Selby, “The Sensation’ is Striding

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Josh Selby is earning his stripes on multiple levels.

August 31, 2009 – Much has been written about Josh Selby, a 6’3” senior guard from Baltimore, and with justification; Selby has turned heads everywhere this year, from the NBA Players Association Top 100 Camp to a host of other grassroots basketball events.

He’s even done work at the famed George Goodman League, aka Barry Farms or ‘The Farms’: A longstanding outdoor summer hoops mainstay in Southeast, Washington DC, the Goodman League primarily boasts professionals from all ranks, including National Basketball Association stars like Kevin Durant. The play there is physical and nobody is given a break, least of all a high school senior. Durant has previously identified The Farms as crucial to his development - he also competed there as the rare, precocious high schooler.

Selby is here, awaiting a team from Philly at Barry Farms, Sunday night.

Not that Selby has needed special consideration, since he’s shown himself more than capable of competing with older, stronger, more experienced players, routinely dropping 30 points. Goodman League’s commissioner, founder and director, Miles Rawls, who also emcees the games and in the process nicknames, good and bad, the participants, has dubbed Selby “The Sensation”.

Last night during Goodman’s DC vs Philly game, Selby was virtually unstoppable going to the cup, where he finished with authority or dropped off to teammates. What was equally impressive was Josh’s killer instinct, as despite the squad from Philadelphia being underwhelming (and an hour and a half late), Selby went at them with a vengeance.

In another Goodman League event, its 1st Annual Charity Game in late August, Selby performed similarly, leading Baltimore Assault (AAU) from behind to victory against Team Takeover (DC) in 17 and under-aged action. Josh’s penchant for attacking the rim and athletic ability led Takeover’s coach, Ken Johnson, to bemoan Selby’s penetrating ability, saying they “couldn’t keep Josh Selby out the lane”. The East Baltimore guy led all scorers with 25 points.

To say Josh his making noise is an understatement.

“I feel good about it” said Selby before the DC/Philly tilt, of the buzz he’s created in Goodman League play and around the country, while the smell of jerk chicken was in the air and sounds ranging from The O’Jays’ ‘Used to Be My Girl” and LL Cool J’s ‘Doin’ It’ played on the sound system. “It’s been a good experience”.

Going forward, Selby needs to focus more on ball distribution, as in high level college ball and possibly above, he will not be able to attack the rim constantly. Furthermore, his penetrating ability can set up teammates for easy scores. A more consistent jump shot and defensive focus would round out his game – it’s not that Josh can’t dime, shoot or strap, but in the higher levels of hoops they will be beneficial if illustrated constantly. Demonstrating a solid stop and pop ‘J’ would be a plus also.

Selby attacked the rim with aplomb when playing in the Goodman League Charity Event.

“I think he does need to work on a being a primary guard, but I don’t think he’ll ever be a natural point guard” opined Nick Myles, Baltimore Assault’s Co-Director and head coach. “He’s the definition of a combo guard. He scores the ball at a high level. That kid can play!”

After de-committing from Tennessee this year – Josh supplied “I committed too early” as the reason why– media reports have indicated schools like UConn, Kentucky, Miami and Texas are in-line for home visits with him this fall. The Huskies hosted him for an unofficial visit recently. To set the record straight, Selby noted “I’m considering everybody” when asked what schools he’s interested in, and will determine his future college home “In late April (2010).

Expect Selby’s recruitment to continue in earnest at B’More’s Lake Clifton High School, where the young guy is transferring after playing half a season last year at DeMatha Catholic High School. Is he happy to be back in East Baltimore? Definitely. “Lake is the best school out here” he said, smiling and clearly looking forward to leading the school in its defense of its Maryland State championship won this year.

Josh Selby, ‘The Sensation’ is definitely striding forward.

Extras:

Selby after being asked who has better basketball, Baltimore or DC, looked at this writer incredulously, like Chad Johnson does before saying “Child please”, and said “C’mon, how are you going to ask me that?”, before laughing.