Category Archives: College Athletics
My Homie Zimgid and the Best College Players from the Greater Philadelphia Region
December 29, 2020 By delgrecowilson in Big 5, College Athletics, Imhotep	Leave a comment
My homie from Mars, Zimgid Zrvxow, came to visit tonight. Turns out, they are starting a professional basketball league on Mars. Zimgid's assignment was to come to the USA to scout for the best players. Last week, he was on the West Coast hanging with Rico Hines. Rico put him onto Evan Mobley and Jalen Suggs.
Tonight, we had a few beers and blew a few trees while talking hoops. Maaaaan, y'all gotta try some of that Martian "LOUD"! Shit is ridiculous!!
Zimgid asked me: "Which kids from this area are playing the best in college basketball right now?" I started talking about ESPN and Rivals HS rankings… He stopped me… "FUCK that, that shit don't matter… I wanna know who is playing the best in college basketball right now."
"Ok… But, he was a McDonald's All…" he cut me off again…
"I don't care about none of that shit from HS… I don't care about grassroots or shoe company circuit performances… Who is BALLIN in college right now?"
Apparently, the Martian Basketball League (MBL) will pay rookies 30 million uutiizs per year… Seems like that's a lot of tax free Martian money…
I had to think long and hard and after a while I gave him the following list…
Stay tuned… When fans are allowed, you may see a 13 ft., 437 lb figure with three legs and 7 eyes carrying a clip board at Big East, Big 10 and A10 games. Don't be alarmed… That's just my man Zimgid.
You might wanna go out to the parking lot and get on the space ship with him… I'm telling you, that Martian LOUD is something special.
Saturated: The Basketball Scholarship Market
November 14, 2020 By delgrecowilson in Archbishop Ryan Basketball, College Athletics, Philadelphia Catholic League, Public League	Leave a comment
The basketball scholarship market is defined as the sum total of all the buyers (college D1, D2, JUCO and NAIA coaches) and sellers (Basketball student-athletes seeking scholarships) in the United States and the rest of the world.
Massive NCAA rule changes and the coronavirus pandemic have severely impacted the basketball scholarship market.
#1. The NCAA has made the decision to approve an extra year of eligibility for all student-athletes. This is a 'free year' for college students at every level. This rule change results in a decrease the number of available scholarships. Even if the NCAA allows more than 13 D1 scholarships, there may not be an appetite to absorb the financial hit resulting from extra scholarships in many cash strapped athletic departments. For every senior that stays an additional year, that is one fewer scholarship that hits the market.
#2. NCAA is set to implement legislation that will grant first-time transfers Immediate Eligibility. Athletes can soon transfer schools and play immediately. … An athlete's previous school would not have any ability to object to the transfer. This rule change will alter the behavior of the college coaches in the recruitment process. A 20 year old with 2 years of college experience and 3 seasons of NCAA eligibility is more desirable than the typical high school recruit. Many college programs are not actively recruiting high school players.
#3. Students who initially enroll full time during the 2021-22 academic year and intend to play NCAA Division I or II athletics will not be required to take a standardized test to meet NCAA initial-eligibility requirements. As a result, students that would have been ineligible because of low test scores are now eligible if the have at least a 2.3 gpa.
Considered individually, each of the rule changes put pressure on the basketball scholarship market. Emerging simultaneously, they have flooded the basketball scholarship market.
High School seniors are competing against the current crop of NCAA seniors, current NCAA players that could immediately play upon transferring and players that would not have met the minimum test score requirement.
This market is flooded…
On top of all that, college coaches have not been able to evaluate high school players live since March.
Good players, even really good players need to be connected to college coaches… Recent video performance in highly competitive settings is the very best a student-athlete could do right now…
Coaches are evaluating prospects via video…
Below is a brief clip with Aaron Lemon-Warren and Christian Tomasco highlights. There is also a link for the complete game against #6 St. Frances Academy (MD).
Lemon-Warren are Division 1 basketball prospects with solid academic profiles. America East, NEC, CAA, MAAC, MEAC, Patriot League and perhaps even A10 programs should evaluate these guys closely.
Complete Game: Ryan vs St. Frances Academy
Aaron Lemon-Warren, Ryan Senior
Coach… Watch these guys play…
They are good.
High Level Basketball: I Found A GREAT Game Tonight!
October 28, 2020 By delgrecowilson in Archbishop Ryan Basketball, Camden High, Catholic League Basketball, College Athletics Tags: Camden High, Philadelphia Catholic League	Leave a comment
Like all of you… I'm tired of this shit!
Fuck Coronavirus!
I wish things would return to normal. This is really my favorite time of year. If we had actually been able to "limit the cases to 15 and they soon reached zero" back in the Spring, I would be traveling up and down 95 visiting high school and college gyms.
I would be trying to get a feel for this years version of high school programs like DeMatha (MD), Woodrow Wilson (DC), Paul VI (VA), St. Frances (MD), Sanford (DE), Chester (PA), Trenton Catholic (NJ), Atlantic City (NJ) and Immaculate Conception (NJ). I would be visiting college programs like VCU, Georgetown, George Washington, Maryland, Howard, Morgan State, Delaware, Delaware State, Seton Hall, Penn State, Rutgers, Monmouth and Rider.
Who's up next? Who's gonna break out? Which programs are gonna win state championships? Which programs are gonna make the NCAA tournament?
Unfortunately, he lied… Coronavirus didn't just miraculously disappear when summer rolled around. Moreover, he continues to BULL SHIT all of us…
"We are turning the corner…"
Get the fuck outta here!
The situation is worse than ever… Hospitals all across the nation are close to capacity and talking about rationing medical care.
So… No trips up and down 95… No sneak peeks at the top programs…
Times are hard for hoopheads.
Imagine my surprise when I heard there was a good game scheduled tonight. We all know the schools are NOT currently playing. We ALL know that the PIAA and the NJSIAA are trying to figure out a way forward.
So… this was NOT a HS basketball game…
But, somehow, someway… mystically, magically and fortuitously the players from two of the top high school programs just happened to meet up at 3640 G Street at 7:00 pm.
Who know how these things happen? Who gives a fuck?
For degenerate hoopheads like myself, the only thing that matters is there was actual competitive basketball to be witnessed.
No cheerleaders… No matching uniforms… No Public Address announcer…
Just 20 or so super-talented and highly motivated players, a couple of referees, a scorekeeper and someone at the door pointing a thermometer at every skull that entered the door.
Just so happened that this particular "club" matchup featured players from Archbishop Ryan playing against players from Camden High School.
On August 4, Black Cager released a "Way too soon Top 5 High School Programs" in the Greater Philadelphia Region. On that list, Camden was number 1 and Archbishop Ryan was number 5. That made this game a battle between 2 of the top contenders for mythical Black Cager Pound for Pound title.
This setting, while not ideal, certainly serves a purpose. Kids that have been effectively banned from getting together in their school gymnasiums are able to convene and actually play structured basketball. Prospects seeking to leverage their basketball abilities for access to higher education get to put a performance on film for college coaches that have been chained to their desks since March. The importance of the video cannot be overstated.
All indications are that Division 1 basketball coach will not be allowed to evaluate prospects in person until April 2021 at the earliest. That means that current HS kids will go a full year of playing without college coaches in the stands.
Good video right now could result in anywhere from $200,000 to $320,000 being made available to a family for educational related expenses.
This shit matters…
It should be noted that I am blessed and favored… I have tremendous relationships with many of the kids and parents navigating the recruitment process right now. Prior to this game, I called Ryan combo guard Jalen Snead '22 and reminded him that he was going to be matched up against DJ Wagner, the Number 1 player in the Class of 2023. In a very direct and forceful manner, I let him know that I expect him to demonstrate that he is severely underrated by meeting that challenge.
Jalen Snead, '22 Ryan Combo Guard
I also called, Rodney Warren, the father of Aaron Lemon-Warren and let him know I would give him call after the game. He works out of town and could not be in attendance.
I speak with Taquan Woodley every day. We never really discuss his performance. Mostly because there's really very little variation from game to game… Double-Double with about 4-6 blocks… Book it…
I come in the gym and I see, Bill and Beth Tomasco, parents of Ryan PF Christian Tomasco '21. Christian was one of the biggest free agent pick ups of the past off season. While he has a D1 offer and plenty of D1 interest, he wants to demonstrate that he ranks among the best players still on the board. After warmly greeting the Tomascos, I see Christian seated about four feet away from his folk…
"Muthafucka… This is what you wanted!"
