After the 2009 Elite 24 HS All-American practice was over, myself, Cardozo HS coach Ron Naclerio, and other members of the media took to the LA Sports Club floor to shoot around. I hit my first 12 jumpers in a row (Casey Lee my witness) and caught the attention of Oak Hill Academy’s Doron Lamb. He guarded up, I gave him a quick one-two, but unfortunately lost control of my handle and wound up looking like that retired dude on the sideline who can only shoot when no one is guarding him–argh! Hahaha. Luckily, his father Cal Lamb and I played for years against each other down in the Lower East Side’s’ Ham-Fish Tournament, so he can co-sign that I once could knock’em down to his son if he’s still a non-believe. Cal was a standout at LIU in Brooklyn, and one of the best shooters I ever saw in the “6th Borough” a.k.a. the L.E.S. So no surprise to me or anyone else from the Lower that Doron can go.
I nicknamed Doron “Smooth Criminal” at the game in Gauchos Gym the next day. He has the ability to score effortlessly. I believe he’s the top scorer in Elite 24 the last two years in a row, without any highlight dunks or crossover, just smooth sailing, threes, and court sense.
Next time he guards up, I’ll have to show him something better!
The 4th annual Boost Mobile Elite 24 event, and it was an event indeed, was off the hook! First of all, anytime you put the top twenty-four high school ballers in the country on one court you’re bound to witness some quality hoops. But they weren’t gathered on just any court. They were gathered in the mecca: NYC. The hallowed grounds of Rucker Park, no less; however, due to poor weather conditions the game was actually moved to Gaucho’s Gym in the BX – the court that Stephon Marbury, Ed Pinckney, Sebastian Telfair, Rod Strickland and so many others have played on. Read More »
Yes, the Boost Mobile Elite 24 HS All-American Game would’ve been fresher if it didn’t rain and the classic went down outside in Rucker Park. More importantly, it would’ve been liver as Gauchos Gym unfortunately couldn’t accomodate all the family, fans, and friends that showed up to watch. For those who couldn’t get in, or perhaps didn’t make at all, peep the below highlights thanks to www.hoopsmixtape.com, particularly Doron Lamb (who I nicknamed “Smooth Criminal”) to Roscoe Smith (a.k.a. “Sco Da Show) at :55, and then Josh Selby (who EJ Da Mayor was calling “The Highlight”) catchin’ one on Kendall Marshall (who I blessed with “The Wonderful Wizard” although it didn’t stick) at 1:20! You won’t be dissappointed!
Check back with us for a more full post about the game from Jon Lopez real soon.
Over ten former Elite 24 participants are now playing in the NBA, so understand the level of comp. I’ve had a lot of fun announcing the game since it’s inaugural year in 2006, and was recently asked by ESPN to list my ten favorite nicknames I’ve come up in the first three years (that I can remember at least!)
Lance Stephenson aka “Born Ready”: Lance was killing at EBC, Kingdome, and other men’s tournaments before he even stepped into the gym at Lincoln HS. Born Ready was the best way I could describe his game, simple as that!
“Make’em Fall” John Wall a.k.a. “Ammo”: Make’em Fall came naturally Read More »
Before guys make it to the Tournament of Champions, they have to pay their dues. And this Saturday, August 22 at Goat Park (99th & Amsterdam), you’ll get to see the next group of Metro area legends in the making in the high school showcase game. Check out the roster: Read More »
Kyrie Irving and Doron Lamb headline the final 12 players added to the fourth-annual Boost Mobile Elite 24 at Rucker Park.
Irving, a St. Patrick’s HS product, is considering UConn, Duke, Florida and Kentucky, among several others.
Lamb, a 6-4 guard who originally attended Bishop Loughlin but now plays shooting guard for Oak Hill Academy, has offers from UConn, Marquette and Pitt, according to scout.com.
