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!
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.
The Boost Mobile Elite 24 HS All-American Game comes to Rucker Park again tonight Friday, August 21, 7pm, and those who witnessed the practice yesterday know full well it’s gonna be ON!
Kevin Couliau Photo
The kids were playing D, which is unusual in all-star contests. They were also having fun. In the four years of announcing the event, I’ve never seen a group joke around with each other and smile after the game as much as this year’s crop. A lot of them were asking me, “You gonna give me a nickname, right?” Only if they deserve one! Cats that super-impressed seeing them for the first time were Kendall Marshall, CJ Leslie, Kyrie Irving, Roscoe Smith and Harrison Barnes. Doron Lamb Read More »
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 »
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.
My man Mark Edwards from Atlanta, who managed Hot Sauce, Professor, and handled biz for the AND1 Tour for a good minute, hit me up about a kid he’s been working with named Ryan Harrow. The 5′11″ NC State commit got wiggles and then some, would be a good pick up for the upcoming Elite 24 on August 22nd at Rucker, don’t you think?
Harrison Barnes and Tristan Thompson headline the group that will take place in the fourth-annual Boost Mobile Elite 24 at Rucker Park.
Barnes, the consensus #1 in the class of 2010, hales from Ames, Iowa, and is considering Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, Oklahoma and Kentucky.
Thompson, a former St. Benedict’s star who now plays for Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nev., has committed to Texas.
Tobias Harris, who attended Long Island Lutheran last year but is transferring to Half Hollow Hills West for his senior season, will be the local favorite.
