Under Armour’s National Search Starts in the DMV April 30th 2016

The rosters for this summer’s Elite 24 2020 (eight grade) all-star game will be determined by evaluating the top players nationwide, with Under Armour inviting 24 top-100 prospects from the class of 2020 the competition is sure to stiff.

The game was first held in 2006 at Rucker Park in Harlem, but after spending a couple of years at California's Venice Beach, the event is now hosted in Brooklyn annually and has become one of if not the most exciting and prestigious event of the annually each summer.

Three No. 1 NBA draft picks have participated over the years as well as five NBA All-Stars and 55 first-round picks. ESPNU will televise the Elite 24 as it does each year.



This isn’t an open event which is one thing player must get used to as they prepare to walk on to High School Campuses; this isn’t a place where you prove yourself – it’s a place where you must be proven and a environment where iron sharpens iron.

Under Armour’s Invite Only “UA Next Combine Series” for Basketball’s Next Generation

 

 

This April, Under Armour Basketball will introduce the “UA Next Combine Series” for select middle school basketball players. The Combine Series is an invite only program that will offer eighth graders high-level teaching, instruction and competition.  The program will run for a full day in each of the following six cities nationwide, including: Washington, D.C., Columbus, Ohio, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston and Walnut Creek, California.

The “UA Next Combine Series” is for current eighth grade players (Class of 2020) and 40 total players will be selected at each location. Players will compete for invitations to the prestigious “UA Next Experience” at the Under Armour Elite 24 this August in New York City.  Under Armour’s Elite 24 event is the nation’s premier annual high school basketball showcase that offers the world’s top prospects an opportunity to experience the energy and spirit of authentic playground basketball, while competing on the biggest stage of the summer.

 

 

“UA Next Combine Series” is the latest program from Under Armour’s Grassroots Basketball platform. It joins ongoing nationwide events, including the UA Association League, NBPA Top 100 Camp, SC30 Select Camp, UA All American Camp and the UA Elite 24. It is the purpose of these events to provide youth basketball players with the opportunity to hone their skills and maximize exposure in high-level teaching and competitive environments.  The platform aligns with Under Armour’s mission to “Make All Athletes Better.”

For more information please visit the UA Next tab on www.theuaassociation.com or email  uanextcombineseries@underarmour.com

Who: Select Basketball Players in the Region

(40) 8th Graders Class of 2020

Format: Skills Development, Special Situation Games, and 5-on-5 Competition (3 games guaranteed) 

See schedule

Cost: $150.00 (INVITED players please register online at least two weeks prior the event to guarantee your spot)

Provided:

• Under Armour shoes, socks, full uniform, and T-shirt
• Lunch
• Online player profile/evaluation with picture (www.theuaassociation.com)

Awards: 1 MVP and 5 All Combine Team Trophies

Media: The media attention generated by these events will be unmatched, as many of the top scouting services from around the country will be in attendance.

Hotel: TBD

If you believe you deserve an invite to one of the regional combines please email your contact information to uanextcombineseries@underarmour.com

• • WASHINGTON DC
  • COLUMBUS, OH
  • LOS ANGELES, CA
  • ATLANTA, GA
  • HOUSTON, TX
  • BAY AREA, CA

When: UA Next Combine Series East – Washington, D.C. – Saturday April 30, 2016

Where: St. John’s College High School 2607 Military Rd. NW Chevy Chase, DC 20015

It’s a New World in the Sneaker War

High level grassroots basketball – which is incorrectly referred to as 'AAU' -- features three top circuits funded by shoe companies: Nike, Adidas and Under Armour. All three companies have begun a substantial push to attract talent at a younger age groups with NIKE introducing the MADE Hoops League, Under Armour The Proving Grounds, and Adidas beginning sponsorship of the NYBL.  In many minds the structure of grassroots ball has improved greatly over the last few years with the birth of these middle school leagues to coincide with Nike's EYBL tour, The UA Association and Adidas' Uprising Gauntlet. The bottom-line is those three companies essentially vie for players they hope will blossom into pros who can eventually sell shoes.

