefootwork in my workout, because those HEM - When did you realize that you were me without having to travel too far. Noware 2 very key parts of my game. better than most in basketball? they can do that at places like UNC, Duke,HEM -What is your drive to play basketball? TJ - Probably when I was 10. I’ve always and UVA; which is close to home.TJ - My drive to play comes from my love played 2 age groups up during AAU. And HEM - What are you going to school forfor the game. I grew up around basketball I didn’t want to have the average 10 year (major)?and I guess my family’s passion and “go- old game. My dad always told me you TJ - Sports Administration.hard” rubbed off on me. Also, my sister always want to be 1 or more steps ahead of HEM - With you going to U of L, severalpassed away after giving birth so I feel everybody else. If you’re in middle school, other highly ranked players followed youlike I don’t only live and play for myself you should be playing and preparing6 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite Magazineto Louisville. Do you think your decision As long as you outwork at your craft and TJ -Yes. I do.With the help of my teammateshelped shape theirs? stay focused and humble about it you’re a and my coaches. I think about winning aTJ - I’m not sure, if it did or not. However, I’m part of the team. National Championship at U of L a lot.excited about playing with my teammates, HEM - What do you see the clothing line HEM - Do you plan on having your ownand I give credit to our great coaching staff becoming in the future? basketball camps in the future?for choosing the right pieces. TJ - I see my clothing line becoming the TJ - Yes. I enjoy volunteering and coachingHEM - Do you plan to play basketball after next big thing. I want people to know it’s youth, so a TC5 camp is in my future plans.college? my clothes when they see it and I want it HEM - What is the highlight of your careerTJ - Yes, my dream has always been to play to have a positive effect on people’s lives. thus far?in the WNBA, and I’m very excited to now HEM - You are known to have a variety of TJ - Starting off playing for my parentsbecause the fan base at the games has styles and looks when you dress. Does program, which was a small localimproved drastically, and even the All-Star your styles and creativity inspire your program… deciding that I wanted togame went in triple digits this year (shout clothing line? be one of the top players in the nation,out to the former Louisville player Shoni TJ - Yes it does. I like different/weird things working hard and never giving up, beingSchimmel)! and colors that jump out at you to catch offered a starting spot on Coach Boo’sHEM - Do you ever pay attention to your the audience attention. But at the same (Williams) team… proving that I was ablerankings via scouting services and ESPN? time I like neutral colors like black and to accomplish my goals as one of theTJ - Not really. I just focus on getting better white that can go with any and everything. best players in the nation and earning aand winning. I was taught by my parents I dress according to how I feel, I think that’s scholarship to an awesome college!that rankings are simply ones opinion and important for people to be true to who HEM - If you have a choice to play for athat I should play and let my game speak they are. WNBA team, who would it be for? Why?for itself. I am very competitive though, so HEM - How do you see your clothing line TJ - LA Sparks. I’ve liked them all my life,I always tried to match up against the top expanding while starting a new life at U back when Candace Parker played forranked players and use that to evaluate my of L? Tennessee and got drafted to them. Also, Iown game. TJ - I know if I do my job while I’m there was blessed with the opportunity to meetHEM - Most scouts say you are a great lefty academically and on the court the fan base Lisa Leslie and talk to her about the teamguard that can score under pressure. You and my team will really embrace, support when she came to my school basketballare also known for your defending skills. and help me continue to grow my clothing camp at the end of my sophomore year.What do you think your top basketball line. I got to do big time things to make big HEM - What do you listen to in your IPod?qualities are? time sales, that’s how I look at it. TJ - I listen to different varieties ofTJ - I think my specialty is breaking my man HEM - What’s the easiest way for someone music. But I’m mostly a Chris Brown,down off the dribble and creating plays to order from Team Cole 5? and Jay-Z fan.from there… whether it’s for my shot or for TJ - By visiting my website… HEM - Angel McCoughtry is the mostthe kick or no look. I think once I get in the www.teamcole5.com celebrated women’s basketball player atpaint it’s hard to determine what I’m going HEM - Louisville is a very basketball friendly U of L. Though playing different positionsto do next. I also have a pretty consistent area, with a large following of fans, much and styles, do you see yourself beingpull up, that I continue to work on. like a professional team. How do you plan named in the likes of her?HEM - Some may also know that not only to handle the stardom that comes from TJ - Yes, because of my determinationare you a great basketball player, but also being a U of L basketball player? to get better. I always want to learnyou have a knack for clothing design, TJ - The “TC5 Way”, I plan to stay humble, something new and I study the game a lot,sparking your own line at 13, Team Cole 5. hungry, and