I sit next to Christian and remind him that there will be video from this game. I also note that Woodley is, perhaps, the premier BIG still on the table in the class of '21. A strong performance against Woodley would certainly help Tomasco increase his stature.
A few minutes later, the game gets underway…
As one would expect from a group of kids unable to access their gyms and practice on a consistent basis, the play is a little uneven and ragged at times. But the effort and talent are there for all to see.
Luke Boyd, '22 Ryan Shooting Guard
Ryan jumps out to a double digit lead early. As usual, sharpshooter Luke Boyd is dialed in… Boyd would finish with a game high 19 points with 5 3-pointers and 3 rebounders. Ivy and Patriot League programs would be wise to reach out to Boyd. A few weeks ago he dropped 22 against Nationally Ranked St. Frances (MD). A pattern is emerging… Big shots from deep in big games…
Snead was relishing his opportunity to play against the best player in the Class of 2023 and one of the premier guards in the country regardless of class.
Last year… Snead was named 1st team All-Muthafucka by Black Cager Sports Media… The Baller TV viewers and those in attendance got to see for themselves how he earned that designation. Exceedingly quick, with long arms he is an excellent defender. He harassed Wagner from start to finish. He was able to consistently stay in front of him, he blocked his shot, he disrupted his dribble… Basically… Snead was a muthafucka defensively…
His stat line for the game was typical Snead… 4 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 block.
DJ Wagner, '23 Camden HS Combo Guard, ESPN #1 2023
Of course, the uber-talented Wagner would have his moments on his way to solid 13 points, 2 steals and 1 assist. What remains the most impressive aspect of Wagner's game is his mental toughness. Even when the shots are not falling, he continues to ferociously defend and make plays for his teammates. As a sophomore, Wagner is one of the most mature players I've seen in recent years.
Snead, in the opinion of this observer demonstrated clearly that he is a bona fide Division 1 prospect.
Tomasco did what he was supposed to do.
He ran the floor very well. He showed some range from the beyond the 3 point line. Against one the most formidable front courts in the nation, he finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 assists.
Looking ahead and assuming there will be a high school basketball season, Tomasco adds a dimension to this Ryan club that makes them a real contender to return to the Catholic League Final Four for the 4th time in 6 years and maybe take the title back to the far Northeast this year.
Players from Archbishop Ryan
Still working himself into form, Lemon-Warren was solid with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. He is just a complete basketball player. With practice and increased reps, he will be one of the contenders for Catholic League MVP.
As the game wore on, the difference was the relentless pressure on the boards applied by Taquan Woodley (14 points) and Jerome Brewer (17 points). After deploying a full court press to disrupt the early offensive flow of Ryan, Camden's big duo dominated the boards in the second half.
Now a senior, Woodley has evolved from a high energy super athletic defensive force into a cerebral leader of this version of the Camden Panthers. He is playing the game at his own pace, making sure his teammates are in the correct positions on both ends of the floor, protecting the rim and scoring big buckets when needed.
Taquan Woodley, '21 Camden HS PF
Earlier today, Woodley formally decommitted from Penn State. Thus far, he has been contacted by La Salle, St. Joseph's, Temple, St. John's, Mississippi State, Seton Hall, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Auburn, SMU, VCU and Akron.
He is clearly the "bad bitch" at the bar… Right now, everyone wants to buy him a drink and take him home.
But the best part of my day came when I got home. Earlier, I had gave my friend Gerald Holmes a heads up… Holmes is the highly successful Had Coach of the Division 2 Bloomfield College basketball program in New Jersey. Told him he could catch this game on Baller TV. Always working, Holmes watched intently.
Then at exactly 8:24 pm… A potential 6 figure conversation began…
A great game… indeed!
Thank you Difference Makers, The Miller Report and FiDonce Basketball Player Development…
The importance of the video cannot be overstated.
Players from Camden HS
Stevie Mitchell Commits to Marquette University
August 5, 2020 By delgrecowilson in Black Cager Grassroots Hoops, College Athletics, Philly Pride Tags: Marquette University	Leave a comment
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Stevie Mitchell (Philly Pride/Wilson West Lawn) has committed to play college basketball at Marquette University. Mitchell has emerged as a Pennsylvania Scholastic legend in Berks County. He enters his senior as the all-time leading scorer for Wilson West Lawn.
An incredibly unassuming, humble and God fearing young man, Mitchell has handled his rise to basketball prominence with an unusual amount of grace. His recruitment process was intriguing. Because he is a consensus top 100 player, he was offered scholarships from some of the finest high major basketball programs in the nation. Miami, Georgia Tech and VCU made pushes to land Mitchell.
💙💛#mubb pic.twitter.com/5BnNn0dy8w
— Stevie Mitchell (@StevieM259) August 5, 2020
His very strong academic profile led some of the most competitive and prestigious academic institutions to try to add him to their respective learning communities. Stanford, Penn and Lehigh tried to land this scholar that happens to play a lil' basketball.
Locally, in addition to the Quakers, Villanova St. Joseph's and Temple recruited Mitchell hard. It's easy understand why. The young man is loved by adults, peers and young kids alike. On the court, he is a relentless competitor with a well-rounded offensive game that will allow him to contribute immediately to the Marquette program.
Marquette Assistant Coach Dwayne Killings made Mitchell a priority. Killings and Marquette Head Coach, Michael Wojciechowski, stalked Mitchell like hungry lions on the Serengeti for more than a year. Their efforts were rewarded. They have landed the 2019 Under Armour Association 16U MVP. They landed the leader of the #1 ranked and National Champion 16U Philly Pride squad. They landed a stellar student with exceptional grades and test scores. They landed a true gentlemen with genuine love for young basketball fans. And, perhaps most importantly, once the buzzer sounds and the games begin, they will learn they landed a BAD MUTHAFUCKA!
Stevie can flat out ball… Big East Bound!
College Basketball Recruiting During the Coronavirus Pandemic
July 28, 2020 By delgrecowilson in College Athletics, Social Media, Uncategorized	Leave a comment
This is a unique era… Since March, college athletic departments have been effectively shut down… The NCAA has halted ALL face to face recruiting for Division 1 college basketball coaches… Since March, D1 Basketball recruiting, both men's and women's, has been in a dead period…
Shit is at a complete standstill…
During a dead period a college coach may not have face-to-face contact with college-bound student-athletes or their parents, and may not watch student-athletes compete or visit their high schools. A "dead" period is a time when coaches cannot have any contact other than phone contact with players they are recruiting. Coaches can't scout, visit players' homes, bring recruits in for visits, talk to them in-person. Coaches may write and telephone student-athletes or their parents during a dead period.
We are approaching the 6th month of the current extended dead period. It's seems likely that the dead period will be extended through the fall.
This begs the question: What should class of 2021 boys and girls with D1 scholarship offers do? How should they proceed?
If kids have scholarship offers that are real, meaning the head coach would accept a commitment, the kid should carefully weigh his options and accept one of the scholarship offers sooner rather than later. Bear in mind, college coaches are constantly engaged in the roster management process. While they may have offered kid A a scholarship, most likely they have made similar offers to kid B, kid C and kid D. Even if kid A is the preferred target, the coach has an obligation to his staff and his team to effectively administer the roster management process.
If the team needs a point guard and kid A is the primary preferred target, but kid B is acceptable and ready to commit, the coach will likely take the commitment from kid B rather than risk not landing an acceptable point guard prospect.
In such a scenario, the options for kid A will be reduced over time as kid B, kid C and kid D accept scholarships. If kid A knows where he wants to go to school and they have offered him a scholarship, he should accept it.
Sometimes, people advising kids want to keep the process open to help other kids in an AAU or HS program. The thought is that having college coaches coming out to see the star player will help increase the visibility for lesser known players in the program. In many instances, that is true…
Not today though… The coaches ain't coming out…
The advisers may also argue that other "higher profile" programs will eventually offer and the kid shouldn't take the offers on the table.
Maybe… maybe not… It's truly a crap shoot this year…
We are operating in truly unforeseen circumstances. Ordinarily, college coaches would have had an opportunity to evaluate kid A in April, June and July during AAU/Grassroots live periods, NCAA camps and HS live periods. Those evaluation opportunities were nonexistent this year. In normal times, college coaches would be able to visit high schools in September and October and evaluate kids in "open gym" settings. It does not appear that D1 coaches will be allowed to do so this year.
The dead period is likely to continue through the fall… It is what it is…
So… If kids have real offers, they have to be creative and find ways to gather the information necessary to make a decision. While they cannot take official or unofficial visits to campuses and engage athletic department staff, they can visit the city and tour the campus on their own. If they really want to see what the campus looks like, get on a plane or gas up the car and go check it out on your own. Ask people questions while you are there. Do what you can do without assistance or contact from the basketball staff.
