Dave Telep Blog: USA Basketball
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – When USA Basketball calls, high school players listen. The USA Basketball Fall Developmental National Team Mini-Camp was a must-attend event. A two day, four-sessions event with 46 players in attendance allowed observers to catch a glimpse of not only what Team USA’s U16 roster will look like next summer, but also a chance to evaluate players in a setting conducive to assessing talent.
A multitude of players showcased their talents for the coaches. There were scorers like 2015 SG Charles Matthews (Chicago, Ill./St. Rita) and 2015 SG Eric Davis (Saginaw, Mich./Arthur Hill). There were also big bodies in 2015 PF Stephen Zimmerman (Las Vegas, Nev./Bishop Gorman) and 2015 C Jessie Govan (Queens Village, N.Y./St. Mary’s). 2015 SG Isaiah Briscoe (Union, N.J./St. Benedict’s) and 2015 F Malachi Richardson (Hamilton, N.J./Roselle Catholic) are versatile players. Sophomore bigs Daniel Giddens (Mableton, Ga./Wheeler) and PF Thomas Bryant (Rochester, N.Y./Bishop Kearney) each had their moments and distinguished themselves.
After 48 hours at altitude, here are the takeaways.
A multitude of players showcased their talents for the coaches. There were scorers like 2015 SG Charles Matthews (Chicago, Ill./St. Rita) and 2015 SG Eric Davis (Saginaw, Mich./Arthur Hill). There were also big bodies in 2015 PF Stephen Zimmerman (Las Vegas, Nev./Bishop Gorman) and 2015 C Jessie Govan (Queens Village, N.Y./St. Mary’s). 2015 SG Isaiah Briscoe (Union, N.J./St. Benedict’s) and 2015 F Malachi Richardson (Hamilton, N.J./Roselle Catholic) are versatile players. Sophomore bigs Daniel Giddens (Mableton, Ga./Wheeler) and PF Thomas Bryant (Rochester, N.Y./Bishop Kearney) each had their moments and distinguished themselves.
After 48 hours at altitude, here are the takeaways.
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Stone, Rabb fill big shoes at USA camp 
October, 7, 2012
10/07/12
5:30
PM ET
By
Dave Telep | ESPN.com
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The foundation for USA Basketball’s frontcourt appears to be a pair of top-five big men from the Class of 2015. Through three-quarters of the USA Basketball Men's Developmental Minicamp, Diamond Stone (Milwaukee, Wisc./Dominican) and Ivan Rabb (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd) have distinguished themselves as frontcourt leaders and guys the eventual squad may count on for production at both ends.
Frontcourt options plentiful with Raab and Stone
Raab is really hitting his stride at the power forward spot. His confidence level is bursting and he clearly sees himself as one of the best players here. The reality is, he’s right. However, he’s not resting on his laurels as his play in the paint has been spirited. He’s been the best rebounder in camp.
He's developed a friendly rivalry with Stone and the duo appears to be pushing each other. What would be good for USA Basketball would be to have them continue their play and step into the roles Jahlil Okafor and Dakari Johnson vacated after last summer. Stone’s the best finishing center at the camp and has the softest finishing touch. Whether he’s using his bulk or his finesse with a jump hook, Stone has the makings of a rock in the paint.
Replacing Tyus Jones won't be easy
The search for a successor to Tyus Jones is underway. USA Basketball needs a new point guard and for those in attendance this camp has turned into a proving ground of sorts. If the team was looking for one guard to advance his game on the final day, then they saw an impressive effort out of Derryck Thornton (Simi Valley, Calif./Sierra Canyon).
“I was nervous coming in,” Thornton said. “I was too passive. I have to be more verbal and play good defense.” Thornton distinguished himself as a passer, playmaker and reliable offensive player. He’s the type of lead guard who could be the squad's pied piper as others are likely to enjoy playing with him. There are times when he over dribbles, but this is a point guard who hasn’t played a high school game and is hoping to prove he belongs. Patience is the buzzword with all the floor generals in attendance. On Sunday, Thornton ramped up his play and made a statement.
When the light goes off …
Josh Jackson (Detroit, Mich./Consortium) didn’t fully believe he was a good player prior to camp. He knew he had talent and people told him he was good, but he didn’t truly begin believing it until Saturday night. A defensive sequence lit a fire under him and he’s been sensational ever since. Jackson’s responsible for the play of the camp when he hammered home a dunk then raced to the other end of the court to reject an easy bucket. His energy livened up the event.
