UA Next Combine Series Announces Partnership with Nationally renowned Pro Trainer Damin Altizer

Recently media outlets across the country announced the inaugural grassroots program entitled UA Next Combine Series designed to identify and select the preeminent players in the 8^th grade class of 2020. 

As announced Under Armour beginning April 30^th, 2016 in Washington, DC at St. Johns College High School and continuing in Columbus, OH, Atlanta, GA, Houston, TX, Los Angeles, CA and the Bay Area, CA. will evaluate 40-players at each location providing player profiles that will be housed on the UAA website http://www.theuaassociation.com/

The aforementioned site is visited frequently by the top colleges and institutions across the country for a multitude of reason including but not limited to statistics, schedules, player information, and upcoming events.  This platform will provide the invited players with maximum exposure as well as the opportunity to play in one of the nation’s premier showcase events; the Elite 24 All-Star Game played on the Pier under the Brooklyn Bridge.  With every player in attendance given the opportunity to compete in front of major shoe representative the possibilities are limitless.   

As part of the identification process players in attendance will put through a series drills, situational stations, and actual game play.  UA Next Combine Series is proud to announce the participation of one of America’s most experienced and nationally renowned trainers Damin Altizer.  Altizer will work directly with each player on the development of their specific skill sets and provide the same level of expertise he has used to train such players as:

I.      Justin Anderson (Dallas Mavericks)
II.     Frank Mason (Kansas University)
III.    Troy Caupain (Cincinnati University)
IV.    Bronco Caboclo (Toronto Raptors)
V.     Mamadi Diakite (University of Virginia)
VI.    Javin DeLauier (Duke University/ESPN #43)
VII.   Christian Watford (Indiana/Indiana Pacers/International Pro)
VIII.  Julius Randall (Los Angles Lakers)
VIIII.  Phil Pressey (Phoenix Suns)
X.    Thon Maker (Future NBA Lottery Pick)
XI.    Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards)

And many more....

Recognized as one of the world’s leading basketball clinicians the partnership with Under Armour and the UA Next Combine Series quickly positions this event as one of the nation’s most complete basketball institutions.  Players will play against the very best, be taught, trained, and coached by the very best, with the sole purpose of becoming the very best players in the world – the journey begins for the first 40-players selected April 30^th 2016 in the nation’s Capital.

Check out Damin Altizer below and join us in welcoming him to Under Armour the exclusive UA Next Combine Series

 

BREAKING NEWS: DMV UA Next Combine Series For 8th Graders Approaching Sell-Out

The Elite 24 game played annually on the tip of Pier 2, address Brooklyn Bridge Park, jutting like a finger into the East River not a bad place for a basketball game especially on the glistening hardwood court brought in by Under Armour.  In the background you will find the Manhattan skyline and the magnificant presence of the Brooklyn Bridge. Tugboats, water taxis, and the odd old Yankee clipper ship plow the bottle-green surface of the river, under a sky blue sky and a stand full of on-lookers.

 

This is the location were the country’s best eighth-graders and high school players will be put on display; decked head-to-toe in Under Armour apparel. Before anyone can be indoctrinated and appear on the frontline of basketball exposer or ESPN for that matter; one must survive the gauntlet of players at the regional combine series.

 

 

In 2006 UA introduced the event and the country to NBA players: Kevin Love, DeAndre Jordan, Michael Beasley, Kyle Singler (street nickname “Shampoo”), Brandon Jennings (Elite 24 single-game assist record holder), Tyreke Evans, J.J. Hickson, Cole Aldrich (“Cole Play”), Jerryd Bayless (“Pay Up”), and Lance Stephenson. The inaugural game was the focus of the documentary Gunnin’ for That #1 Spot, directed by the late Adam “MCA” Yauch of the Beastie Boys. 

Fourteen of the top 100 high school players in the 2015 ESPN 100 were there, eight of them from the top 20 — including Malik Newman, Stephen Zimmerman, and Jaylen Brown. Four of the top-ranked players in the class of 2016 were there, including Thon Maker, Josh Jackson, Jayson Tatum, and Harry Giles.