In the past few years in the DMV; we have seen many teams rehashed as they trade one tennis shoe for another; Baltimore Elite (formerly NIKE) now Adidas, DC Blue Devils (formerly NIKE) now Under Armour, as has been the history for many years.  The “new” Baltimore United Group is a mixture as well of former clubs that held “deals” at different levels that, shall we say saw power in numbers and moved forward with the Under Armour brand.  Let us not forget one of the more intriguing power plays of 2016 the merger of former Adidas brand DC Thunder with the Baltimore based Jordan Brand/NIKE Team Melo.

Yet it has been several years since a new upstart group; a fresh face to the shoe game; where the services to the top players within the DMV will be able to impact both the middle school and the high school market. 

New World Basketball Academy now formally maintains a sponsorship relationship with Adidas and the impact that this will have will most certainly impact the already competitive environment of the DMV.  New World has teams and formal rosters from the 2^nd grade all the way through grade 9 and is actively building.  They have a contingent of coaches, staff, trainers, and support personnel that immediately allow them to reach multiple players and prospects within the market.  They have experience at the high level high school and Prep School arena as well as college relationships, facility access, and young leadership with a business mindset and hunger combined with the requisite tools to be a major player.

New World is set up better today than a lot of organizations who have been around for several years and the impact will be two fold.  Their current relationships and immense opportunity available there will be major selling points and of course the “new” access for kids in the DC market to compete on a major circuit that part sells itself.  Again with DC Thunder out the picture New World are “those guys” and without question with the aforementioned attributes they will have success and players will flock.  Its has been a while since anyone truly had an opportunity to impact the area balance of power substantially; New World is that group without question and those that know, know it and are keenly aware.   

If you still wonder how competitive does it get between the companies and programs? Consider the recent example of Under Armour's Elite 24 event. The Elite 24 has had a monopoly on the end of the summer calendar for a few years and is considered THE PREMIER EVENT  each year – The Elite 24 brings every top player to New York City for what amounts to a TELEVISED OUTDOOR ALL-STAR GAME. At least that was the case until last summer when Nike decided it didn't want its kids seen in the UA logo.

Nike created an event seemingly on a whim that overlapped with Elite 24 to keep kids away from Under Armour. Best yet, they put the event in the Bahamas. It worked: top recruits Harry Giles and Jayson Tatum skipped the Elite 24 event to attend Nike's event, as did most of the top NIKE prospect on the High School side.  But Middle Schoolers went untouched and are now competing with impunity in the Elite 24 events without a competitor on the NIKE side….but wait for it one of these companies will jump in soon as they continue to do.

 

There won’t be any overlapping of New World, but the new competitor in the market is one that must be paid attention to as any group with the backing of a brand not only can change the game but can do so very quickly.  Congratulations to the New World group and congratulations to the DMV for developing a plethora of talent that continues to attract attention and ultimately give more kids and opportunity.

More information can be found on the New World Basketball Academy by visiting:  http://newworldbb.com/

 

And Still #1 Zion Harmon dominates the HS Level, Quiets Critics, & Makes National Statement

A lot of ignorant individuals in the past have questioned the viability of certain players; citing the validity of rankings, development, program, coaching style, height, size – one of the biggest victims of this circumstance is local product Zion Harmon.

Harmon who decided to get away from the “noise” and detractors and peruse options outside of the DMV area – as a 7^th grader he has been competing on the varsity level this year in Antioch, Tennessee at Lighthouse Christian Academy.  Playing a national schedule against varsity level competition and acclimating early to the rigors of varsity play, Harmon has had to date a truly sensational season averaging 17ppg, 3 assist, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals for a 19-6 squad.

So many questioned the young guards national status, debated his age, and on many occasion reported that his exploits that have turned him into a Youtube Sensation would not translate to the high school level.  Well, all those so call experts can officially leave evaluation and analysis to the professionals as Zion Harmon has clearly made the leap showing the ability to get the job done. Was it ignorance or hate? Who knows but whatever it was there is buffet of words to eat for many in the area – kudos to the player and his family for not allowing anyone or anything to dictate his path to success and development.