It's a big decision… Treat it as such…
Do NOT wait for permission from the NCAA to take official or unofficial visits… It's probably not coming…
Again… If kids have scholarship offers that are real, meaning the head coach would accept a commitment, the kid should carefully weigh his options and accept one of the scholarship offers sooner rather than later.
Don't let kid B, kid C or kid D take the scholarship you really want…
Whites, Blacks and Jews: Recent Examples of Tribalism in Sports
July 10, 2020 By delgrecowilson in College Athletics, Racism/White Supremacy, Uncategorized	Leave a comment
The U.S. Constitution was written as a tribal document. Indeed, based upon a careful reading of the document in 1857, the United States Supreme Court in a majority opinion written by Chief Justice Roger B Taney, ruled that no African-American, free or enslaved, had ever enjoyed the rights of a citizen under the Constitution. Taney argued that, since the time of the ratification of the Constitution, blacks had been "regarded as beings of an inferior order, altogether unfit to associate with the white race … and so far inferior, that they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect."
Roger Taney statue removed from Maryland State House
The Constitution was designed to protect the rights and interests of the white American tribe. Those arguing otherwise have absolutely no respect for the intellect of non-whites.
It took a civil war and the deaths of 750,000 Americans to (temporarily) establish that Black Americans warranted protection under its Bill of Rights. That protection lasted a brief period spanning twelve years from 1865 to 1877. The white tribe rigidly implemented and enforced a white supremacist Apartheid/Jim Crow social order from 1877 to the mid 1960's. The struggle to have the rights and interests of Blacks, Latinos, Native Americans and other people of color fully recognized and protected continues today.
Reconstruction Era Black Congressmen
But focusing on the Constitution's shortcomings and flaws can result in an under appreciation and overshadow what it actually accomplished. Its core mission was to forge, out of a diverse population, a new national identity, uniting Americans of European descent into a white America tribe. To a remarkable extent, it succeeded.
Throughout the colonial and revolutionary eras, Americans were a multiracial, multi-ethnic conglomeration… A diverse mix of English, Dutch, Scots, Irish, French, Swedes, Italians, Germans, Greeks, enslaved Africans and terrorized Native Americans.
The Founding Fathers deftly united the people of varying European backgrounds into a white American tribe. The Constitution was a key tool deployed to overcome profound divisions among people of European descent. The Founders guaranteed members of the white tribe religious freedom. The Constitution also declared that the United States would have no national church and no religious tests for national office. These foundational guarantees helped America avoid the religious wars that for centuries had torn apart the nations of Europe.
The Founders also utilized the idea of white supremacy to establish the "others" once they granted American citizenship status to members of the white American tribe. The Black tribe was relegated to "chattel" status. The Native American tribe was deemed "savage" and marked for removal or eradication.
Tribalism lies at the heart of the American experiment.
Today, we are witnessing tribal allegiances return once again to the foreground. The white tribe is alarmed. The United States is experiencing rapid demographic shifts that are resulting in the inevitable tanning of America. The nation is well on its way to becoming a predominantly Black and Brown country.
Formed explicitly to further white American tribal interests, these shifts are resulting in considerable angst and tension for all Americans. The angst is observable in many aspects of contemporary American life, including sports. Riley Cooper, Colin Kaepernick, Lebron James, Drew Brees, Kylin Hill, Pat Chambers, DeSean Jackson, Stephen Jackson and Bubba Wallace are just a few prominent sports figures that have found themselves at the center of racial tempests in recent years.
It makes sense that racial strife permeating American life in general is spilling over onto the playing fields and courts as well as into the locker rooms. Sports have played a pivotal role in American communities since the dawn of the 20th century. Today, athletic contests pushing physical limits are more popular than ever before. Sports is a booming industry at the youth, high school, college and professional levels.
As long as local governments, schools, universities and major corporations continue to see sporting events as sound investments, sports will play a vital role in society for the foreseeable future. This means sports will continue to provides one of the most visible platforms for racial wrangling.
At no other time in American history have sports played such a dominant role in daily life. Their absence due to the coronavirus pandemic only serves to heighten their importance. While we have had no games, yet we have had plenty of tribal warfare taking place in the world of sports.
The white tribe, for the most part, until the George Floyd murder at the hands of the Minneapolis police remained steadfast in their opposition to Colin Kaepernick's peaceful protesting of police brutality and murder during the national anthem. It should be noted that there were some whites that defected and supported Kaeperneck prior to Floyd's life being extinguished on camera. Indeed, Nike launched a massively successful marketing campaign focused on Kaeperneck's peaceful protest campaign. However, the tribe's resistance front remained strong.
The unquestioned leader of the white tribe, President Donald Trump, loudly and relentlessly beat the racial drums on this issue. He engaged in a sustained attack on NFL players who kneeled in protest of the national anthem. Trump's line of attack reached a crescendo in September 2017 when he openly challenged NFL owners to release anyone who engages in the movement started last year by Kaepernick.
"Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out! He's fired. He's fired!'" the president said at a campaign rally for an Alabama candidate for the U.S. senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions.
The white American tribe loved Trump's antics.
Adequately describing social developments prevailing in contemporary America requires a word as primal as "tribe" to place adequate focus on the mindless allegiances and deeply held partisan affiliations. Tribes have formed everywhere. In many ways they are similar to gangs, sans the violence. Like gangs, tribes demand loyalty, and in return they confer the security of belonging to insecure people longing to belong. They're badges of identity, not of thought. Indeed, they are hostile to intellectual pursuits and sophisticated analyses. Tribes make thinking unnecessary, because they do it for you. This point is important… Tribes will attempt to punish you if you try to think for yourself. According to their imbecilic logic, to get along without a tribe makes you a fool. Moreover, to give an inch to the other tribe makes you a sucker.
This conceptualization is applicable to hard-core Trump supporters. Their blind allegiance to the president is unlike anything in recent history. Those red baseball caps give them a sense of belonging to the white nationalist tribe. These people not only reject intellectual pursuits, they frequently abandon science altogether. Those that accept science-based Center for Disease Control guidance are considered suckers.
Fuck a mask… Fuck social distancing… Fuck your health… The white tribe is "giving up its freedoms."
The Black tribe is similarly engaged in reflexive and regressive behaviors. Recent revelations that Penn State Head Basketball coach Pat Chambers used the word "noose' while talking to then freshman point guard Rasir Bolton has riled up the Black tribe. Eighteen months ago, on the heels of a poor performance against Wisconsin, Chambers said, "I want to be a stress reliever for you. You can talk to me about anything. I need to get some of this pressure off you.
"I want to loosen the noose that's around your neck."
With these words, unknowingly Chambers initiated a tribal skirmish that wouldn't see a retaliatory strike for 18 months. But when it came, it came hard and heavy.
Pat Chambers
With Chambers at the helm, Penn State has made deep inroads into the Philadelphia basketball community. He's recruited several prominent players from Philadelphia's Public and Catholic Leagues. DJ Newbill, Shep Garner, Lamar Stevens, Seth Lundy, Izaiah Brockington and Mike Watkins are a few of the more prominent Philly kids that have donned the Nittany Lion uniform. Philadelphia has been good to Chambers and Penn State.
So when it was revealed that he uttered the word "noose" to a Black player, the Black tribe within that community was triggered. Members of this tribe quickly gathered around the fire (social media) and declared their commitment to seeing Chambers terminated. The speed with which partisan lines were drawn was spectacular. Like a gang, the Black Philadelphia basketball tribe demands undying loyalty, and in return they confer the security of belonging to the larger group.
The significance of the sense of belonging cannot be overstated. These are a group of frustrated middle-aged men that could not play in high school and college… They do not coach… They wield zero influence beyond the tribe itself… Basically, it's a bunch of bitter irrelevant "never was" dudes that were MAYBE honorable mention all-milkcrate. With the Black basketball tribe and the advent of social media, they have created a basketball home for themselves. They have created a self-contained place where their thoughts, opinions and arguments related to basketball matter.
Membership in this tribe is a badge of identity, not of thought. For the most part, they reject anything but the most simplistic instinctual responses. "Chambers is a racist, Penn State must fire him immediately."
Individual tribal members do not have to think, because tribe thinks for them. In the case of Chambers, there's no need to examine his actual track record with his Black players. There's no need to even talk to the Black players from Philadelphia.