work hard every day. and try to add different pieces from greatWhat does the name Team Cole 5 mean? HEM - How does it feel to be named the players to my game.TJ - It’s actually one word (Teamcole), but number one class in the nation for 2015? HEM – Taja, we are excited to have youit stands for Taja Cole and 5 is the number TJ - It feels great, but it’s only the beginning coming to Louisville. We look forward toI’ve worn all my life, but it means 3 words to of our journey. It kind of shows that the U covering your growth since you are in ourme… Humble, Hungry and Hardworking. of L coaching staff hand-picked each of us hometown for the next four years. CanAll individual characteristics. to be a part of something BIG! you save us a front row seat for the season?HEM -Who do you designTeam Cole 5 cloth- HEM - Do you think you can bring a (laughs)ing for? Is it only for basketball players? National Championship to Louisville? TJ – (laughs)…I’ll see what I can do, but ITJ - Teamcole is for everybody whether can’t make any promises! (laughs)you play a sport or work in an office all day.7 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015



Hoops Elite Magazine Micah Lancaster, CEO and Founder of I’m Possible Training I’ve often told players that while they have adult dreams, they have child-like pro- cesses. Their mindset is often the prob- lem and we as coaches have often been guilty of being the root of that problem through myths that we spread. In to- day’s issue we will discuss one of the major myths that we must conquer at all costs to help player’s develop better game results.PERFECTPRACTICEMAKES PERFECTThe term “practice player” is a common term how to train realistic to the game in terms of an unbelievable percentage when shootingused to describe players who are great in the chaos, the contact, and the unpredictabil- the basketball, they will never approach theirpractice, but poor in the game. These types ity that player’s will experience in the game. training in a game realistic way. After all, howof players represent one of the game’s big- I, for one, suffered from this same fault in many player’s actually make 80% of their shotsgest mysteries, but I believe there is a simple thinking. Like many players today, my coaches in a game!?? But if a player is able to practicecure wrapped up in a simple myth. You’ve told me that I needed to make 70-80% of my the game in an imperfect setting, they are ableheard it before and you may even say it of- shots when shooting alone in an empty gym to better simulate the imperfect situations andten, “Perfect practice makes perfect.” Behind in order for me to become a great shooter. circumstances that most resemble real gamethis myth is one of the main reasons why This caused me to get everything perfect and action. They may only make 45-50% of theirsome gym rats find themselves on the bench shoot in such a way that I saw the ball go in shots practicing “imperfectly” but that mayand why some players who only seem to play more. That’s pretty simple. However, I started just transfer over to 45-50% in the game itself!pickup games get all the playing time. to see the game-results that come with such In reality, the best advice to give players isWe all know that the game of basketball is a process. My practice results were always not to give them the age old philosophy ofimperfect in nature. There is contact, there is much, much better than my game results. “perfect practice makes perfect” but insteadchaos, and there are reads and reactions that In the end, I discovered that perfect practice remind them that training is messy in nature.constantly change from situation to situation. only makes the perfect “practice player”. See, Make mistakes often, correct the mistakes, andThat’s why perfect training can never realistical- if a player is always set on doing everything always remember that it takes imperfect train-ly match up to an imperfect game. In order for a perfectly and always focused on making such ing to near perfection for an imperfect game!player to find game results, they must be shown9 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

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Hoops Elite MagazinetBlheeeghLeionncddalWalt WebbHoops Elite Magazine got an opportunity to sitdown and met with Coach Walter Webb, Founderand CEO of Slam City Management Group (SCMG).Known in the DMV area as a talented coach, trainerand motivational speaker, Webb also is the direc-tor of the top nationally ranked program SlamCityElite, primed to have some of best talent the coun-try has to offer. Becoming the first ever team tohave an Adidas deal for their 6th-8th grade middleschool teams, this former NACA National Coach ofthe Year doesn’t only have basketball savvy, butalso a nose for business. His latest accomplish-ment, the opening of his own basketball facility inSterling, Virginia. We catch up with the multi-tal-ented Coach Webb for a one-on-one to learn moreabout this new venture.HEM – Hi Coach Webb, thanks for taking the time to talk with us.Coach Webb – My pleasure.HEM – Ok…so you have one of the top teams in the country,strike a deal with Adidas and Andrew Wiggins’Team Loaded,and now you are dropping a new facility. It’s been a goodyear for you coach. Tell us about your new facility.Coach Webb - I have certainly been blessed to be involved inthe opportunities that’s come in front of me. The facility willbe called Hoops Plus and it’s a 40,000+ square foot facility withthree courts. It will be the home of the SlamCity GrassRootsprogram and it will be