So even in the midst of this article, I am sure that someone has already questioned the location, the level of play, the competition (ignorance is often bliss) – Harmon’s average 31ppg in his last three games continuing a recent trend.  So, 31ppg you say is nothing against who?  Well the first of his three game exploit, which was followed by a 27 and 34 point game, was against LaLumiere ranked as high as # 3 in the country this year and known annually as a national powerhouse producing multiple high major college and NBA players each year and Harmon didn’t blink dropping to that point his season high of 33-points only to be broken less than a week later with a 34-point game.

Bottom-line is that many in this area and others with never ever play against a team ranked #3 in the country and/or the caliber of program or players found at LaLumiere and for a 5’5 PG from the DMV who so many said never would  already has….in the 7^th grade.  If it can be believed it can be achieved and allowing this to be an example of what hard work and dedication can produce even at a young age at the highest level many eyes should be opened and now many mouths should be shut.  Honor the local product by giving him the respect that he deserve, but if you don’t, it not a problem he will more that surely be willing to come and take it.  The DMV has not rid themselves of the National Phenom; rumor has him returning potentially for HS, maybe them it will be a forgone conclusion that he is more than capable; but likely at that point folks will question his college possibilities…DMV Preps wouldn’t bet against this kid with somebody else money.

Brayon Freeman & Elijah Hawkins – If you didn’t know this is called the Show (EXCLUSIVE MIXTAPE RELEASE)

Players in the class of 2021 are beginning to attract a lot of attention in the DMV market; as high school commitments slowly begin to come in for the class of 2020 - acceptance letters are expected from most in the next 45-days and the focus will quickly move to the next crop of young stars.

Two of the most exciting and talented players in the class are not only housed in the same program but in the same backcourt; the “Lil Genius” Elijah Hawkins and Brayon Freeman are slicing and dicing their way through opponents and folks are starting to take notice.  Their most recent appearance was at the recent Basketball Spotlight Clash for the Cup where they put on a memorable show for all in attendance.

The “Lil Genius” is the definition of a true point guard, Hawkins is quick and intelligent with a pass first mentality yet he can also knock down the open shot with range to the arc working both off the catch or dribble. Hawkins is an excellent ball handler that really likes to attack with the crossover dribble. He pushes that ball in the open court and understands when to slow down and make plays with his basketball IQ. Hawkins feel and court vision makes him an elite passer and is excellent at setting up teammates where they are most successful. He also knows how to run a team and knows all his looks when executing a set play, he is another coach on the floor.

Brayon Freeman who can been classified as an assassin when it comes to shooting the ball has added both the mid-range component and is pressing the paint after putting it on the carpet and is finishing with the best of them  - making him a tremendously hard cover when he utilizes all these aspects of his game.  Freeman is simply a smooth shot maker that plays under control. He reads the defense well when attacking off on ball screens and probes with his penetration waiting to take advantage of defensive miscues. What we really like is his dedication and ability to defend both guard positions on the other end.

In true DMV Preps form we can show you better than we can tell; check out the exclusive "Lil Genius" and Brayon Freeman Mixtape just released!!!!

 

 

DMV Stars Dupree/Jackson Shine Bright for USA National Select

A pair of DC Blue Devils’ (G) Rasheed Dupree and (F) Saveon Jackson - have long been considered two of the top players and prospects in the DMV in the class of 2021. The two of them are battled tested, experienced, and highly skilled; this resume recently led to their selection to the USA National Select Team that competed in the Clash For the Cup Basketball Spotlight Event in Neptune, NJ.  The team came up a little short falling in the Semi-Final to a tough United Squad 55-51 but both players proved why they are in the national conversation during their time in New Jersey.

Rasheed Dupree:  Rasheed Dupree plays with great energy at both ends. He attacks the bucket with a vengeance and he can finish through contact. He can penetrate effectively with either hand and he has the strength, tenacity, and feel to score against length. He is quite good in the "drive-and-kick" offensive set as well. Defensively is where he separates himself from his peers. He is a bulldog on the defensive end utilizing his strength and active hands to cause numerous turnovers.