The Tribe demonstrated that they will attempt to disparage and punish anyone with a propensity to think for themselves. For them, to spend ven a moment assessing the actual situation as it has existed within the Penn State basketball program over the past decade makes you a fool. Moreover, to condemn Chambers actions, to call for suspension, suggest cultural competency training and NOT demand that he be dismissed makes you an Uncle Tom.
This strain of behavior is spreading almost as fast as the coronavirus…
Then less than 24 hours after the Chambers headlines grabbed the nation's attention, the Jewish tribe gathered around the fire (social media). Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson ignited controversy by sharing anti-Semitic comments on social media this week.
DeSean Jackson
Jackson posted a quote on his Instagram Story on Monday which was attributed to Adolf Hitler, stating in part "the Jews will blackmail America, they will extort America, their plan for World Domination won't work if the Negroes know who they were." The Jewish tribal response was predictable and swift…
Notably, former Eagles president Joe Banner, who is Jewish, forcefully declared, "If a white player said anything about (Black people) as outrageous as what DeSean Jackson said about Jews tonight there would at least be a serious conversation about cutting him and a need for a team meeting to discuss… Which would be totally appropriate. Absolutely indefensible."
Tribes, as I have noted, eschew sophisticated analyses. Banner demonstrated the reflexive and instinctual nature of the tribal response. Tribes don't think things through. They just want casualties… They are interested in the body count… Careful consideration of Banner's reaction validates this assertion.
There's an obvious and appropriate Eagles case study that serves as a useful comparison for the Jackson incident. It's worth a quick review… During a Kenny Chesney country music concert in June 2013, Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper was caught on video calling Black people "niggers."
Riley Cooper
Despite Banners claim to the contrary, the Eagles did not cut Cooper after he called Black people niggers. One could argue they actually embraced him. Exactly, what were the consequences applied in the Cooper case?
In August 2013, the Eagles announced that, "Riley Cooper will be seeking counseling and we have excused him from all team activities. This is all new territory and we are going to evaluate this timetable every step of the way. He will meet with professionals provided by the Eagles during this period of time to better help him understand how his words have hurt so many, including his teammates."
Then on February 27, 2014, the Eagles announced that they signed Cooper to a new contract. According to reports, the terms of the deal include $25 million over 5 years.
So… What the fuck is Joe Banner talking about?
Banner is bright man that has manned the helm for two NFL franchises. He most certainly was very much aware of the Riley Cooper "nigger" episode. Yet, he made the patently false claim that if a white player said anything about Black people as outrageous as what Jackson said the team would consider cutting him.
That's simply not true. The team in question, the Philadelphia Eagles, not only didn't cut Riley. They signed him to a next 5 year $25 million dollar deal just months after he called Black people niggers on a video that went viral.
It's tribalism that prevents Banner from making the obvious comparison and conducting a sober analysis. He feels, perhaps rightly so, that his tribe is under attack. His response, nonetheless, does nothing to move the dialogue forward in a constructive manner.
Joe Banner
How do we begin to limit the impact of tribalism? From whence does it come?
The causes of America's resurgent tribalism are many. One obvious explanatory factor is seismic demographic shift underway. Whites have ruled this continent since the colonial era. They have enslaved, subjugated and oppressed people of color for centuries. They are well aware that they will lose their majority status within a few decades. On some level, whites have to wonder if people of color will do unto white as whites have done unto them. Tribalism is spreading like penicillin in a petri dish under these conditions.
Another factor is perceived declining social mobility and a growing class divide. Over 33 million Americans have filed for unemployment is recent months. People are scared. Rent and mortgages are due and they don;t have jobs. The global pandemic is only intensifying despite the quixotic proclamations of President Trump. This seems to be contributing to widespread retreat into tribes.
Finally, social media has evolved in a manner that rewards expressions of outrage. Any dunderhead with a cell phone can "go live" and rally up a tribe predisposed to feeling under attack and pitted against another tribes. Tribal idiots have stages and platforms to spread ill-formed ideas and half-baked arguments among other frustrated tribal members.
Unfortunately, the past three years have witnessed further entrenchment of tribalism. Hence, social interactions, even in the world of sports, are devolving into mindless zero-sum competitions, one in which tribes measures success by the extent to which they can stroke their member fears and appealing to their ugliest us-versus-them instincts.
Count me out… I refuse to stop thinking for myself…
Club Transfer is Poppin'! Why?
April 15, 2020 By delgrecowilson in College Athletics, Eric Dixon, Uncategorized	Leave a comment
Philadelphia, PA: There are over 800 players in the NCAA Men's Basketball Transfer Portal (https://247sports.com/Season/2020-Basketball/TransferPortal/). As one local scout likes to say, "Club Transfer" is indeed "Jumpin'". But why?
Delusion? Accountability? Dishonesty? All of the above according to several coaches, scouts, AAU directors and parents contacted for this article.
The college basketball landscape is changing. For the good and the bad. There have been rule changes that have affected the limitations on when and who can talk to players. Also, the number of people involved with the player has ballooned with trainers, various AAU coaches and runners joining the fray. This provides players with a wealth of resources to go to when making decisions regarding their collegiate career. However it also, according to one coach, "puts a lot of people in a kid's ear that don't know what they're talking about."
Maryland's Ricky Lindo has transferred to George Washington
The growth of social media has also influenced the issue. Many young people live on the adulation and sometimes criticism that comes from having thousands of followers. These followers may hold weight if they are stroking the child's ego and making him feel as thought he's arrived. This is particularly dangerous when these followers may be adults seeking to profit in some way from the child's immediate and/or future success.
This puts kids in a precarious position as they try to navigate through a world they are misinformed or misled about. This misinformation isn't always intentional from the contributors, but is often a product of coddling a player in an effort to ensure staying in his/her sphere of influence. "They don't really have hard conversations with kids about where they are because they don't want to lose a kid," he intimated.
Rider's Dimencio Vaughn has transferred to Mississippi
It is the opinion of many of the people polled that many parents, AAU, high school and now even college coaches are guilty of not holding players accountable for fear of the child cutting them off or leaving the team. "These (players) are being set up for failure from middle school," said one local coach.
Another coach said it makes it difficult to be honest in recruiting. "You can't tell a kid it's going to be a year or two before you get meaningful minutes or you might have to redshirt" because it will take you out of the mix. The truth of the matter is that most freshmen have a long way to go before they can be impactful on a team. Adjusting to the speed of the game, figuring out your role and being physically ready for the college grind all make it difficult for freshman to play a lot. Still, according to a local coach, "we try to get them on the floor to keep them happy". Many times that effort is made early on during the sometimes less grueling non-conference schedule when the stakes aren't as high and there is time to recover if freshman mistakes lead to a loss. However, especially for a team making a playoff push, it's more difficult to do later in the season when rotations are tightened. "Freshmen wear down, experience helps older players push through the grind", he added.
St. Peter's Aaron Estrada has transferred to Oregon
"Man, guys aren't going to f—ing lose to satisfy their ego," said one local scout. "But they also ain't gonna just have a guy sit if they think they can help them either." It's really about winning with college coaches. Over the last few years I've had the chance to meet some pretty stand up guys in coaching and I realize they have a lot riding on their wins and losses. It's not just their families they have to worry about. They have assistants and trainers and players that will be impacted if they get canned. So they have a very fine line to walk in recruiting and playing the right guys.
So then it comes down to managing expectations. Most college players, no matter the level D1 or D3 were good high school players used to playing all the minutes they can. That is not realistic as they move up. According to a sample of local kids from the class of 2019 that was pretty highly regarded by the locals, it is apparent that expectations need to be tempered. According to the data, on average, freshmen generally sit out nearly a third of the season, playing in just 23 of a possible 31 games. And when they do step on the court, it usually isn't for long. On average they log only 15 of a possible 40 game minutes. One saw as little as 18 minutes all season, appearing in just one game!
St. Joseph's Chereef Knox has entered the transfer portal
Of course there were exceptions, like Donta Scott who appeared in all of Maryland's games, starting 21 of them. However, he had to make significant changes in his approach and his game to see the floor. Also, according to sources, he earned his 21.6 minutes per contest with his "toughness and attitude, and just running dudes outta there". Scott played with the ball in his hands the last two years of his high school career, playing point guard at 6-7. At Maryland, it's not been the case so far. He played the majority of his minutes at the "4" this season. "He's always been a team first player, he's never been a guy who cared about stats," said Howard Hudson, his mentor and AAU coach.
According to another local coach, that kind of attitude and approach is not common among scholarship level athletes. "It used to be all about the name on the front, now it's all about the name on the back", he lamented.
