The Ultimate Tournament of Champions Guide

For the past 25 years, the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions has thrilled a basketball-hungry area with future basketball stars at the college and the professional level.

When someone says Tournament of Champions, what do you think? I harken back to Alonzo Mourning, Todd Day, Anthony Peeler and even as recent as guys like Erving Walker, DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall.

So, I’ve taken the time to put together the most comprehensive and interactive guide for this year’s T of C. This way, not only can you marvel at their skill, but be up on their background and be able to sound smarter when talking to total strangers in the concession line.

If you missed our post on the schedule, with a bracket, click here.

CHAMINADE COLLEGE PREP
School’s athletic Web site
Current record: 9-1 (game tonight with SLUH)
Last year’s Class 5 state champion, 27-4

The Stud
Brad Beal, a 6-3 junior guard
Rivals rank: No. 7 overall, No. 1 shooting guard
College commitment: Florida
Other schools that offered: Duke, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio State and Saint Louis.

All you need to know about Beal is that he’s the most dynamic shooting guard in the junior class. At 6-3, he has the ability to take over a game with his diverse offensive game and looks like he could be a defensive star at the next level. Watching him take over at the Class 5 final four last year was very impressive, especially considering he was a sophomore. So far this season, he’s averaging 29.2 points per game.

Here is what Rivals.com’s Jerry Meyer writes about Beal:

The top shooting guard prospect in his class, Beal is a high level scorer who scores in a variety of ways. He shoots the ball accurately from deep and can get to the basket while also having an extremely dangerous pull up game in the midrange. A good ball handler as well, Beal is also capable of defending at a high level.

For the story on Beal’s college commitment, here is a story by St. Louis prep expert and Tag Magazine friend Nate Latsch.

For a YouTube highlight package, here is some of Beal’s handiwork:

The rest of the team

Beal’s classmates, fellow juniors Luke Bumgarner and Brendan Kelly are other key contributors. Kelly, a 6-4 junior, is averaging 11.1 points per game and Bumgarner, a 6-2 guard, is averaging 9.9 points per game.

MILTON HIGH SCHOOL (ALPHARETTA, GA.)
School’s athletic Web site
Current record: 10-1
Last year’s state-runner up, 24-8
Current USA Today national ranking: No. 8

The Eagles are coming off a fifth-place finish in the City of the Palms Tournament in Ft. Myers, Fla, one of the more prestigious high school basketball tournaments in the country. Milton also has a win over McEachern, a TofC team from last year with future Tennessee guard Trae Golden. With three juniors within Rivals.com’s top 30, this team is loaded.

The studs

Shannon Scott, a 6-2 junior point guard
Rivals rank: No. 12 overall, No. 3 point guard
College commitment: Ohio State
Schools that offered: Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Minnesota, Northwestern, Oregon State, UCLA, Xavier.

ESPN’s Scouts Inc. writes about Scott:

With his outstanding skill set Scott has tremendous basketball ability, but as a point guard he is ahead of the curve for most players his age in that he has already figured out what his main job is a leader on the floor: win! The smart player maker is extremely ball quick and is an excellent push guy that sets the tempo and puts incredible pressure on the defense by getting the ball up the floor into scoring areas. He knows how to utilize a ball screen and money pulling up off the dribble from the free throw area. He is a solid defender that that covers a lot of ground and does a nice job on the ball. He is great at getting into the paint and finding an open teammate, but sometimes he plays too fast resulting in a few unforced turnovers; he needs to avoid leaving his feet without knowing to who he is passing. Scott combines with Dai-Jon Parker to form one of the top backcourts in the 2011 class.