He gets the outlet pass and it's off to the races and would-be defenders are left in the dust. He can slash his way to the rim or knock down the pull-up jump shot. In addition, he advances the ball well in the open court to get his teammates involved early on in transition. In the half court set, he showed a consistent jump shot out to the stripe when he was squared up and on balance.  Dupree may have flied under the radar in the past but it is clearly his time to assert himself as a top lead guard prospect in the DMV and beyond.

  Saveon Jackson:  Jackson is a kid who is athletically gifted. He's long with underrated bounce off the floor. He plays exceptional positional basketball on both ends of the carpet.  He of course has skill too, and can knock down the 17' face-up jumpers. His forte is blocking shots, rebounding and scoring on put backs. He also has good hands on the block and can be counted on like clockwork to make a big play, grab a big rebound, or block when his team needs it the most.  He turns up when the lights get brighter; as exemplified in the seim-final where he grabbed a game high 14-rebound.

Jackson is a long and lean defensive presence who plays extremely hard is unselfish and is an excellent passer from both blocks and the high post – he has a old school knack for making plays for himself or other out of that area. He is active and plays in full attack mode. Jackson is a high motor forward that's defense is currently slightly ahead of his offense but he is very capable to improve his offensive productively and ultimately be one of the most converted type of players a double – double machine, the secret to his success is only him believing it too!

Believe the Hype Jason Murphy is the Real Deal

Jason Murphy went into his freshman year rated as one of the Top 50 prospects in the country, Top 10 in the DMV, and was rated as the #2 center in the DMV.  So far Murphy has stayed true to form and done nothing to diminish those honors bestowed upon him.  In fact Murphey who kept the trend alive of top rated DMV Prep players competing on the varsity level from day one; is not only competing but thriving.  He is being considered the top player as freshman in all of Howard Country where he attends Chapelgate Christian Academy.  

Whereas detractors devalue the middle school ranking system, the trend continues at a 75%+ clip of players noted in said ranking competing on the varsity level and in the case of Murphy and the Top 10 contributing and making an impact.  If that isn't validation enough then the interest he is drawing from JT3 and Georgetown University should be.

When using the word impact, Murphy is without question Top 3 in the area and is vying for DMV Preps Freshman of the year.  At 6’9 his combination of size, length, and bounce is off the charts. He's got a massive, yet still mobile, frame and can go up to catch lobs. He not only runs the floor well for a guy his size but also has relatively good agility, allowing him to patrol the lane at a wide radius with his shot-blocking ability. He's similarly active on the glass and consequently able to rebound out of his area. Offensively, he's a terrific finisher around the rim and starting to show an instinct for passing.  His physical tools are off the charts and are the basis for his tremendous upside. While he needs to continue to develop his muscle and skill, he's the type of guy who is only just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential.

Murphy is no hype; and if see is believing enjoy the show below:

Keno Lilly: Bigtime Player, Makes Bigtime Plays, In Bigtime Game

In a very competitive field; Team Takeover 2021 cruised to the championship defeating a pesky Bmore United squad 56-48 behind the play on both ends of Keno Lilly.  The natural shooting guard led his team and spaced the floor for his interior players with is knockdown shooting from all over the floor and beyond the three point arch.  

Lilly whose shot has always been mechanically strong is now utilizing the entire court to find scoring zones that he is effective in.  With a laser quick release he only needs a split second and small window to get his shot off.  In the championship Lilly not only scored, he shot a high percentage at one point knocking down back to back trey balls from opposite corners.

Lilly played the championship game as if he was shot out of a cannon. Playing with great energy at both ends Keno showed the ability and savvy to affect the game in multiple ways. In addition to the 3-point shooting he showed solid burst off the dribble and looks to be able to slash into the paint an aspect we look forward to seeing more of in the future. Defensively, his lateral quickness, active hands, and desire should make him a lock-down defender creating a player any coach would want on their roster - a scorer and floor spacer on one end and an active, engaged, defensive presence on the other.  

Too good to be considered a sleeper; Lilly must be watched simply based on the transitional skill set the he possess and performs with at the highest level – every team and every level needs a shooter of his caliber and with his ability to play both ends; someone will be very happy being able to turn to Lilly.