Temple's Josh Pierre-Louis has transferred to California Santa-Barbara
Scott's scenario also points to another reason why freshmen often struggle and become disillusioned as they adjust to the college level. Role changes are common and student-athletes are often asked to play differently than they did in high school. They are asked to be patient and "wait" their turn to play the main role. Whereas, according to Hudson, Scott took a "whatever you need coach" kind of approach, many young players fight it, insisting that they shouldn't have to wait.
Another question is whether it's worth it. Is the allure of Club Transfer Portal just fool's gold or can a player significantly change his trajectory by changing schools? The data would suggest "No". According to one A-10 who has done extensive research on transfers, "You are who you are whether you transfer or not". The numbers bear this out. When a player moves from Mid Major to High Major over the remaining years of his career he sees a drop across the board in points, assists and rebounds. And when a player moves within the same level, the change in production is negligible, no matter if it was D1 to D1 or D3 to D3. Predictably, those moving from low major to high major saw the biggest decrease in production.
La Salle's Ed Croswell has transferred to Providence College
So if it really makes little difference whether you stay or go, why are so many kids jumping ship? Are they leaving to flee competition? Or were they simply told by the staff that they weren't going to play so they might as well pack up? Or are they just not happy living at the school and the reason is not basketball related? One parent of a transfer said 75% of the reason his son decided to transfer was unrelated to actual basketball.
There are a myriad of reasons why players transfer and each situation is different. Still, one set of initials kept resurfacing as the conversations about this topic went on: the NBA. One coach mentioned Matt Haarms, a 7-3 center transferring from Purdue to "go someplace to showcase his NBA skillset". We all know that chasing the NBA dream, while inspiring and admirable at times, is not the most attainable goal. According to the NCAA, 1.2% (52 of 4181) of draft eligible basketball players go on to play in major pro sports leagues. Now graduation rates are much higher: 86% in D1, 71% in D2 and 87% in D3. You choose which one should be your primary plan.
Bottom line: everyone involved needs to take stock of the truth revealed in the numbers. Everyone needs to assess their level of culpability and change accordingly. 98.8% of the time, lil Johnny is NOT going to the NBA even if he is fortunate enough to be one of the 6% of high school players who garners a D1 college scholarship. We need to stop being fans of kids and start being coaches, mentors, parents and guardians. The truth is most will not play a significant role at the college level the first one or two years. We need to prepare them for that even if they have 15K followers telling them they are "League-bound" everyday. College coaches need to grow a set and realize that if you lie to a kid just to get him in the door it's going to work for one year and that it isn't worth the risk to their livelihood. Club Transfer is "jumpin" and the music won't stop until it's too late for many student-athletes deluded into thinking accountability isn't part of the responsibility that comes with accepting a scholarship.
The Big 10's (Successful) Attack on Philly Mid-Majors!
March 14, 2020 By delgrecowilson in 610 ESPN Radio, Aaron McKie, Ashley Howard, College Athletics, La Salle Basketball, St. Joseph's University, Temple Basketball, Uncategorized	Leave a comment
It is ironic that most fans of college basketball are completely unaware of one of the most influential books of the 20th century. Published in 1962 by the University of Chicago Press, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, authored by Thomas Kuhn introduced term "paradigm shift" to contemporary discussions of organizational change and intellectual progress. Fans of Philadelphia's rich college basketball tradition have, perhaps unknowingly, experienced a massive and consequential paradigm shift.
Thomas Kuhn can help us understand what has taken place over the past quarter century. Kuhn's work is important because he singlehandedly changed the way we think about mankind's most organized attempt to understand the world: science. Kuhn focused his considerable analytical acumen on our view of science and scientific progress. However, the power of his analytical approach for lay persons lies in it's ability to shed considerable light on organizational change in general.
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Prior to Kuhn, the standard account saw steady, cumulative "progress" in organizational development. Kuhn, trashed that traditional mode of thinking… Instead, he saw "paradigm shifts" or abrupt discontinuities – a set of alternating "normal" and "revolutionary" phases in which communities of specialists in particular fields are plunged into periods of turmoil, uncertainty and angst. These revolutionary phases – for example the transition from Newtonian mechanics to quantum physics – correspond to great conceptual breakthroughs and lay the basis for a succeeding phase of business as usual.
The fact that Kuhn's version seems unremarkable now is, in a way, the greatest measure of his success. But in 1962, almost everything about it was controversial because of the challenge it posed to powerful, entrenched philosophical assumptions about how organizational change and intellectual progress did – and should – work.
I strongly anticipate that many will find this application of his framework to subject of Philadelphia college basketball controversial. This essay will directly challenge some powerful entrenched assumptions about Philly's mid-major hoops programs.
Here, I assert that the world of college basketball has been in an extended period of turmoil, uncertainty and angst for the past decade or so. This revolutionary phase – the transition from a high/mid/low major model to a far more narrowly circumscribed high/low major model – corresponds to aggressive Power 5 Conference geographic expansion and serves the basis for a new succeeding phase of business as usual. In this new phase, the mid-major category or classification will become extinct.
Increasingly, we are left with the BIG BOYS and the rest of us… Ain't no more middle ground…
Jim Delany, Former (1990-2020) Big 10 Commissioner
The present discussion will center around very specific cases in the mid-Atlantic region, but I would argue the logic is applicable to Division 1 college basketball in general. Let's focus on the strategy of encirclement deftly deployed by Big 10 Commissioner Jim Delany and it's deleterious impact on Philly mid-major basketball programs, namely: Temple; Saint Joseph's; La Salle, and; Drexel.
Quinton Rose, Temple University
Encirclement is a military term for the situation when a force or target is isolated and surrounded by enemy forces. Delany and the Big 10 have effectively encircled the Philly mid-majors: Rutgers to the north, Penn State to the West and Maryland to the South. This situation is highly dangerous for the Philly mid-majors: at the strategic level, because the Big 10 programs are attracting top recruits that would otherwise serve as reinforcements, and on the tactical level, because the Philly mid-majors are being subjected to an attack from several sides. Lastly, since the Philly mid-majors cannot retreat, they must either fight to the death or surrender.
Surrender does not appear to be imminent. These programs are gonna fight to the death…
In what can aptly be described as as stroke of genius, Delany added Penn State to the Big 10 in 1990, twenty-four years later he added Maryland and Rutgers. With the latter two additions, encirclement was firmly in place. Delany has publicly stated how significant the mid-Atlantic presence is to the Big 10's long-term plans. "I don't think people should evaluate this in the short term. But in a 25-year or 50-year period, I think they're going to be very competitive. They are added value. And if the Big Ten had stayed at 10 and not taken on any of the risk associated with expansion, we probably would be tied for the fourth-largest conference.
Philly guys, Donta Scott, Hakim Hart, Sr, & Hakim Hart, Jr.
Delany further adds, "Rutgers is a fabulous institution, as is Maryland. And the corridor they occupy with Penn State might be the most important in the Western world — great students, political institutions, financial institutions. So we're not only recruiting students to play basketball but students overall."
"If you don't venture out," Delany said, "you never gain anything. I don't want to go back and read all the articles about (criticism for) the Big Ten Network or instant replay or expansion. You have to do what you think is right. And if you make mistakes, you course correct or you double down."
The Big 10 doubled-down and it is now reaping the rewards.
Lamar Stevens, Penn State
DJ Newbill, John Johnson, Shep Garner, Lamar Stevens, Tony Carr, Nazeer Bostic, John Harrar, Mike Watkins, Izaiah Brockington, Kyle McCloskey and Seth Lundy were Penn State Nittany Lions that may have found their way to Philly mid-major programs under the old paradigm. Eric Ayala, Hakim Hart and Donta Scott are plying their trade in College Park, Maryland instead of the Wynnefield or Olney sections of Philadelphia.
Shit is real… The paradigm has shifted… But not everyone is convinced…
The alums, season ticket holders and athletic directors of the Philly mid-majors remain entrenched in the outdated paradigm. They have yet to fully comprehend the extent of the paradigm shift. Hence, they are striving maintain a "mid-major" status when the existence of the category itself is tenuous at best.
Collectively, they have pinned their hopes on a "Messiah Model" of intervention.
From their perspective of the "Messiah Model", status as competitive mid-major program hinges on finding the right head coach. Operating within this model, the competitive struggles of the Philly mid-major programs on the court and on the recruiting trails are attributable to the "poor performance" of head coaches. Hence, Billy Lange replaces Phil Martelli… Ashley Howard replaces John Gianinni, Aaron McKie replaces Fran Dunphy and Zach Spiker replaces Bruiser Flint…
Just gotta get the right guy in there and we'll be alright… So they think…
In this way, the Philly basketball community has developed a collective messiah complex. There has emerged a state of mind in which the alums, fans and athletic directors hold a belief that the "new coaches" – Lange, Howard, McKie and Spiker – are destined to become a program savior today or in the near future.