used for basketball practices, training,camps, evaluations and tournaments for both boys and girls.12 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite MagazineHEM – That’s great! So when does it open up and do you alreadyhave programs and trainings slated for Hoops Plus?Coach Webb – Well..it’s been a little slower than what I wanted,but we are finally going to do our ribbon cutting ceremony onthe first of the year. But are open now for walk-throughs tovarious teams, community leaders and coaches so they get tosee the facility before we start operations. We do already haveclasses ready for the Hoops Plus opening. From Monday toFriday we have group fitness classes in the morning, but it willopen to the community for more than basketball.HEM – Like what?Coach Webb – Above all, it will be a gym that promotespositivity to the community and those that visit. SlamCity doeshave the elite programs, but we have several programs that areat the recreational and developmental level. We do that so wecan affect the entire community, giving us an opportunity totruly impact their future. During the year, we will have campsand clinics for our community for not only basketball but alsocheerleading, boot camps, group fitness and Zumba. We do allthe training, have school programs and we are even looking atstarting a possible Prep school.HEM– So your mission is to help the community with basketball?Coach Webb – We want to be able to change the culture ofbasketball and the approach to the game of basketball bymaking sure athletes have the prerequisites that they need togo to the next level.HEM – Do you have plans to open more facilities in the future?Coach Webb – Eventually. We currently have severalorganizations throughout the country that has asked for ouradvice on building a solid program and wanting to use ourmodel, so we are really consultants right now. But the goal willbe to have several other facilities throughout the country thatwe manage and own under the Slam City Management Group.HEM – Coach Webb, I know that you have a busy day ahead ofyou, so we appreciate the time you gave us to sit with us and talkabout the grand opening of Hoops Plus. We would love to bethere for the ribbon cutting ceremony.CoachWebb - No doubt. We would love to have Hoop Elite there.HEM – Thanks coach, we will see you on the first of January inthe next year then!Coach Webb – My man.13 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite MagazineReaching New HeightsCoach Dawn BrownDawn Brown who started as an interim coach was officially named Prairie Written By:View A&M head women’s basketball coach in April of 2014 and coached the Karan KauhalLady Panthers to their fourth consecutive NCAA Women’s Basketball DivisionI Tournament appearance and the team’s fourth straight SWAC TournamentChampionship this past season. She opens up about the environment of herteam and her future aspirations.Transition not difficult Hard work pays off of the PVAMU is mixing the youngHaving developed an efficient system Brown attributes the success of the talent with the seasoned campaigners.in the team and a good rapport with the team to all the hard work they put in Coach Brown lays special impetus onplayers, Dawn Brown didn’t have any and commends the team for being the young players or the new recruitsparticular struggles adapting to her role hungry for success and accepting the they have on the team and for themas a head coach from that of an interim. challenges put in front of them. She to not get nervous and make a strongShe takes advantage of the opportunities also claims the pre season games where connection with the other memberspresented before her and advises her team they play against a tough opponent on the team some of which have beento do the same and works on the past (some teams are of the national level) playing together for close to three years.mistakes of the team and how to correct is important to start the season on athem efficiently throughout the season. good note. One of the best attributes14 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite MagazineGreat team environment athlete which helped me be disciplined what we have. The conference is a good“The new team is gelling together just which I impart to my team as well. We are opportunity to learn from other coaches.fine,” says Coach Brown. “The pre-season accountable for the girls that come to join The people here the staff, coaches, playersdefeats will help the team to gain the our program.” She also tells about how she and administration knows what it’s like toexperience needed to perform well and has a close relationship with the team and give yourself to the program.”clean up all the loopholes as the season doesn’t turn a deaf ear and pays proper Looking into the futureprogresses. We have a fearless team attention to them. We have girls from “Right now I just want to focus on thewith some shortcomings which we iron California, Phoenix, LasVegas and others so task at hand and enjoy my time here atout slowly by watching the game film it is our responsibility to be there for them Prairie View. There’s no telling what thetogether.” She is excited at the prospect while they are away from their families. She future will bring us so my goal is to makeof players scoring well in spite of some also talks about how she helps the girls to the best of the situation while I’m here. Inclose defeats and she is confident that the be winners off the court as well.“Education the future though, I want to be an athleticteam will be a force to reckon with. is also very important for their careers director.