Notes
Frontcourt options plentiful with Raab and Stone
Raab is really hitting his stride at the power forward spot. His confidence level is bursting and he clearly sees himself as one of the best players here. The reality is, he’s right. However, he’s not resting on his laurels as his play in the paint has been spirited. He’s been the best rebounder in camp.
He's developed a friendly rivalry with Stone and the duo appears to be pushing each other. What would be good for USA Basketball would be to have them continue their play and step into the roles Jahlil Okafor and Dakari Johnson vacated after last summer. Stone’s the best finishing center at the camp and has the softest finishing touch. Whether he’s using his bulk or his finesse with a jump hook, Stone has the makings of a rock in the paint.
Replacing Tyus Jones won't be easy
The search for a successor to Tyus Jones is underway. USA Basketball needs a new point guard and for those in attendance this camp has turned into a proving ground of sorts. If the team was looking for one guard to advance his game on the final day, then they saw an impressive effort out of Derryck Thornton (Simi Valley, Calif./Sierra Canyon).
“I was nervous coming in,” Thornton said. “I was too passive. I have to be more verbal and play good defense.” Thornton distinguished himself as a passer, playmaker and reliable offensive player. He’s the type of lead guard who could be the squad's pied piper as others are likely to enjoy playing with him. There are times when he over dribbles, but this is a point guard who hasn’t played a high school game and is hoping to prove he belongs. Patience is the buzzword with all the floor generals in attendance. On Sunday, Thornton ramped up his play and made a statement.
When the light goes off …
Josh Jackson (Detroit, Mich./Consortium) didn’t fully believe he was a good player prior to camp. He knew he had talent and people told him he was good, but he didn’t truly begin believing it until Saturday night. A defensive sequence lit a fire under him and he’s been sensational ever since. Jackson’s responsible for the play of the camp when he hammered home a dunk then raced to the other end of the court to reject an easy bucket. His energy livened up the event.
Notes
- Stephen Zimmerman (Las Vegas, Nev./Bishop Gorman) had energy in the morning session. A face-up frontcourt player, if he rebounds with passion -- as he did today -- it takes his game up a notch.
- Malik Monk (Lapento, Ark./East Poinsett) keeps growing on me. He’s one of the better shooters here and sports and added dose of athleticism uncommon to 2016 guards.
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Night session brings position battles
October, 7, 2012
10/07/12
12:45
AM ET
By
Dave Telep | ESPN.com
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- It’s refreshing to walk into a gym and see 46 sets of eyeballs squarely focused on a coach. The 2016 and 2015 standouts at the fall USA Basketball minicamp went through an evening session, capped off with a series of scrimmages.
This group is very talented and deep. It’s the largest fall group USA Basketball has ever invited for a workout. The strength of the camp is its depth in the frontcourt, led by Diamond Stone (Milwaukee/Dominican) and Ivan Raab (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd).
Come spring, there will be difficult choices at each position for the dozen available roster spots for the under-16 national team. Saturday created little separation across the board, especially in the backcourt.
This group is very talented and deep. It’s the largest fall group USA Basketball has ever invited for a workout. The strength of the camp is its depth in the frontcourt, led by Diamond Stone (Milwaukee/Dominican) and Ivan Raab (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd).
Come spring, there will be difficult choices at each position for the dozen available roster spots for the under-16 national team. Saturday created little separation across the board, especially in the backcourt.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- When you enter the facility for the USA Basketball fall minicamp, it doesn’t take long to realize individual player rankings are meaningless. Here, it’s about team, competing and challenging yourself. Through the first session of practice and workouts, this group of 2015 and 2016 prospects has the right idea.
Nearly 50 underclassmen are here working out, hoping to do well enough to earn a return trip back for the summer U16 and U17 teams. There are no cuts this weekend and no teams picked. That doesn’t mean impressions aren’t being formed for the future.
After the morning workout, here are some quick hitters:
Nearly 50 underclassmen are here working out, hoping to do well enough to earn a return trip back for the summer U16 and U17 teams. There are no cuts this weekend and no teams picked. That doesn’t mean impressions aren’t being formed for the future.
After the morning workout, here are some quick hitters:
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Dave Telep
Dave Telep joined ESPN in 2010, and is the senior national basketball analyst. His college basketball scouting service is used by more than 225 colleges and numerous NBA teams. Email him at espndt@gmail.com.
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