 

With six national locations (Washington DC, Georgia, Texas, Ohio, Northern & Southern California) and limited spots for this invite only event; Ohio has SOLD OUT, Georgia already has a waiting list, and with less than 48-hours remaining for registration into the DC Event which will provide each in attendance with a regional specific shoe and apparel package the Under Armour Combine Series continues to attract the best and brightest.  Representatives expect the DC location to be sold out no later than Monday April 11^th and have already confirmed participation from some of the nation’s highest rated middle school ballers.

Reports are that some of the players to keep an eye on at the coming event(s):

6’10 (F) Zach Loveday (OH), 6’4 (Wing) CJ Wilcher (PA), 6’8 (F) Andrew King (PA), 6’2 (PG)Quaran McPherson (NY), 6’3 (PG) Okay Djamgouz (Canada), 6’2 (CG) Jordan Toles (MD), 5’9 (PG) Eden Davis, (DE), 6’7 (Wing) Nate Tabor (NY),5’9 (SG)  RJ Davis (NY),6’3 (Wing) James Wilborn (MI),  6’6 (CG) Che Evans (MD), 6’9 (F) Elijah Evert (NJ), 6’7 (Wing) Trey Hall (Conn)

Washington DC registration closes shortly with limited spot remaining for more information visit immediately – NOTE: this is an INVITATION ONLY EVENT – WAIT LISTED PLAYERS WILL BE CONTACTED MONDAY APRIL 11^th IF ANY SPOTS REMAIN

http://www.theuaassociation.com/page/show/2313538-ua-next-combine-series

Call:

1.800.338.4629

Or email:

uanextcombineseries@gmail.com

The 6 Degrees of Purple - Malcom Dread & Myles Stute

Malcom Dread just oozes potential at the wing position. The willowy 3-man runs like a deer, handles the ball like a guard, and is developing catapult-like explosiveness around the basket.   We have noted a very quick 1st step and he has a nice floater as well. He rebounds well inside and outside his area and can lead the break due to his nifty handle and astute court vision. He handed out a number of high-level passes this past weekend in Pennsylvania leading his team with running mate Keno Lilly to a championship where he also showed he can step out and knock down the 3-point shot.

Dread like his big-brother who is starring for the Gonzaga Purple Eagles is developing into one of the elite wing prospects in the country. If he is willing to work on extending his perimeter shooting range, ball skills and decision making his upside is tremendous. WCAC schools, IAC schools, and a host of others are monitoring his progress.

 

Myles Stute starred for Minneapolis Fab before dropping anchor in the DMV; Stute immediately showed his tremendous and diverse skill-set while standing a versatile 6’5.  Stute is a combination forward that runs the floor and can finish well around the rim.

He is an exceptionally good scorer that can hit the open jumper well beyond the strip by spotting up or when he receives kick outs created by dribble penetration – without question he must be considered one of the best shooter in the class in the area. Stute has also shown the ability to hitting the mid- range shots mostly off the catch but we have seen him work off the deck as well. He clearly  has three point range and gets his share of area rebounds. He creates some match-up problems because he can stretch the defense with his shot making ability especially when he has a size advantage or when playing the power forward position.

Overall this combination forward has good upside. Myles proved that he can also serve as a good pressure free ball handler and rebounds well in his area. We like that he communicates, plays with good energy, effort and competes each possession.  Since he is new to the area, we are such any institution would be interested in his services but he is already spoken for – as Stute will be suiting up for the Gonzaga Purple Eagles in Washington, DC.

DMV 2021 Hot Recruits – Top Under the Radar Players

Jake Koverman is long, broad, has terrific feet, and high-level timing as well as one of the highest IQ’s we have seen for a middle school player. His game is skill-based but considering the improvements we have seen in his athleticism and quickness his ceiling is immense.   A player who can guard multiple positions with his improved lateral movement he has always excelled as a shot-blocker and is a big contributor on both glasses.

He runs the floor like a deer with the frontline speed improving each time we see him, his timing is impeccable around the rim when it comes to getting his shot off where he uses an assortment of moves/fakes including a very nice step-back combination. He has good hands and he can finish in transition he has improved his release timing and release point on his jump shot which he can shot out the arch. He plays with great energy, doesn’t mind playing through contact, and may the Rodney Dangerfield in the DMV area.  There are simply not that many players with transferable size and skill-set within the class of 2021 right now – Koverman is one that has it and is quietly becoming one of the most asked about rising 2021’s in the area by those that know what they are looking for and at.