Here is a YouTube clip of Scott:

Dai-Jon Parker, a 6-3 junior shooting guard
Rivals rank: No. 17 overall, No. 4 shooting guard
College commitment: Undecided
Schools that have offered scholarships: Georgia and Northwestern.
Schools that Rivals list as interested: Clemson, Georgia Tech, Clemson

ESPN’s Scouts Inc. writes about Parker:

Parker is built like a high-level guard and he is a scoring machine. He’s an explosive dynamic athlete that scores in bunches and can take over a game. He has a good looking stroke out to the three point line; showed the ability to shot fake and dribble into his shot; or he can get it to the basket where he is able to absorb contact and finish. He is effective in either an up-tempo or half-court game, but he shines in transition where he does a good job of filling a lane or spotting up. He is a solid secondary handler that can assist in breaking the press and is a good decision maker off the dribble. With his combination of strength, length and athleticism he has the potential to be a lock-down defender. He has developed into one of the top shooting guards in the 2011 class and will be highly sought after in the recruiting process.

Here is a YouTube clip of Parker:

Julian Royal, a 6-7 junior forward
Rivals rank: No. 30 overall, No. 5 power foward
College commitment: Undecided
Schools that have offered: Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State and Northwestern
Schools that Rivals list as interested: Duke and North Carolina

ESPN’s Scouts Inc. writes about Royal:

Royal is very long and athletic. He is a highly skilled power forward at this stage who is an excellent passer for his size. He possesses good vision and is adept at hitting teammates who cut hard to the basket. His passes lead to baskets. He can shoot the ball with range all the way out to the three point line, but he is at his best when attacking the rim. With his back to the basket, he posts hard and tries to maintain his position and prefers to turn to the middle from the left or right block. He must continue to add strength to his frame to make him even better on the low blocks, but has the skills to be a high level player in his class. He is a solid defender right now who has the potential and the tools to be great on that end. He just has to bring the desire to be great on defense on every single possession.

Here is a YouTube clip of Royal:

Even 6-7 sophomore forward Evan Nolte is getting some national recruiting exposure as T of C director Mark Fisher says Duke, Florida State and Georgia Tech are in early on Nolte.

ESPN’s Scouts Inc. says about Nolte:

Nolte, who scored 25 points in a high level match-up versus Miller Grove (Elite 8 Thanksgiving Hardwood Classic), is a skilled “Mike Dunleavy-type” combo-forward that has tremendous upside; as a 2012 grad it is easy to project him as a 6-9 or 6-10 player. He has very good court awareness as he always seems to be in the right place at the right time to make a play. He handles it and passes it well for a player of his size and age. He has a nice three point stoke with deep range that allows him to stretch the defense which helps create driving lanes for his teammates. Despite his thinner frame he battles for rebounds and is not afraid to mix it up in the low post while being at a strength or weight disadvantage. He understands defensive positioning and is able to perimeter defend on and off the ball. The developing sophomore is rising fast through the ranks of the 2012 class.

Needless to say, Milton is loaded. Milton will play Chaminade in the first round at 6:30 p.m. January 14.

THE SAGEMONT SCHOOL (WESTON, FLA.)
School’s athletic Web site
MaxPreps page
Current record: 10-3
Last year: Regional semifinalist, 18-11

With two future Division I players in this year’s senior class, Sagemont lost to No. 9 St. Benedict in the City of the Palms Tournament. A charter school in Florida, Sagemont boasts three players worthy of national recognition, including one of the best names in T of C history.

The studs

Fab Melo, a 7-foot senior center
Rivals rank: No. 16 overall, No. 2 center
College commitment: Syracuse
Other schools that offered: Connecticut, Florida, Florida State, Kansas, Louisville, Miami (Fla.) and Texas

Fabricio de Melo, as his birth certificate says, is a dominant big man. A Brazil native who came to the United States before his junior year, ESPN Rise’s Ryan Canner-O’Mealy wrote this story about Melo yesterday (Jan. 4). It’s a great read and gives some insight into his movie star name and humble basketball beginnings.