“Goals for the season when the girls move on from Prairie View. When asked about which WNBA team“It’s all about the team and not my goals We make sure the players are going to the she would like to coach if given anwhich should be prioritized,” explains classroom and getting proper education opportunity she answered ‘Chicago Sky’Coach Brown. She also explains how and it’s not just about them being eligible as she has a close relation with the coachbefore every match every player writes to play at this level.” and is familiar with the whole mentalitydown their own individual goals for the Qualities that make the players recruitable of the team as they are risk takers and aregame and she encourages them to set “The players should have a motor. confident in their young talent.their goals high so as to have maximum Whether you are down 20 or up 20 points She also opens up about the music shepositive influence on the game. The the intensity should remain. The players likes to hear and about her pre-gamecommitment and sacrifice of the team should be coachable. As a coach it is my rituals as a player and as a coach. Sheas a whole are more important than any job to pay attention to them and help adds, “I like to hear gospel music andindividuals’ goal. The team desires to go them learn and grow. She also speaks some rap music. Music helps me to growundefeated and desires to win another how a player should be self disciplined as a person and it’s good for the soul. Prechampionship. and be academically eligible.” game rituals include eating some oatmealBeyond the court When asked about the SWAC conference and doing 35-40 minutes of cardio. But it“I had some great coaches and some great she says,” We are not as fortunate as all starts off with a Starbucks coffee!”mentors during my time as a student some BCS schools but we make with15 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite MagazineIntroducingLamontTaylorGetMeRecruited.com’s CEO and the newDirector of Scouting Relations of ElevateBasketball Circuit Lamont Taylor was born in Brooklyn, NY and Taylor has begun to lay the foundation for raised in Lumberton, NC. A Navy veteran, what’s becoming a household name in Lamont holds a BS in Psychology from the high school basketball recruiting, GetMeRe- University of North Carolina at Pembroke cruited. Launched in 2012, is the brainchild and a MBA in General Business from Ca- of Taylor and GMR’s Vice President Robert pella University. Lamont has an extensive Scruggs, a Richmond, VA native. In just over basketball background, which consists of 2 years, Lamont and his GetMeRecruited staff over 20 years of coaching on multiple lev- have solidified their organization as a highly els and a host of strong relationships within respected and very credible source of every- the college basketball realm. He has helped thing high school basketball in the south- many players develop and get recruited by east region of the country. In March of 2014, a variety of DI, DII, DIII, and junior colleges GetMeRecruited hosted its 1st annual high through his relationships with college bas- school showcase, the “Super 60 Showdown”. ketball coaches. Many players grant their Named a “Must See” event by USA Today, the success to Lamont for his guidance and ad- “showdown” has become THE most coveted vice in helping them to choose the correct showcase event in the southeast. school for their talent and compatibility. He The Elevate Basketball Circuit welcomes is well-known and beloved for his passion for Lamont Taylor and his basketball acumen as the game and his compassion for players. He our National Director of Scouting Relations. is also well respected by countless college Lamont will be the go to guy for the media, coaches, recruiters, and scout evaluators college coaches, and coaches and players of as a reliable source for judging a prospec- the EBC as well. He would love to get feed- tive player’s talent level and abilities. Lam- back or suggestions of players he should be ont is the uncle and past legal guardian of on the lookout for. During the season look YouTube sensation and NBA player Quincy for write-ups, articles, and social media activ- Miller. He coached and helped guide Quincy ity from Lamont. You will likely see Lamont throughout his path from an unknown 9th scouting players of the EBC throughout the grade player to a YouTube phenomenon and country in a gym near you. A guy who loves eventually to the NBA. Lamont has gained to be amongst the people and as friendly as valuable knowledge and experience in help- they come, if you spot him at one of the ses- ing to guide players on all levels of talent sions do not hesitate to speak! through the recruitment process.16 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015