Detwan Montague standing 6’6/6’7 with great length is considered by many to be the prospect with the most upside on a solid 2021 Team Thrill squad and one of the most intriguing players in the DMV; at this juncture is a dominant shot-blocker with all the tools necessary to be a true rim protector for years to come. He's quick off his feet with his first and second jumps, has an innate sense of timing without fouling, and the ability to get up to the top of the box.

He's equally quick rotating back to the rim, which allows him to patrol wide radius's and still erase mistakes. Offensively, he is a work in progress and is still very raw and is almost exclusively getting his own off the offensive glass.   As his hands improve he has shown flashes of being an exceptional finisher around the basket with the ability to chase down the lob.  He's capable of changing ends extremely well and also has a lot of upside in pick and roll because of his quickness and explosiveness.  Montague is the type of kid who doesn't need many touches or points to impact a game, but for his development long term it would be wise to maximize his gifts.

Detwan plays on a guard dominate team where is touches are limited, realizing his long-term developmental value will be essential for this growth trajectory to be maximized.  Has the physical tools, dexterity, size to be considered one of the best prospect in the area as long as he is a focal point of given the opportunity to mature into the player we believe he can be.

High School coaches looking for a point guard in the 2021 class look no further than Md. Playmakers lead guard Jalen Miller, underrated quickness, deceptive athleticism, and high IQ are just some of the attributes that define the budding star.   He possesses a strong frame with solid length and quick hands.

He has a great burst in the open court and he knows when to pull it back to monitor the defense. He gets to the rim due to his elite ability to use angles, make reads, along with his exceptional strength. In addition, he has the vision to locate teammates for easy buckets. He keeps his handle low and tight and is difficult to keep contained while penetrating.

Miller is a blur with the ball in his hands and his ability to create tempo is virtually unmatched in the field of PGs. He is in the discussion be the best pure point not only in the DMV but also be in the national discussion. He is great at dribble penetrating and finding open teammates for great shots. Miller will be a major recruit for all area high schools if only for his IQ, physical tools, and his ability to make his teammates better.  If he were a little more selfish he frankly could control the game from a scoring perspective too and this is something he at some point must figure out – but his “make the right play attitude” is a “bad habit” no coach will mind breaking.

 

 

 

ATTN DMV: ITS NOT A GAME

 

 

 

 

 

Team Melo vs Baltimore United game rumored to not be played

There has been a growing “rivalry”, or as much of one as there can be for two teams who have never actually played each other.  Baltimore based programs Team Melo (Jordan Brand/NIKE) and Baltimore United (Under Armour) have tussled for bragging rights, players, and any alternative measuring stick they can find.

It is anticipated that a true rivalry-type intensity will rear itself the first time these programs take the court against each other and with some serious star power to boot; the game will “settle” a lot of scores in the minds of players and Baltimoreans alike…at least until the next match-up.

The other interesting battle that will inevitably be discussed is the prominence of the brands.  Who has the top talent and where does that top talent play.  There are some very clear differences between the teams and brands and depending on the vantage point from which you are looking each has some strong advantages and disadvantages in comparison. 

Yet, the time for talk is quickly coming to an end – or so many may have thought.  With the highly anticipated upcoming Session III of the UA Proving Grounds Session taking place at Catholic University in Washington, DC this coming weekend it was expected by many that Team Melo 2020 vs Baltimore United 2020 would finally face-off, right here in the DMV for all to see.

Not so fast my friends, sources close the situation have intimated that this game WILL NOT be played “It's a heated rivalry. It's always going to be that way so we have to get the players and participants that [are going to be] down there for the love of the game and not down there for other alternatives." stated an unnamed source close to the situation. 

So with only one session remaining after this weekend’s tip-off the only remaining hope for a NIKE/UA match-up of Melo vs United is in Carmelo’s second home in New York City….stay tuned because the possibility remains that this group of young star may not step onto the court to compete unless it’s at their respective high school.  A very interesting proposition to say the least or rather this is simply how things go would you are in the midst of a local and national sneaker war.

This my friends is a lot bigger than a lot of people think and there are many more things in play than anyone’s wildest imagination – welcome Class 2020 to the high school side, you will see very quickly it’s a very very different world.