ESPN’s Scouts Inc. writes about Melo:

Melo may be the best center prospect in the country. He has a tremendous frame with solid length and very good hands. He holds position very well and is relatively patient before making his move. He has a strong drop-step (solid foot work) and he turns over his left shoulder very well for the soft jump hook-he even tossed in a Kareem Abdul Jabbar-like hook as well. In addition, he has a solid turn-around jump shot from the block, but he does have a tendency to fade away.

Here is YouTube footage of Melo:

Will Sheehey, 6-6 senior guard
Rivals rank: No. 131 overall, No. 35 shooting guard
College commitment: Indiana
Other schools that offered: George Washington and Stanford
Schools that Rivals listed as interested: Georgia Tech and Michigan

Rivals.com’s Jerry Meyer writes this about Sheehey:

Still physically developing, Sheehey has an athletic burst to go along with a solid skill game. Primarily a slasher who enjoys attacking the rim, Sheehey also is a threat from the midrange. His long range shooting has room for improvement, but he is a good rebounder and a multi-positional defender.

Rod Days, 6-6 junior small forward
Rivals rank: No. 115 overall, No. 25 small forward
College commitment: Undecided
Schools that have offered: Delaware, Florida State, Louisville, Miami (Fla.), Northwestern and South Carolina
Schools that Rivals lists as interested: Auburn, Connecticut, Stanford and Virginia Tech

ESPN’s Scouts Inc. wrote this about Days in October:

Rod had a lot of hype coming into the weekend. He is someone who could become an elite player at the high major level, however he seemed to float throughout the weekend. He is very long and athletic. He is terrific in transition while being able to finish at the rim with either hand. He can make perimeter jump shots from 22′, but excels in an up and down game. Rod lacked the ability to rebound from his position. He has very good feet with good lateral quickness which allows him to guard smaller, quick players. His overall game screams high major, but he lacked the killer instinct and consistent play to play at that level right now.

WHITE STATION HIGH SCHOOL (MEMPHIS, TENN.)

School’s athletic Web site
Current record: 8-2
Last year: State champion, 31-7
Current USA Today national ranking: No. 23

The Spartans are a T of C staple, a four-time champion throughout the years. And this year’s team is just as loaded as those past teams. Ranked No. 23 in the USA Today national rankings, they are equipped with a bonafide superstar that wowed T of C crowds last season and another guy who will play at the D-I level.

The studs

Joe Jackson, 5-11 senior guard
Rivals rank: No. 12 overall, No. 5 point guard
College commitment: Memphis
Other schools that offered: Kansas and Tennessee

Rival.com’s Jerry Meyer wrote the following about Jackson:

One of the top perimeter athletes in the 2010 class, Jackson is a dynamic scorer. With an explosive burst he can get to the basket and finish in traffic while also possessing a reliable stroke from deep. When not in the scoring mode, he can create scoring opportunities for his teammates with his penetration. Highly competitive, Jackson is also a disruptive defender.

Here is some great YouTube footage of Jackson:

Andre Hollins, 6-2 senior guard
Rivals rank: No. 72 overall, No. 17 shooting guard
College commitment: Undecided
Schools that Rivals lists as interested (no offers): Arkansas, Harvard, Memphis, Mississippi, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech

ESPN’s Scouts Inc. wrote the following about Jackson:

(Hollins) brings a whole new meaning to attacking the basket. Anytime he sees a crease or lane to the basket he is attacking the defense. When he get into the lane the young SG knows how to finish plays. He consistently draws contact getting him to the free throw line. He has the explosiveness to bounce up to finish over you at the rim. When he is given any space at all on the perimeter he knocks down 3%u2019s with a pure stroke. No question this guy could be a 40% 3-point shooter at the next level. With a 30 ACT score and a smile on his face at all times Andre is the type of kid you would love to coach. He will make someone a very happy person for the 4 years he plays.

White Station plays Sagemont in the 8 p.m. game Thursday, Jan. 16.

UNITED FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (CHARLOTTE, N.C.)

