Big Shots D.C. Certified Selected Players, Pt. 1
Ron Bailey, Publisher
The talent was there.
May 6, 2012 - Late last month, the Big Shots D.C. Certified event welcomed
players and coaches from around the country to various sites in the Nation’s
Capital. To be expected, i95Ballerz.com compiled a list of players that
stood out, on Saturday of the event.
Corban Collins – 6’1”, 200 pound, Class
of 2013 point guard, Carolina Raptors, Massanutten Prep (VA) – A
power point guard, Collins gets from point A to point B via both strength
and speed. Likes to push the ball to the up, though will walk it up as
well. Find's people all over the floor.
Can finish and likes to drive and pull up with floaters in the lane. Understands his consistency in the long ball needs to improve. Also has a tendency of allowing himself to be sped up – must control the pace better.
Cincinnati and Virginia Tech have offered. Virginia is close. Maryland, Pitt and Georgetown are in the mix.
Corbin Collins with a runner.
Isaac Freeman – 7’2”, 220 pound,
Class of 2012 center, VA Assault, South Kent Prep (CT) – Freeman
is down to Drexel and UMass, and will announce his choice on May 7th.
Either school will get a shot blocker and rebounder who has worked on
his offensive package.
Freeman must continue to get stronger and work on his jump hooks, footwork,
plus spot ups from mid-range.
Jalen Bond – 6’4”, 210 pound, Class of 2014 swingman, Maryland United Ballers, Maret (DC) – Bond can finish well for a young player, and increasingly hit the open shot. His size portends a Division I swingman role in college.
To maximize in that role, Bond must work on his driving ability and stop-and-pop shooting. Maryland United puts him in situations to do just that, so this summer should be big for his improvement.
Jalen Bond converting a layup.
Josh Newkirk – 6’2”, 180 pound, Class
of 2013 guard, D-One Sports, Word of God (NC) – A dynamic driver
who finishes well, Newkirk can also dish. GA Tech and NC State are believed
to have offered, while Arizona, Xavier and Georgetown are interested.
Newkirk needs to have more of a point guard mentality, which will allow
him to possibly be dominant in college. He must work on his jumpshot’s
consistency as well.
Rock Brown going around a defender.
Rakeem ‘Rock’ Brown – 5’10”, 170 pound, Class of 2013 point guard, Virginia Assault, Bethel (VA) – Last year Brown needed to improve his physicality, as he was small of frame yet drove, meaning contact was received a lot. This year, ‘Rock’ is clearly stronger, proving he’s taken that point of development to heart.
He was previously more of a combo guard, and is more of a point now. Brown’s not content though, as he desires to be even more of a floor leader, a current point of emphasis for him. So his making his jumpshot automatic.
A 3.12 GPA student, Brown has been offered by Hampton. Mount St. Mary’s, Radford and GW are currently interested.
Hershell Grant – 6’1”, 190 pound, Class of 2012 guard, Metroball, T. Roosevelt (DC) – Grant is a strong player that loves to get to the rack. He’ll also pull up for jumpshots, particularly the long ball. He’s a tough competitor that is constantly on the attack.
Grant is considering UMES, Bridgeport and Central Michigan, along with Kolby CC; test scores will likely dictate where he goes.
While waiting for them, Hershell plans to work on his ballhandling and shooting, while also thinking more like a point guard, which is where he could flourish in college.
Hershell Grant rising up for a jumper.