DMV’s Class of 2022 New Stars Starting to See Success & Make Noise

Rob Lawson has the versatility that many coaches covet. He has the scoring ability and offensive game to play as a scoring guard, but he can also distribute the ball and facilitate the offensive in the mode of a point guard.

He has a very well-rounded game, deserving of high marks in many areas. He can stroke it from the perimeter in addition to being a very effective penetrator. He passes the ball well also, which allows him to swing to the point guard slot for significant minutes. He also has good athleticism and the quickness that most coaches look for in guards. Lawson is also a good defender, using his good foot speed and lateral quickness to stay with most guards on the perimeter.  He played solidly for the USA National Select squad in their recent appearance in the Atlantic City Showcase. 

Kamal Francis is budding wing with a lot of raw talent and ability, Francis has the type of long and athletic frame that makes his upside easy to see. He's very rangy with a good nose for the ball. He can cover the court, be a major factor in transition, and a weak-side shot-blocker.

He has a solid foundation on his jumper to continue to develop and is gradually expanding the rest of his ball skills as well. Long-term, he could be the type of versatile scorer who could not only thrive in transition but also from various spots in a half-court game. Long athletic attacking wing scorer that rebounds on both ends and plays with great energy and urgency.  Just getting his feet wet on the national stage Francis had a solid weekend alongside some of the nation’s best as a member of USA National Select.

Gionne Swann has all of the tools that coaches love to see in point guards. He is quickly developing  size and strength for a point guard while using a method we have seen many time, playing off the ball against bigger stronger guards – where he can knockdown his jump shot .   He showed well in at the AC Showcase playing with USA National Select.

Despite being slight of build, he has the quickness to penetrate past defenders and get to the paint. He is one of the best shooters with range extending out to three-point land. He has a good feel and understanding of the game that point guards have to possess to be successful and when his body catches up with his mind and shooting ability you will see a huge jump in his overall production.  Currently he has the ability to give you buckets from anywhere inside half court when he get his shot off. 

Mark Pharos’s length and mobility is very in intriguing. He runs, has rebounding and shot blocking ability. He is still raw offensively and more effective as a face up then back to the basket.  We like his overall strength and will be looking for increased aggression – as when active he has the tools to impact the game. A true big, those that know they have immense value and traditionally are developed late; as a younger player he has very good upside and could be a great reclass candidate.

Treyvon Todd the Bigger the Player the Higher the Ceiling

The time is officially hear to formally introduce the DMV to 6’9, class of 2020, big man Treyvon Todd; Todd who appeared on our radar roughly 3-years ago has remained one of the most intriguing prospects in the area.  The game at the youth level has long been guard dominant, coupled with the change in the game itself the art and value of true big men and post play have been lost in many systems at all levels.  Yet there is and has remained a beacon; one that is quickly rounding out and whose path will be littered with “Johnny Come Lately’s” who attempt to benefit from the hard work and development Todd has put it.  Todd will be a force on the high school level before it’s over; as he is just now beginning to realize the immense potential he has always possessed at the most elite level.  Todd with the right development is what you call a program changer.

Treyvon Todd to date is decently productive right now, but it's the flashes of spectacular that are most intriguing, and so he's still very early on in his development and is slowly but surely turning his potential into production. His hands are improving each time he takes the floor, with both the initial catch and in traffic. A future that will without question include a lot of double teams he must continue to increase his strength with the ball in congestion while also continuing to polish his go to post move while adding a dependable counter.

Today Todd can be considered a big bodied post player with a terrific natural build and a very high ceiling. Already long and strong, his frame has plenty of room left to support even more muscle mass in the coming years and so he's likely to have a big time body before it is all said and done.

He scores primarily off dump-offs and put-backs right now, but we have seen the development of a jump hook.  He runs and jumps well for his size and showcases more than acceptable athleticism – Todd will likely be a power player who incorporates finesse.  What we really love now is that Todd is a solid shot-blocker and rebounder while his under the radar quiet, no-nonsense type of workmen approach to his game is something that coaches at the next level will value and love.

In conclusion Treyvon Todd is a young and talented big man, and is the type of long-term prospect that you believe in because he appears to work hard and have a good demeanor for the game.  Not to put the pressure of labeling a player so young as a can’t miss; it’s best if coaches don’t miss out on any opportunity to work with and/or add Treyvon Todd to their team or program.