Hoops Elite MagazineTop Boys Youth Travel Basketball TournamentsThe list of tournaments that have been selected were gathered from direct feedback of NCAA and NAIAcollege coaches. Feedback was also received from multiple recruiting services, player ranking services andtravel team coaches from across the nation.March 27-29, 2015 June 5-7, 2015Elevate Basketball Circuit (EBC) Battle of Rumble in the Bronx in NYC – Bronx, NYthe Divisions – Norfolk, VAApril 3-5, 2015 (June 5-7, 2015)Knoxvegas Heat Invitational June 12-14, 2015Knoxville, TN AAU 21st MIT – Baltimore, MDReal Deal in the Rock - Little Rock, AR Rumble in the Bronx in NYC – New York,Norman Parker Showcase - Atlanta, GAApril 10-12, 2015 NYBoo Williams Nike Invitational – Hampton, VA June 19-21, 2015April 17-19, 2015 Slam City Grassroots #5 - Chantilly, VASouthern Spring Invitational Tournament – Birmingham, ALEBC vs the World – Leigh High Valley, PA July 8-13, 2015April 24-26, 2015 Elevate Basketball Circuit (EBC) National Championships - VirginiaUnder Armour Jayhawk Invitational – Olathe, KSUnder Armour Pitt Jam – Pittsburgh, PA Beach, VAMay 1-3, 2015 Under Armour National Championship – Louisville, KY (July 6-8,Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions – Atlanta, GAMay 8-10, 2015 2015)Next Level Nationals – Dallas, TX Real Deal in the ‘Ville Shootout – Franklin, TN (July 8-9, 2015)May 22-25, 2015Capital City Hoop Classics – Annapolis, MD (May 23-25, 2015) July 14-20, 2015Adidas Memorial Day Classic – Houston, TX Elevate Basketball Circuit (EBC) Grassroots ChampionshipsNOLA Super 60 Primetime – New Orleans, LAMay 29-31, 2015 Virginia Beach, VAElevate Basketball Circuit (EBC) Go Hard or Go Home Playoffs – Nike Peach Jam – Augusta, SC (July 15-19, 2015)Nashville, TN Eddie Ford Hoopfest – Louisville, KY (July 15–19, 2015) Great American Shootout – Dallas, TX (July 16-19, 2015) July 22-29, 2015 AAU National Super Showcase – Louisville, KY (July 22-25, 2015) BigFoot Hoops Las Vegas Classic – Las Vegas, NV (July 22-26, 2015) Adidas Super64 – Las Vegas, NV – (July 22-26, 2015) Las Vegas Fab 48 – Las Vegas, NV – (July 23-30, 2015) July 31 - August 2, 2015 Slam City Grassroots #7 - Chantilly, VA18 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite MagazineA Minute withGeorge Hill George Hill Questions:1. What was the biggest change from going from collegebasketball at IUPUI to playing professional basketball?A. The speed of the game, mental preparation, andunderstanding that you are playing against an all americanevery night. There is no days off.2. What are 3 things high school kids should know aboutgoing and playing in college?A. 1)Find a balance between academics and athletics. 2)Youmust be more responsible and you will be held accountablefor your actions. 3) Try to have good relationships with yourprofessors.3. Why did you chose your jersey number?A. Grandfathers birthday was May 3rd, and its me, my mom,and my dad=3.4. Who was your inspiration while growing up?A. Mom, Tina Hill.5. Who is the toughest player to guard in the NBA and why?A. Kobe Bryant. He has no weakness.6. What do you do to get prepared for a game?A. Just relax, eat the right food take a nap and listen tosome music.7. You have a youth basketball league, George Hill RisingStars. What directed you to start your own youth basketballprogram?A. Just wanted to give back to my city. Show people if youprovide kids with the proper resources they can make it onand off the court.8. What do you consider a successful season?A. NBA Championship would be nice...lol.., improving fromthe year before. No major injuries9. What’s the different in play from regular season toplayoff games?A. People pay more attention to detail. Weaknesses areexposed more because you can focus on your opponent10. What is currently in your CD Player/IPod?A. Chris Brown19 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite MagazineThe Youth Travel Basketball AuthorityHoops Elite 100Class of 2016November 2014 - Edition # I Thon MakerRank Player Name Position Height School1 Thon Maker F/C 7'0 Mono, ON Athlete Institute2 Harry Giles F 6'10 Winston-Salem, NC Wesleyan Christian Academy3 Josh Jackson SF 6'6 Napa, CA - Prolific Prep4 Jayson Tatum SF 6'7 St. Louis, MO - Chaminade College Prep5 Malik Monk SG 6'3 Bentonville High - Bentonville, AR6 Dennis Smith, Jr. PG 6'1 Trinity Christian - Fayetteville, NC7 Edric Adebayo C 6'8 Northside High - Pinetown, NC8 Terrance Ferguson SG 6'6 Home School - Dallas, TX9 Derryck Thornton PG 6'1 Chatsworth, CA - Findlay College Prep10 Blake Harris PG 6'3 Montverde Academy - Montverde, FL11 Lonzo Ball PG 6'5 Chino Hills High - Chino Hills, CA12 Udoka Azubuike C 6'10 Potters House Christian - Jacksonville, FL13 De'Aaron Fox PG 6'3 Cypress Lakes High - Katy, TX14 Tyus Battle SG 6'5 Gill St. Benard's School - Edison, NJ15 Jamal Murray PG 6'4 Kitchener, ONAthlete Institute - Kitchner, OH16 T.J. Leaf PF 6'9 Foothills Christian High - El Cajon, CA17 Braxton Blackwell SF 6'8 Christ Presbyterian Academy - Nashville, TN18 V.J. King SF 6'7 Paul VI High - Fairfax, VA19 Kobi Simmons PG 6'5 Saint Francis High - Alpharetta, GA20 Miles Bridges SF 6'6 Huntington Prep - Flint, MI21 Josh Langford G 6'6 Madison Academy - Madison, AL22 Juwan Durham PF 6'9 Tampa Prepartory - Tampa, FL23 Jaylen Fisher PG 6'1 Bolton High - Arlington, TN24 De'Ron Davis PF 6'8 Overland High - Aurora, CO25 Seventh Woods SG 6'0 Hammond School - Columbia, SC26 Abdul Hakim Ado C 6'9 Hamilton Heights Christian - Chattanooga, TN27 Dewan Huell PF 6'10 Miami Norland High - Miami, FL28 Omari Spellman PF 6'9 The MacDuffie School - North Royalton, OH29 Marquise Bolden C 6'10 DeSoto High - Dallas, TX30 Mustapha Heron SG 6'5 Sacred Heart High - West Haven, CT31 Justin Jackson SF 6'8 Findlay College Prep - Scarborough, Ont, CA32 Rawle Alkins SF 6'4 Christ the King High - Brooklyn, NY33 Frank Jackson SG 6'3 Lone Peak High - Alpine, UT34 Shakwon Barrett G 6'3 Findley Prep - Las Vegas, NV35 Tony Bradley C 6'10 Bartow Senior High - Bartow, FL20 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite Magazine 36 Amir Coffey SF 6'7 Hopkins High - Minnetonka, MN 37 Jarrett Allen C 6'9 Saint Stephen's Episcopal - Austin, TX 38 Michael Cage, Jr. PF 6'9 Mater Dei High - Santa Ana, CA 39 Cassius Winston PG 6'1 University of Detroit Jesuit High - Detroit, MI 40 Payton Pritchard PG 6'2 West