They seemingly lack an appreciation of the much more complex and insurmountable sets of problems and issues facing these programs.
Montez Mathis, Rutgers
For those that understand a paradigm shift that has taken place, it's just not that simple. For those that have recently ventured into the athletic facilities at Big 10 programs, it becomes immediately apparent that the Philly mid-majors are deficient and at a serious disadvantage. There's one notable exception… Temple has been able to build and renovate it's facilities in a manner that renders them on par with Penn State, Rutgers and Maryland.
Saint Joseph's, La Salle and Drexel are simply not on the same planet. The gap is humongous and ever-expanding.
Then there are the significant differences in travel accommodations and living arrangements. Simply stated, money matters and Delany has delivered ungodly amounts of cash. For the fiscal year 2019, Big 10 athletic departments each received $52,100,000 before they sold a single $88 ticket, $1,000 seat license, $5 hot dog, $20 parking pass or $125 hoodie. The student-athletes travel and live differently in Big 10 programs. Kids and their parents have become savvy comparison shoppers. Private Jet travel, 5 star hotels, luxury apartments are de rigueur in the Big 10 Conference.
Philly mid-majors ain't playing in that ballpark. People, even 18-19 year old prospects, like nice things…
Big 10 Commissioner, Kevin Warren
Then there's the subtle but tremendously important leadership question…The Big 10 has a long history of progressive policies and righteous behaviors in the area of race relations. That means, in addition to tremendous advantages in athletic facilities, travel accommodations and living arrangements, the Big 10 has people in charge that look like many of the top high school basketball student-athletes in America. Jim Delany's successor as Big 10 Commissioner is Kevin Warren (pictured above). Warren is the only Black commissioner among the Power 5 Conferences.
Michigan Athletic Director, Warde Manuel
Warde Manuel is the 12th athletic director in the 118 years that the University of Michigan has had a formal title for the job. And he's the second African-American man in that office. Tradition-rich Michigan has a consistently given Black men an opportunity to serve in leadership positions. Michigan has 31 teams and more than 950 student-athletes. The self-supporting department has an annual budget of $197 million and a staff of 400.
Ohio State Athletic Director, Gene Smith
Gene Smith currently serves as Vice President and Athletic Director for the Ohio State University. He was named the university's eighth athletic director on March 5, 2005. The Ohio State athletic department sponsors 36 fully-funded varsity sports with more than 1.000 student-athletes competing for Big Ten Conference and NCAA championships. Smith has additional oversight responsibility for the Business Advancement division of Ohio State which includes: Schottenstein Center, Nationwide Arena, Blackwell Hotel, Drake Union, Fawcett Center, and Trademark & Licensing.
Maryland Athletic Director, Damon Evans
Damon Evans was named the Director of Athletics for the University of Maryland on June 25, 2018. He oversees a department with 20 varsity sports and 500 student-athletes, a full-time staff of over 200, and an annual budget of $95 million. Evans joined the Terrapins in December of 2014 and served as Executive Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer. He had overseen all day-to-day operations for the athletic department since October of 2017 prior to his appointment as Director of Athletics.
The Philly mid-major programs have widely varying track records in this area. One has a long and strong legacy of diversity and inclusion. Another has made significant progress over the past few years. The others lag considerably behind in this regard.
Temple University COO, Kevin Clark
Temple has a long-standing track record of identifying and appointing Black males to leadership positions. Temple currently has a Black male COO, Kevin Clark (pictured above). Temple has a Black male basketball head coach and a Black female women's basketball head coach. Historically, Temple has had a Black male athletic director, Black male football head coach, 3 Black female women's basketball head coaches and two Black male basketball head coaches. Without question, Temple University has long valued Black participation above and beyond the playing field.
La Salle Athletic Director, Brian Baptiste
La Salle University currently has a Black male athletic director, Brian Baptiste (pictured above) and a Black male basketball coach. La Salle has also had a Black male women's basketball coach. La Salle demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion at the leadership level.
Drexel has had one Black male basketball coach.
Saint Joseph's has never had a Black male basketball coach. Saint Joseph's has never had a Black female basketball coach. Saint Joseph's has never had a Black athletic Director. Currently, Saint Joseph's has zero Blacks in leadership positions in the Athletic Department.
As my Grandpop used to say, "everything ain't for everybody…"
Taken together, one could easily surmise that these factors do not bode well for coaches of Philly mid-major programs competing with Power 5 programs for elite basketball recruits. In addition to talent drained off to Penn State and Maryland, Miami (ACC) has successfully recruited Davon Reed, JaQuan Newton, Lonnie Walker and Isaiah Wong from the Greater Philadelphia region. Virginia snatched DeAndre Hunter. Kentucky landed Quade Green and Lance Ware.
Surprise… Surprise… Kids like really nice new things…
And, who would've thought? Kids and parents respond to people that look like them in leadership positions.
Alums, fans and the ADs of the Philly mid-majors have convinced themselves that they can overcome these hurdles by simply identifying the "messiah." Lange, Howard, McKie and Spiker are expected to deliver these programs from the depths of mediocrity they currently inhabit.
Through the sheer force of their personalities, by exercising their exceptional "X & O" knowledge and just working VERY HARD they will compete…
So what the BIG BOYS have NBA arenas on campus… So what the BIG BOYS travel exclusively on private jets… So what the BIG BOY players live in luxury apartments…
Who needs a garbage disposal and washer and dryer in their apartment anyway?
Unfortunately, once one realizes and accepts that the paradigm shift has occurred it becomes apparent that alums, fans and ADs of Philly mid-majors have somewhat grandiose self-images that veer towards the delusional.
Shit has changed! And… It ain't changing back…
By the standards of a present-day high major/low major rubric, alums, fans and ADs of Philly mid-major basketball programs look misinformed and naive at best. And yet we know they aren't. They are fervent and passionate supporters of programs with wonderful basketball traditions.
They have no idea they are well behind Towson, Monmouth, Quinnipiac, UMBC, Fairfield and Coppin State in the facilities arms race… They just don't know…
Kuhn's blinding insight into the problem at hand comes from the sudden realization that if one is to understand these alums, fans and ADs, one must know about the intellectual tradition (outdated paradigm) within which they are operating. One must understand, for example, that for them the term "mid-major" means a program outside the Power 5 that was truly capable of challenging the BIG BOYS year in and year out on the recruiting trail and on the court.
Those days, I fear, are a thing of the past.
Stinson, Diggins & Mosco: My Homies!
January 20, 2020 By delgrecowilson in Archbishop Wood Basketball, Catholic League Basketball, College Athletics, Collin Gillespie, Uncategorized	Leave a comment
Upon arriving at the Archbishop Wood gym for the highly anticipated Vikings matchup with Roman Catholic, I warmly greeted Marvin Stinson and Rahsool Diggins, Sr. seated, as usual, front row center court. You know… The usual dap, half hug that brothers do… These guys are my homies… Most people know that I rock with these guys and ride hard for their sons. I haven't written much about them because of these relationships. When I write about their boys, I want it to be on the heels of something major! I don't want it to feel forced. I didn't want anyone to comment that he only wrote that because they are his guys… I told Marv and Big Sool I wanted to write about their boys… I asked them to "give me a storyline."
Maaaaan listen…
There are times when journalistic objectivity is important. Sports 'journalists' strive to avoid overt partiality. It matters… Objectivity in sports journalism allows the audience make up their own mind about a story. True journalists provide the facts alone and then let readers interpret those on their own. To maintain objectivity, sports writers should present the facts whether or not they like or agree with those facts. Objective sports reporting portrays issues and events in a neutral and unbiased manner, regardless of the writers opinion or personal beliefs.
This is NOT one of those times… That's NOT what this piece is… FUCK that!
John Huggins, Wood Assistant Coach
I can't pretend to be objective… I'm not neutral… I damn sure ain't unbiased!
I like Archbishop Wood's Basketball Program… A LOT!