Team’s MaxPreps Page
Current record: 8-1
Last year: State champion, 32-5

Coming off a victory at the GlaxoSmithKline Holiday Invitational, UFCA beat out some fantastic players, including Word of God and C.J. Leslie. Armed with four players who will likely play in college, including two seniors, look for UFCA to be that deep team with good, but not great players.

The studs

Ian Miller, 6-0 senior guard
Rivals rank: No. 70 overall, No. 17 point guard
College commitment: Florida State
Other schools that offered: Clemson, Florida, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Miami (Fla.), UNC-Greensboro, Oklahoma, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

According to this story, Miller had a huge GSK Inivitational. ESPN’s Scouts Inc. wrote this about Miller:

Put simply, he is one of the best combo-guards in the country at playing on both sides of the ball; he reminds me a lot of Avery Bradley, another player that rose quickly through the recruiting ranks. The kid is a winner that sets the tone for his team by bringing a high level of intensity each time he takes the floor. He defends as if his life depends on it and is able to control the ball-handler and dictate tempo. He was impossible to stop as he scored off the dribble and drilled 3′s (4 of 7). He made an unbelievable put back dunk in traffic that looked like he was playing trampoline-ball. If Miller continues to play at this level he will not only shoot up the ESPNU Top 100 list, he will deserve serious consideration for the McDonald’s Game.

Other players that don’t carry the same national pedigree as some of the others we’ve mentioned, but have a chance to play at the next level are:

• Kadeem Green, a 6-8 forward that chose Missouri over Canisius, Charleston, Colorado, George Mason, George Washington, Hawaii, Iowa State, Marshall, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New Mexico State, Rhode Island, Southern Illinois, St. Joseph’s, Temple, VCU, Wake Forest and Xavier. (That’s a wanted guy, right?)
• Paris Roberts-Campbell, a 6-2 junior guard.
• Peter Jurkin, a 7-foot sophomore center with offers from Clemson and South Carolina.
• Hanner Perea, a 6-8 sophomore forward with offers from Indiana and Baylor.

UFCA plays Kickapoo in the 9:30 p.m. game Thursday, Jan. 14

CHRIST THE KING (MIDDLE VILLAGE, N.Y.)

Team’s Web site
Current record: 5-1
Last year: 25-4
5-time Tournament of Champions winners

Whether it was Lamar Odom back in the 1990s or Erving Walker just a few years ago, Christ the King has held a special place in the hearts of T of C fans. This year’s team is fresh off a win in the STOP DWI Tournament in Binghamton, N.Y.

This team is experienced, but doesn’t seem to have that star that CTK is known for. On the other hand, the Royals have four players that are being recruited by D-I schools.

• Roland Brown, a 6-8 senior center
• Maurice Barrow, a 6-4 senior forward
• Corey Edwards, a 5-10 junior guard
• Omar Calhoun, a 6-4 sophomore guard

Being the youngest, ESPN’s Scouts Inc. talks about why teams like Pitt and Villanova have already offered him scholarships:

The muscular wing man showed poise beyond his years when he played where his team needed them to at various points during the game. Omar is a skilled three man who effectively uses a power dribble to get by his defended and score baskets in traffic was also equally effective when he found himself playing with his back to the basket. Calhoun also demonstrated a good nose for the ball by garnering a number if rebounds off the offensive and defensive glass. Only a sophomore this steady player could have a roll in the Royals pursuit of a New York CHSAA Championship.

Christ the King plays Hillcrest in the tournament’s opener, a 5 p.m. game Thursday, Jan. 14.

If you didn’t catch the bracket, click here for a copy.

As for the local teams, Kickapoo and Hillcrest, we’ll talk more about them as the tournament approaches. But, there’s no need to worry about them right now. You’ve got some studying to do. Go ahead, share this link with your family and friends and feel free to print this out.

It’s a great time of year.

Want to get in touch with Allen Vaughan? E-mail him at Allen@TagSGF.com. You can follow him on Twitter here or on Facebook here.