Linn High - West Linn, OR 41 Devearl Ramsey PG 5'9 Sierra Canyon High - Chatsworth, CA 42 Schnider Herard C 6'10 Prestonwood Christian - Plano, TX 43 Mario Kegler SF 6'7 Arlington Country Day - Jackson, MS 44 Kwe Parker SG 6'2 Wesleyan Christian - Fayetteville, NC 45 Seth Towns SF 6'7 Northland High - Columbus, OH 46 Chris Lewis PF 6'8 Milton High - Alpharetta, GA 47 Derek Funderburk C 6'9 Saint Edward High - Lakewood, OH 48 Matthew Moyer PF 6'7 Lincoln High - Columbus, OH 49 Jaquan McKennon G 6'0 Jefferson High - Brooklyn, NY 50 Sedee Keita C 6'10 Vermont Academy - Saxtons River, VT 51 Nick Marshall C 6'11 Lexington High - Lexington, TN 52 Trent Forrest SG 6'4 Chipley High - Chipley, FL 53 Nick Ward PF 6'7 Lincoln High - Gahanna, OH 54 Alterique Gilbert PG 6'1 Miller Grove High - Lithonia, GA 55 Kessley Felizor F 6'6 Coastal Academy, NJ 56 Temple Gibbs PG 6'2 Seton Hall Prep - Scotch Plains, NJ 57 Maverick Rowan SG 6'5 Cardinal Gibbons High - Ft. Lauderdale, FL 58 Kyle Guy PG 6'2 Lawrence Central High - Indianapolis, IN 59 Cameron Lard PF 6'9 Natchitoches Central High - Natchitoches, LA 60 Lamar Stevens SF 6'6 The Haverford School - Philadelphia, PA 61 Kobe Gantz G 6'4 McCaskey Lancaster PA 62 Jordan Fullerton G/F 6'4 Toronto, Canada 63 Xavier Simpson PG 5'11 Lima Senior High - Lima, OH 64 Michael Hurt PF 6'7 John Marshall High - Rochester, NY 65 Zach Norvell SG 6'4 Simeon Center Academy 66 Jabbar Shy G 5'11 West Philadelphia, PA 67 John Mooney PF 6'9 Lake Brantley High - Altamonte Springs, FL 68 Bruce Brown G 6'3 Vermont Academy - Saxtons River, VT 69 Issac Humphries F 6'10 LaLumiere School - La Porte, IN 70 Trevor Stanback C 6'10 Maranatha High - Pasedena, CA 71 Jonathon Issac F 6'8 International School of Broward - Hollywood, FL 72 Mark Vital F 6'5 Prime Prep - Dallas, TX 73 Jermaine Haley G 6'6 New Westminster - New Westminster, BC 74 Keyon McCutcheon G 6'3 Reading, PA 75 Eron Gordon G 6'2 North Central High - Indianapolis, IN 76 Eric Hester G 6'3 Oldsmar Christian, Oldsmar, FL 77 Daron Henson F 6'8 Bishop Alemany - Mission Hills, CA 78 Kenny Cooper G 6'0 Franklin Road Academy - Nashville, TN21 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite Magazine79 Thomas Booker G 6'0 East Nashville - Nashville, TN80 Howard Washington G 6'2 Montverde Academy - Montverde, FL81 Josh Townsend F 6'5 Imhotep - Philadelphia, PA82 Zach Collins C 6'9 Bishop Gorman High - Las Vegas, NV83 Keith Smith G 6'7 Rainer Beach - Seattle, WA84 D'Marcus Simonds G 6'4 Buford High - Buford, GA85 Kevin Rimmer F 6'3 Ezell Harding - Antioch, TN86 Jarron Cumberland G 6'4 Wilmington High - Wilmington, OH87 Jayce Johnson C 6'10 Jserra Catholic - San Juan Capistrano, CA88 Rodney Miller C 6'11 Oak Hill Academy - Mouth of Wilson, VA89 Gabe Osabohain F 6'6 VA Academy90 Montrel Morgan G 6'1 Impact Prep - York, PA91 Marquise Bell G 6'3 Trenton Catholic Academy, NJ92 Nick Rakocevic F 6'10 St. Josephs - Westchester, IL93 Josh Hall G 6'6 Genesis Academy - Lynchberg, VA94 Lindell Wiggington G 6'1 Oak Hill Academy - Mouth of Wilson, VA95 J.J. Caldwell G 6'0 Cypress Woods - Cypress, TX96 Joe Hampton F 6'7 Oak Hill Academy - Mouth of Wilson, VA97 Jordan Bone G 6'1 Ensworth High - Nashville, TN98 Jordan Bruner F 6'7 Spring Valley - Columbia, SC99 Barrett Benson C 6'9 Hinsdale South - Willowbrook, IL100 Javonte Miller F 6'7 Burlington, NC* Rankings based on multiple National Ranking Services, multiple National Recruiting Services and assembled by Hoops EliteNational Ranking Committee.22 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite MagazineThe Youth Travel Basketball AuthorityHoops Elite 100Class of 2017November 2014 - Edition # I Troy Brown, JrRank Player Name Position Height School1 DeAndre Ayton PF 6'10 Balboa City School - San Diego, CA2 Troy Brown Jr. PG 6'5 Centinnial High School - Las Vegas, NV3 Jarred Vanderbilt F 6'7 Victory Prep Academy - Houston, TX4 Zach Brown C 7'0 Miami Beach Senior High - Miami, FL5 Michael Porter SF 6'9 Father Tolton Catholic - Columbia, MO6 Brian Bowen SF 6'7 Arthur Hill High - Saginaw, MI7 P.J. Washington PF 6'8 Lone Star High - Frisco, TX8 Jalek Felton SG 6'3 Mullins High - Mullins, SC9 Billy Preston PF 6'9 Redondo Beach - Redondo Union High10 Lonnie Walker SG 6'4 Reading High - Reading, PA11 Cody Riley PF 6'7 Sierra Canyon High - Chatsworth, CA12 Trevon Duval SG 6'2 Saint Benedict's Prep - Wilmington, DE13 Wendell Carter PF 6'8 Pace Academy - Atlanta, GA14 Austin Wiley PG 6'9 Spain Park High - Birmingham, AL15 J.J. Smith SG 6'4 E.E. Smith High - Fayettsville, NC16 M.J. Walker SF 6'5 Jonesboro High - Jonesboro, GA17 D.J. Harvey SF 6'6 DeMatha Catholic High - Hyattsville, MD18 Keyshon Montague PG 5'11 D'Youville - Toronto, CAN19 Victor Bailey, Jr SG 6'3 McNeil High - Austin, TX20 Jermaine Samuels SF 6'6 The Rivers School - Franklin, MA21 Jordan Tucker SF 6'7 Archbishop Stephinac High - White Plains, NY22 Lavar Batts PG 6'1 Concord, NC23 Melo Eggleston SF 6'8 Washington, DC24 Mitchell Bullock SG 6'4 Eudora High - Eudora, KS25 Ty-Shon Alexander SG 6'3 Montverde Academy - Charlotte, NC26 Tomas Murphy PF 6'8 Northfield-Mt. Hermon - Wakefield, RI27 Jeremiah Tilmon C 6'9 East St. Louis High - East St. Louis, IL28 Isaiah Jasey PF 6'8 Ellison High - Killeen, TX29 Devontae Shuler SG 6'2 Irmo High - Columbia, SC30 John Petty SF 6'5 J.O. Johnson High - Huntsville, AL31 Oshae Brissett SF 6'7 Findlay Prep - Henderson, NV32 Paul Scruggs SG 6'3 Southport High - Indianapolis, IN33 Ira Lee SF 6'7 Sierra Canyon High - Chatsworth, CA34 Isaiah Stokes PF 6'8 Lausanne Collegiate - Memphis, TN35 Kristafer Wilkes