Full disclosure… I like Tommy Funk… I like Matt Cerruti… I like Collin Gillespie… I like Tyree Pickron… I like Seth Pinkney… I like Karrington Wallace… I like Andrew Funk… I like Daeshon Shepard… I like Muneer Newton… I like Rob Jackson… I like Marcus Randolph… I like Chris Roantree… I like John Huggins…
But, the reason I cannot even make an attempt to be objective here is because I LOVE Jaylen Stinson, Rahsool Diggins and John Mosco… These are my guys…
I was watching high school basketball games with Jaylen Stinson waaaaay back in 2009-2010. His first cousin, Carrington 'Murc' Ward is one of my all-time favorite Philly guards. Jaylen's mother, Melissa Ward and Carrington's Dad, Vince Ward are brother and sister. These are my people… I watched Carrington grow to be one of the best guards of his era. He finished his high school career, playing for James 'Flame' Lewis, at Philadelphia Electrical & Technology Charter High School in 2011 after spending his first two high school seasons at Communications Tech. Lewis, Ward, Devonte Chance and Hakeem Baxter led PET to 26 wins his senior year, to the District 12 AAA final and to the second round of the AAA state playoffs. They were damn good.
Jaylen Stinson & Melissa Ward (mother) circa 2009
I went to most games. Each and every time I entered the gym, I would see a 7 or 8 year old boy intently focused on the action. Jaylen was serious… Very serious about his hoops… I would always ask " you working on your game"? He would always respond in the affirmative. I would ALWAYS make sure to tell him, "I can't wait to see you play Varsity High School basketball."
His father, my homie Marvin, is a highly respected Philadelphia basketball guy. A very, very good player at Dobbins Tech and subsequently Norfolk State, he is best known these days at the founder/director of the Bottom Ballers Basketball Club and Head Coach of the Boy's Basketball team at Audenreid HS.
Marvin Stinson, Audenried Head Coach
The Bottom Ballers is renowned for producing Philly guards that are fearless, aggressive, unselfish and extremely competitive. Yazid Powell, Sam Sessoms, Booty Butler, Hakim Byrd and Jaylen Stinson are just a few of the prominent Philly guards that have come through this cauldron while in middle school. They work out of the James L. Wright Recreation Center at 3320 Haverford… They work out of the "Bottom."
Pick any weekend in the summer… Make sure the temperature is at least 90 degrees and you can be sure to find Marvin and the Bottom Ballers in the Wright Center on a hardwood floor in need of refinishing, playing HARD as shit… I would always visit and see 11, 12 and 13 year old Jaylen playing against much bigger guards and leading with his chin and his chest! For the longest time, he was undersized… Jaylen was just a little guy… But his character and his heart allowed him to play up and compete… Like every guard that comes through the Bottom Ballers, Jay plays the point guard position the right way… Push the ball… Make the extra pass… Don't turn it over… Most importantly, play some FUCKIN' defense!
I love the Bottom Ballers… I have referred family members to the program. It was evident early on that some of the Bottom Ballers would be Division 1 basketball players. Indeed, as far as I was concerned, some were 'can't miss'. Before Sam Sessoms was 'Sam Sessoms' and while Jaylen was just finishing the 6th grade, I took them on their first unofficial visit in the Spring of 2014 to see Phil Martelli and Geoff Arnold at St. Joseph's University.
Bottom Ballers alum Sam Sessoms, Binghamton University
Both of these Bottom Ballers are highly intelligent scholar-athletes. Sam went on to become 'Sam Sessoms' and dominate scholastic basketball in the region while attending highly regarded Shipley High School. Since then, he's become the best player in the America East Conference at Binghamton University. Jaylen likewise enrolled at a prestigious academic high school (Haverford School) and played for Bernie Rogers before transferring to Archbishop Wood to play for John Mosco in the vaunted Philadelphia Catholic League.
Upon learning that he was transferring to Wood, I called John Mosco bursting with excitement. I knew things were about to get crazy. I knew what Jaylen could do and I watched Collin Gillespie become the consensus best point guard in Philadelphia under Mosco's tutelage. Teaming Stinson with Rahsool Diggins, Jr. in a high school backcourt is borderline unfair. While Stinson is a potent offensive player with a tight handle and strong mid-range game, he may be the best on ball defender we've seen in the area since Josh Sharkey terrorized opposing point guards at Carroll. Partnering him with Rahsool Diggins made perfect sense.
Rahsool Diggins, the best HS point guard in Philadelphia
Diggins is an offensive virtuoso. His vision is unparalleled… Like Gillespie before him, he sees everything. His mind is always a couple steps ahead of everyone else on the court. Like Stinson, Diggins was slight when he left middle school and entered high school. Those days are long gone… Lil' Sool is a 6'3" inch athletic point guard with a feathery soft jump shot. He is able to get absolutely anywhere he wants to go on the court. He simply leads the defender where wants and viciously changes direction. At all times, his eyes are focused on the pieces moving around on the chess board. Some shit is just obvious…
Rahsool Diggins, Jr. is the BEST HS point guard in Philadelphia… He sits on the throne!
More than any player currently playing in Philadelphia, Lil' Sool has his finger on the pulse of his team. When they need a play… When he feels it slipping away… When it's absolutely go time… He delivers. In one crucial moment tonight (pictured below), Diggins went right at the imposing Jalen Duren, absorbed the contact and finished with a soft left handed kiss off the glass… Sweet and a HUGE fuckin' bucket for the team.
Diggins attacking the basket and Jalen Duren. Photo Credit: Kathy Leister Photography
Just like Stinson's Dad… Rahsool's Dad is MY homie… Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of calling Big 'Sool at least 15 times to tell him a college basketball coach wanted to offer his son a scholarship. Big East, A10, ACC, Big 10, SEC… they all want to know what's going on with Lil' Sool… So, I tell them…
"Get with his Pop! Good dude.."
That's the way things should take place…
The fact that these TWO Division 1 point guards are playing EXTREMELY WELL for John Mosco and Archbishop Wood should be enough for college recruiters. That fact alone should make them highly desired by A10, Big East, CAA, even ACC programs. Mosco knows how to prepare guards for the next level.
Tommy Funk, Army, All-Patriot League
Have we forgotten that Mosco gave college basketball Tommy Funk and Collin Gillespie? With half a season remaining in his college career, Funk has 1,267 points and 626 assists. He will go down as one of the finest point guards in Army history. Gillespie has racked up 770 points and 207 assists while assuming the reigns of one of the top 4 college basketball programs in the nation.
It's safe to say the John Mosco has a strong track record of producing college ready point guards. Mosco's guards are super-aggressive while also playing the right way. He relies heavily on his guards to make the correct decisions. His temperament is perfect for high school basketball. He's demanding, yet not overbearing. He gives his guys tremendous levels of responsibility, but only after fully preparing them for their assignments.
It's a joy to watch… Wood is a Boys Basketball power… Let that sink in… They are Ballin' in Warminster! John Mosco is getting it done. Didn't see that coming a decade ago…
In today's victory, Stinson and Diggins made big play after big play to defeat visiting Roman in an instant classic matchup. Wood was in control throughout most of the game, then the uber-talented Roman youngins imposed themselves on Wood in the fourth quarter to close the gap and take the lead. Specifically, Jalen Duren (34 points) made some wonderful plays in transition. On consecutive possessions, he dribbled the ball up court, drew the defenders and make perfect passes to teammate in position to finish at the basket.
Roman Catholic Super Sophomore Power Forward Jalen Duren
It's truly hard to wrap your mind around the fact that he is a high school sophomore. He will dunk on 99.9999999% of grown men walking the face of the earth and then need a ride home before it gets too late… Make no mistake… This youngin's ability to attack and defend the rim is GROWN as shit! One could envision him watching SpongeBob Sqarepants and then putting on his Nikes and dunking over the top of Al Horford or Javale McGee.
I'm 55 years old, I have him as the most powerful dunker I have seen play in Philadelphia since the late great Darryl Dawkins and Sir Charles Barkley. The scary part is that he is showing a little more versatility every time he laces 'em up. Tonight he showed that he can dribble and pass under extreme duress… Yup!
Justice Williams (32 points) is also growing by leaps and bounds. He was OUTSTANDING in pressure situations. He made exceptional decisions. He finished at the rim. He took care of the ball. He made EVERY big free throw with the game on the line. High, high major prospect for sure!
Duren and Williams are among the finest high school players in America. If Roman Catholic is going to contend for another Catholic League and State title, the youngins will have to lead the way. Those guys are better than good. Much better… They are very much deserving of their National Rankings. Their time to take the reigns is now.
But tonight… Stinson, Diggins, Daeshon Shepard and Wood got that ass! Just when many thought Wood was letting it slip away in the first overtime, Stinson received the inbounds pass, bounced it once, stepped slightly to the side and let it fly from deep in the corner… SPLASH!
Shit ain't over!
