On July 8, 142 of the top high school basketball talent from across the country gathered at Philadelphia University for the 2014 Reebok Classic Breakout showcase.
The three-day camp gave players a chance to showcase their talents for over 100 top Division 1 programs as they competed in high school-length games over the course of three days. Coaches who were on hand included former Sixer and head coach of the national champion UConn Huskies Kevin Ollie, former Sixer coach and current coach of SMU Larry Brown, as well as local names such as Jay Wright of Villanova and Phil Martelli of St Joseph’s University.
Aside from local NCAA coaches, the 2014 Reebok Classic Breakout also featured local talent as 25 high school players from Philadelphia and New Jersey took the court in hopes of racking in offers from top programs.
One local highlight reel of the Reebok Classic Breakout was Philadelphia’s Archbishop John Carroll’s Derrick Jones, who gained a ton of attention from coaches and spectators with his dominating play. Coaches such as Ollie, Kentucky’s John Calipari, and Syracuse’s Gerry McNamra all kept their eyes glued to Jones. The five star forward who is currently ranked at number 27 on ESPN’s top 100 recorded a camp high 31 points on day 2 of play and electrified in the camp’s all-star game.
Jones has landed eighteen college offers so far, including Kansas, Kentucky, Syracuse, and others.
Another standout was guard Ahmad “JR” Gilbert of Philadelphia’s Constitution High School. Gilbert proved to be a solid contributor on day one of action, making his presence felt on both ends of the court. His play also led his team back from an early 15-0 deficit. He added to his presence scoring a game-high 21 points in morning play of day two. Gilbert currently has offers from Drexel, Quinnipiac, Rhode Island, Hofstra, and South Florida.
Alongside Gilbert was guard Jake Silpe from Cherry Hill East High School in New Jersey. Gilbert’s ability to manage not only the court, but also the entire pace of a game became evident through his tough play, even earning him an offer from Drexel University on the last day of camp to go along with his existing offers from Quinnipiac, Columbia, Dartmouth, Rider, Boston University, Loyola, Penn, Bucknell, Colgate, Yale, and Princeton.
Philadelphia’s Math, Civics, and Science Charter school also had a strong presence with guard Samir Doughty and forward Mike Watkins who both proved to be impressive. Watkins was one of two Philadelphia natives who earned a slot in the all-star game.
One guard who was especially impressive in his own right was Bryce Aiken of New Jersey’s Patrick School. Playing behind widely-regarded guard Justin Jenifer, Aiken put on his own show managing the floor and dishing out Tony Parker-like passes.
Imhotep’s Sean Lloyd also proved to be impressive. The 6’3 guard showed a very classic style of play, moving up and down the court in an impressive manner and sinking key shots on a consistent basis.
Aside from coaches and scouts, the 2014 Reebok Classic Breakout was also graced by the presence of NBA Champion Shaquille O’Neal, legends Dominique Wilkins and Shawn Kemp, current Phoenix Suns Isaiah Thomas and Gerald Green, rapper Jadakiss, and other big names in sports and entertainment.
Camp concluded with the Reebok Classic Breakout All-Star game on July 11.
[Photo: Reebok Classic Breakout]Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