SF 6'6 Indianapolis, IN23 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite Magazine Brian Bowen SG Jalek Felton SG 36 Chyree Walker SF 6'5 Cheltenham, MD 37 Trae Young PF 6'1 Norman, OK 38 Tavion Atkinson SF 6'6 Red Springs High - Red Springs, NC 39 Mitchell Robinson SF 6'10 New Orleans, LA 40 Zach Gunn PF 6'5 Fishers, IN 41 Kevin Hamlet SG 6'6 St. Benedict - Newark, NJ 42 Nicholas Richards PF 6'10 Manhasset, NY 43 David Caraher SF 6'5 Chapel Hill, NC 44 Brandon McCoy PF 6'10 San Diego, CA 45 Kobe Thomas PG 6'7 Archbishop Wood - Philadelphia, PA 46 Josh Linder SG 6'7 Kathleen, GA 47 Tremont Waters PG 5'11 New Haven, CT 48 Chris Giles G 6'2 Allen, TX 49 Blake Williams SF 5'11 Memphis, TN 50 Aaron Simmons C 6'4 Mt. Zion Prep - Durham, NC 51 Kimani Lawrence PF 6'6 Ashburnham, MA 52 Matur Maker PF 6'9 Martinsville, VA 53 D.J. Russell PG 6'7 Jacksonville, FL 54 Mohammad Bamba PG 6'9 Norristown, PA 55 Jamir Moultrie PF 6'0 Bowie, MD 56 Justin Roberts PG 5'11 Indianapolis, IN 57 Malik Williams SF 6'9 Fort Wayne, IN 58 Jaylen Nowell C 6'2 Seattle, WA 59 Hasahn French 6'6 Middletown, NY 60 Victor Uyaelunmo 6'11 Miami, FL24 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite Magazine61 John Carter SG 6'2 Summitt High - Spring Hill, TN62 Koby Thomas SG 6'4 Mastery Charter - Philadelphia, PA63 Deondre Bourne SG 6'4 Brooklyn Lehman High - Brooklyn, NY64 Clashon Gaffney PF 6'7 Clarksville, TX65 LaTravian Glover SF 6'7 Miami , FL66 Terrell Turner SG 6'4 Miami, FL67 Isaiah Carpenter PF 6'9 Pennsbury High - Philadelphia, PA68 Gary Trent SG 6'4 Apple Valley, MN69 Nate Pierre-Louis PG 6'2 Plainfield, NJ70 Luis Hurtado PG 6'5 Decatur, GA71 Markus Howard PG 5'11 Gilbert, AZ72 Jeremiah Alexander SF 6'5 Antioch High School - Antioch, TN73 Quade Green PG 5'11 Philadelphia, PA74 Jamal Johnson SG 6'4 Houston, TX75 Manny Dixon Stokes SF 6'7 Notre Dame - Trenton, NJ76 Rheaquan Taylor SF 6'7 Montross Christian - Queens, NY77 Victor Enoh C 6'7 Decatur, GA78 Tyrell Gumbs SG 6'4 St. Benedict - Newark, NJ79 Marco Beastly PF 6'8 Ross Shepard High - Edmonton, CAN80 Eric Ayala SG 6'2 Wilmington, DE81 Kobe Reeves SG 6'3 Hillsboro High - Nashville, TN82 Jerome Desrosiers SF 6'6 Mount Hermon, MA83 Jamir Harris PG 6'1 North Brunswic, NJ84 Rick Nelson PG 6'0 Houston, TX85 C. J. Roberts PG 5'11 Arlington, TX86 Colin Sexton PG 5'11 Atlanta, GA87 Wyatt Wilkes SF 6'4 Orlando, FL88 Charles O'Bannon, Jr SG 6'4 Las Vegas, NV89 Malik Zachery PG 6'1 Syracuse, NY90 Obi Prince C 6'10 Comenius Prep - Fort Mill, SC91 Chirstian Popoola, Jr. SG 6'3 Las Vegas, NV92 Zeke Vaughn SF 6'5 Faith Christian - Roseto, PA93 Sidney Wilson SF 6'6 Bronx, NY94 Tyler Polley SF 6'7 Weston, FL95 Darian Scott C 6'9 Las Vegas, NV96 Aaron Thompson PG 6'1 Glendale, MD97 P.J. Horne PF 6'5 Tifton, GA98 David Beatty SG 6'3 Philadelphia, PA99 DeAndre Ballard SF 6'4 Douglassville, PA100 Bradley Belt SG 6'2 Huntsville, AL* Rankings based on multiple National Ranking Services, multiple National Recruiting Services and assembled by Hoops EliteNational Ranking Committee.25 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015



Hoops Elite MagazineThe Youth Travel Basketball AuthorityHoops Elite 100Class of 2018November 2014 - Edition # I D’Marco BaucumRank Player Name Position Height School1 Marvin Bagley II F 6'9 Gilbert, AZ2 E.J. Montgomery SF 6'6 Ft. Pierce, FL3 James Lewis PG 6'1 Atlanta, GA4 Nazreon Reid PF 6'9 Ashbury Park, NJ5 Reginald Chaney SF 6'5 Tulsa, OK6 LaDarius Marshall SF 6'5 Jackson, MS7 Jordan Brown PF 6'8 Roseville, CA8 Kenneth Jones PG 5'10 Elizabeth, NJ9 Kris Banks SG 6'4 Newark, NJ10 Trevor Moore G 6'2 Houston, TX11 Bol Bol F 6'6 Kansas City, MO12 Gavin Schoenwald SF 6'4 Brentwood, TN13 Omar Kieta PF 6'9 Jackson, MS14 D'Marco Baucum SF 6'4 Washington, DC15 Greg Williams SG 6'3 Lafayette, LA16 Nicholas Bonitto SG 6'3 Miramir, FL17 Demonte Dixon PF 6'8 Spring Hill, TN18 Atiba Taylor PG 5'11 New York, NY19 Kevin Easley SF 6'3 Indianapolis, IN20 Ethan Henderson PF 6'5 Little Rock, AR21 Reginald Perry SF 6'7 Tallahassee, FL22 Cateare Gordon PF 6'6 St. Louis, MO23 Will Dillard SG 6'1 Greensboro, NC24 Damon Harge PG 5'7 Orlando, FL25 Byron Etienne PG 5'10 Houston, TX26 Jamal Whittlesey SF 6'4 New Castle, DE27 Justin Winston SF 6'5 West Orange, NJ28 Jordan Morris PF 6'5 Chicago, IL29 Antwan January C 6'6 Inglewood, CA30 Robert Woodard SG 6'5 Columbus, MS31 Alex Jones PG 5'9 Alpharetta, GA32 Jaryan Brooks PF 6'5 San Diego, CA33 Brandon Slater SG 6'2 Fairfax, VA34 Marquis Brown SG 6'0 Chicago, IL35 Ameer Johnson SF 6'5 Philadelphia, PA27 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite Magazine Gavin Schoenwal Nazreon Reid 36 Luther Muhammad SG 6'1 Trinton Falls, NJ 37 Coulter Dotson PF 6'4 White Bluff, TN 38 Jordan Simmons PG 5'8 Chicago, IL 39 Jonathon Kabongo SG 6'2 Toronto, CA 40 Anthony Johnson SG 5'11 Pittsburgh, PA 41 Dakari Johnson PG 5'11 Fayetteville, NC 42 Gavin Lewis PF 6'3 Madison, AL 43 Andrew Tuazama SG 6'2 Raleigh, NC 44 Amari Sherrod SF 6'2 Gary, IN 45 DJ Weaver PF 6'7 Houston, TX 46 Javonte Smart SG 6'1 Baton Rouge, LA 47 Cassius Stanley PG 6'3 Encino, CA 48 Cameron Reddish SG 6'4 Eagleville, PA 49 Camron Johnson SG 6'0 Madisonville, KY 50 Chase Adams PG 5'1 Park Forest, IL 51 Courtney Ramey SG 5'9 St. Louis, MO 52 Darrell Simpson PF 6'6 Justin, TX 53 Alex Marrow PG 6'2 Washington, DC 54 Myikel Wilson PG 6'0 Trenton, NJ 55 Devin Cambridge SF 6'3 Nashville, TN 56 DJ Sims PG 5'9 Lawton, OK 57 Nayshan Kane SF 6'4 Brooklyn, NY 58 Bayley Rice C 6'8 London, KY 59 Jonathon Howard SG 6'1 Nashville, TN 60 Chris Mullins SG 6'3 