I told him in 2010, that I would be there to watch him play varsity basketball. Tonight, I stood about 20 feet away from him as the ball left his hand. Like I said, I can't pretend to be objective. I was there when he received his first Division 1 scholarship offer. I'll be there whenever he announces his destination. That's my people…
Recently, Howard Hudson and I rode 6 hours each way with Big Sool and Lil' Sool as they visited Virginia Tech. During the trip, I conceded that Lil' Sool is finally taller than I am. I also told him I looked forward to big things from him this year. My expectations have been exceeded and we only about halfway through this thing.
I remember being astonished to learn that Collin Gillespie only had an offer from Albany while he was literally mopping the floor with some of the best guards in the state and the nation. After a little public relations campaign, his recruitment finally reached a tipping point… Rider, Drexel, Delaware, St. Joseph's and host of others jumped in within days of each other. Eventually, Big Daddy Jay Wright from the mainline came in an shut shit down… It worked out well for everyone.
Villanova and Temple haven't deemed Rahsool Diggins worthy of a scholarship offer yet. Both of those schools plus St. Joseph's, La Salle and Drexel have yet to be convinced that Jaylen Stinson is scholarship worthy. I find myself astonished yet again.
Next Friday, they travel to the Southside of the city to face some other overlooked Philly guards. Neumann-Goretti's Hak Byrd, Hysier Miller and Chris Evans have yet to garner scholarship offers commensurate with their basketball abilities.
Me… I'd bet the house that John Mosco's guards and the Neumann-Goretti kids can play and play well for those programs. And… I suspect they would sell a few tickets to 2,000-3,000 of my closest friends as a bonus… I'm just sayin'.
Jaylen Stinson addresses the media after big win. Photo Credit: The Miller Report
Marv and Big Sool… Thanks for the storyline!
Boo Farmer… Mayo, ketchup, fried onions and hot peppers… American Cheese, NONE of that cheese wiz bullshit!
Kev Sanchez… See you Friday Bro!
It's Miller Time! Neumann Knocks Off Roman!
January 18, 2020 By delgrecowilson in Catholic League Basketball, College Athletics, Neumann-Goretti, Philadelphia Catholic League, Roman Catholic Basketball, Uncategorized	1 Comment
Hysier "Fabe" Miller has been one of the best guards in Philadelphia for three years… For the first two, he was a key cog for Martin L. King Jr. coach Sean Colson in the Public League. A great PUB and college guard that fought his way to the NBA, Colson has developed a well-earned reputation as one of the premier basketball trainers in the nation. When he's not coaching MLK or Philly Pride, he can be found at the Steph Curry's camp, the Under Armour Top 100 camp or in the gym with NBA players like Atlanta Hawk teammates DeAndre Hunter and Charlie Brown. Miller is the latest high level player to refine and polish his skills under the guidance of Colson. But that's just part of his lineage… The boy is from the Southside…
Nate Blackwell, Jeff Myers, Lou Myers, Rashid Bey, Donnie Carr, Scoop Jardine, Lamin Fulton, Biggie Minnis and Hysier Miller…
He is the latest in a long line of super competitive, no-nonsense South Philly guards.
After rising early in the morning to travel from the southern end of the the city to the far Northwest to attend Martin L. King, Jr. HS for two years, Miller has found a basketball home in his beloved South Philly. He has joined a loaded Neumann-Goretti squad picked by many, including, the Black Cager as the #1 team in the region before the season started. Some wondered how Miller would adapt to his new role after being the 'man' for MLK last year. Would he be able to adjust to playing off the ball? How would he handle not being the man? All those questions have been cast aside.
A quiet, confident and highly intelligent young man, Miller has embraced the opportunity to play in front of capacity crowds against some of the best teams in the nation. Grateful for the opportunity to play in the Catholic League for the legendary Carl Arrigale, he has gladly come off the bench and he has served as a starter while the Saints have navigated an extremely tough early portion of their schedule. Miller has added considerable value to Neumann-Goretti. In a matchup with Westtown in December, Miller exhibited exceptional lateral movement and a willingness to play 'chest first' on-ball defense against the best opposing guards. He frustrated the highly regarded Jalen Warley and forced him commit several turnovers in the middle of the court as Neumann-Goretti ran away with the game.
Boo Farmer & Kev Sanchez, Front Row/Center Court
Tonight he was matched up with another highly regarded high major prospect, Lynn Greer, III. Greer is an established star in the Catholic League. He is capable of scoring in bunches. Greer doesn't need screens or much help at all. He's able to create space off the bounce utilizing excellent crossover and hesitation moves. In most games, Greer is a problem.
Tonight, Arrigale was able to leave Miller on Greer for extended periods by himself with no help. It was a great guard matchup… Greer played an excellent floor game. He played within himself, made very few mistakes and did not force the issue.
Overall, Miller and Greer were a push. They essentially cancelled each other out. For those who haven't followed Martin L. King. Jr. over the past couple of seasons, that may come as a surprise. Throughout much of his High School career, Greer has been a top 100 player… He has participated in USA basketball and played on the EYBL circuit with Team Final and Team Takeover.
Miller, on the other hand, is just a hard nosed, hard playing tough kid from the Wilson Park projects. He's hungry… He NEEDS a scholarship! There's no college without a scholarship. He's earning his keep the hard way… Game by Game… The folk that matter are noticing, as soon as he emerged from the locker room after the win tonight, Wagner Head Coach Bashir Mason offered him a scholarship.
Hysier Miller moments after Wagner Head Coach Bashir Mason (r) offered him a scholarship
A great culmination to a great evening of high school basketball for Miller.
He helped Neumann-Goretti withstand a barrage of breath-taking, gravity-defying, FUCK yo Momma's Momma, NBA quality dunks from Jalen Duren. It's simply ridiculous to think Duren is just a sophomore. He is beyond physically dominant in one of toughest high school basketball leagues in the United States of America and he's not even half way through his high school career.
@jalenduren put cam young in ⚰️⚰️ #BornLeaderFamily #BLFsports. @teamfinalhoops @romanbball FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS IN BIO LINK @sportscenter @slam_hs @overtime #sctop10
A post shared by Charles Jones BornLeaderFamily (@blfsports) on Jan 17, 2020 at 10:31pm PST
I don't know how to adequately describe the manner in which he attacks the rim. Duren dunks on your ancestors… HARD as shit! Big Momma and Pop Pop are begging their grandsons to do something… anything… make it stop!
Jalen Duren, Roman Catholic at the free thrown line
But… when forced to make basketball plays away from the rim, he's just ok. He's not an adequate shooter and he has yet to develop reliable go to moves and counter moves. Moreover, going to him down the stretch is a questionable strategy because he's yet to prove himself a capable free throw shooter.
Fouling Duren in one and one or bonus situations can be equivalent to forcing a turnover. He missed 3 out of 4 crucial free throws down the stretch. For the game he was a 1 out of 5 from the free throw line. Greer was 3 for 7.
In a game that close, between two evenly matched teams, the margin for error is razor thin… Neumann-Goretti capitalized…
I'm just gonna put out there… If you don't like Jordan Hall and Hak Byrd, you don't like basketball!
Hall is simply a magnificent high school basketball player. On a team with two kids that will be Division 1 point guards, Hall is the unquestioned primary ball-handler. At 6'8" he towers over opposing guards and wings. Until he shoots, one would think that he is a southpaw or ambidextrous. The ball is on a string… He teases opponents by dangling it out in front of them only to yank it back and explode by them when they reach time and time again.
Hall plays downhill, attacking the defense aggressively while keeping his head on a swivel. He's constantly looking for the help defense, he's forcing the double team and whenever it comes the ball is abruptly delivered to the player left open for a clean look at the basket. Neumann-Goretti plays good, solid basketball. Carl Arrigale has these super talented kids playing unselfishly at the high school level. He has almost too many weapons at his disposal.
Teams have problems dealing with Hakim Byrd's combination of speed and skill. In the open court, it's almost unfair. In most instances, Byrd is gonna lay it up… One way or another… If not, he's gonna pull up for a three or a mid-range jumper that's damn near as reliable as a layup. The most aggressive scorer on this year's version of the Saints, Byrd is playing at an extremely high level. He spells Hall from time to time as a playmaker, but for the most part Byrd is looking to get buckets… And… He does his job exceedingly well!
Hysier Miller, Neumann-Goretti. Photo Credit: Flawless Focus
Rahsool Diggins (Archbishop Wood), Stevie Mitchell (Wilson West Lawn), Jhamir Brickus (Coatesville), Lynn Greer, III, Jaylen Stinson (Archbishop Wood), DJ Wagner (Camden), Tazir Cantey (Lindenwold), Hakim Byrd and Hysier Miller… There's a plethora of talented and tenacious guards playing in the region right now. This, my friends, is the Golden Era…
Y'all just not recognizing!