Mansfield, TX28 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite Magazine61 Carlos Sandifer PG 6'0 Memphis, TN 5'11 Louisville, KY62 Ahmad Price PG 6'0 Nashville, TN 6'2 Katy, TX63 David Smith SG 6'9 Middleton, OH 6'4 Westlake Village, CA64 Cedric Washington SF 6'2 Louisville, KY 5'10 Columbia, TN65 Ernest Williams C 6'5 Loretto, TN 5'10 Columbia, TN66 Riley Battin PF 6'4 Memphis, TN 6'1 Houston, TX67 Willie Hill PG 6'4 Jonesboro, GA 6'8 New York, NY68 Jaden Lewis PG 6'6 Cordova, TN 6'0 Smyrna, GA69 Kirland Surratt PF 6'7 Atlanta, GA 6'2 Pearland, TX70 Tai Carter PG 6'2 Chatsworth, CA 6'3 Charlotte, NC71 T. J. Moss SF 6'0 Washington, DC 6'2 Greenville, SC72 Antoine Davis PG 6'3 Eufaula, AL 6'8 Dallas, TX73 Jamari Smith SF 6'5 Columbia, TN 6'7 Spartanburg, SC74 Walter Talley PF 6'4 Anniston, AL 5'9 Memphis, TN75 Roderick Brown SF 6'7 Patterson, NJ 6'7 Neptune Township, NJ76 Drue Dinnon PG 7'0 Philadelphia, PA 6'3 Henderson, NC77 Mohammad Abdulsalam PF 6'6 Franklington, NC 5'8 Forest Park, NY78 Jalen Preston SG 6'0 Indianapolis, IN 5'8 Washington, DC79 Michael Feinberg SG 6'0 Hackensack, NJ 5'11 Ft. Lauderdale, FL80 Elijah Brown SF 6'1 Cypress, TX 6'2 Wilkes Barre, PA81 Shariff Kenny SF82 Stephon Wynn SF83 Tony Johnson SG84 Maxwell Huff C85 Nonte Davis PF86 Gabe Bryant C87 Diante Wood SG88 Tyler Harris PG89 Armoni Sexton PF90 Jordan Kimbrough PG91 Saliou Diop C92 Zaire Edwards SG93 Jacob Graham SF94 Kareem Thompson PG95 Keith Coleman PG96 Jared Bynum PG97 Chauncey Sterling PG98 Zach Scott SG99 Noah Thomas SG100 Omar Kelly SG* Rankings based on multiple National Ranking Services, multiple National Recruiting Services and assembled by Hoops EliteNational Ranking Committee.29 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite Magazine Getting to Know Grace Men’s Asst. Head Basketball Coach and lead recruiter of UCLA, David Grace talks with Hoops EliteHoops Elite Magazine got a chance to chat with David Grace, Assistant Head Coach and top recruiter forthe UCLA Bruins Men’s Basketball Program. Mentioning the new elite travel basketball league, ElevateBasketball Circuit, as place that he will be coming to watch athletes for the 2015, HEM decided to outlinethe career of Coach Grace.Assistant Men’s Basketball CoachUCLAApril 2013 – Present (1 year 8 months)Los AngelesAssistant Men’s Basketball CoachOregon State UniversityJune 2008 – April 2013 (4 years 11 months) • Started coaching in 1997 with Boo Williams AAU of Hampton,VA • Has coached at AAU,Highschool,and college levels • Grew up in Aberdeen,MD • Dad was a referee for 35 years in Maryland • David and wife have 6 childrenU.S. Air Force1983 – 2003 (20 years) andpart of Operation Desert StormDavid Grace begins his second season as an assistant coach at UCLA in 2014-15.Grace has served as an assistant coach in the Pac-12Conference the last six seasons, including a five-year stint at Oregon State University (2009-13). Working alongside head coachSteve Alford in 2013-14, Gracehelped UCLA compile a 28-9overall record and the 2014 Pac-12 Tournament title.30 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015

Hoops Elite MagazineGrace arrived at UCLA after serving as an assistant coachthe previous five seasons (2009-13) at Oregon State. Earlyin his tenure with the Beavers, Grace became one of theleading recruiters in the Pac-12 Conference.UCLA responsibilities:24/7 job as an assistant coach with Steve Alford’s staffand the Head Recruiter at UCLA. “We recruit the bestplayers in America who want to and can compete at thehighest athletic level and meet the academic expecta-tion with UCLA’s higher standards at one of the world’sgreatest universities,” Grace tells HEM.What do you look for in a recruit?“We first request the player’s transcripts and check to seeif they are a good person off the court, a good exampleof a family oriented individual, a good teammate, dothey have heart and good work ethics, if the player hasthe talent to play in the Pac 12 and in the NCAA tourna-ment. We want to make sure the player wants to be inthe best environment of top national competition withchallenging classwork surrounded by the best weatherin America.”Globetrotter:Grace travels to Australia, Germany, Canada and everyarea in the USA where he can find the right players tohelp UCLA win and compete every year for NCAA Cham-pionships. His typical travel schedule can start off witha trip to Milwaukee to talk to AAU coaches, watchedplayers that night, get two hours of sleep, and get upearly to catch another flight to Atlanta, watch more ac-tion at high school gyms, then off to Florida for morebasketball recruiting.Success at Westwood:Twenty months into his tenure as an assistant under SteveAlford at UCLA, Grace has used his affable personality andrelentless work ethic to entice several of the nation’s mostcoveted prospects to come to Westwood. Grace has beenable to help the Bruins land many of the top McDonald’sAll-Americans in less than two seasons.Grace loves coaching at the college level and keeping intouch with his many former athletes after they’ve grad-uated and starting families and careers. At some point,Grace hopes to parlay that fierce work ethic into a headcoaching opportunity. He’s in no rush to leave UCLA, buthe considers that to be the final step in his career path.“It would mean everything to me,” Grace said. “I’vereally enjoyed my time at UCLA. I think the world ofmy head coach and the administration here. Its 75degrees and sunny every day. Who wouldn’t want torecruit to here? But to become a Division I head coachis a dream of mine.”31 | Issue 1 - Jan 2015