First

I've seen a lot of AAU ball over the last 10 years. I try to ask a lot of questions of good teams when I see them. Based on those conversations, I think more of those teams practice more often than you think. You said something that isn't generally synonymous with AAU ball - basketball IQ. The majority of the players regarded as the best prospects do not exhibit a high level of basketball IQ, at least not when playing with their AAU teams. Too much selfishness; too much "me." Also, with that type of play/player, you usually don't see good defense - lots of gambling for steals and attempts to block shots. Circling back, the elite programs generally mitigate that type of play and attitude. Back to the original question- Do you think those 2 teams underachieved and, if so, why?

No, truly elite teams and PROGRAMS do practice regularly. I'm not talking about other Kentucky programs. That's what most people don't understand. Talk to parents and coaches from the DC Assaults of the world. Not only do they practice regularly during the AAU season, they do so throughout the year - even during school ball. If a particular Kentucky team is lucky enough to have the talent to compete with a team like that, they're still going to be at a huge disadvantage - period. On a local note, I heard over and over how much Manimal was practicing , at least earlier in the season. And, in my opinion, it shows. People have said they "play like a high school team in February" and "like a college team." That doesn't happen, regardless of how good the coaching is, without a significant amount of time in the gym.

Even with the additions, I dont think that Elite is an "elite" team. Just my opinion. As for Hoop Dreams 15U, I'm pretty sure that not only did they not add anyone, but they were missing Malik Dow Dow due to a broken foot (starting SF). Still, I heard that they were very disappointed in their showing. According to what I have been told, they have only practiced once since winning that Memorial Day Tournament and a total of 3 times since the AAU state tournament (2 months ago) and that all of those were practice times split with other Hoop Dreams teams (different age groups). If that's true, what else would they expect? I was told that they lost to a team that zoned them, but that they never saw a zone in Atlanta in beating some of the top teams in the country. Just about anyone that tries to man that team is not going to fare well. Every one of their perimeter players can create off the dribble and does so very well. Their 2 primary inside players are tough man to man match ups as well. However, if you zone them - like Manimal did - they dont do as well. They have streaky shooters. If they're off, then they're off. Skill and athleticism don't beat zones (see UK vs West Virginia in Coach Cal's first year). It takes strategy and ball movement and that requires practice time. In looking earlier today, the team that Hoop Dreams lost to was continuing to advance and their next game was vs the Houston Defenders. So, it appears that they lost to a good team but, if they are truly a top 10 team, that shouldn't happen. In a nutshell, they definitley underachieved.

Strange that those 2 teams would play each other in summer ball! Saw in an earlier post that Boyle was missing 2 kids likely to be in their rotation one of which was a starter. Was Mercer missing anyone? Who were the best players? I believe I'm correct in saying there were at least 3 All Area players from last season that were playing in that one. And how is guard play looking for Boyle? They are definitely going to have size plus a scorer in Tyler, but still think that's going to be the key for them this season. I know you can't read too much into summer results, but what you thought about how that looks to be coming along.

I haven't read a single thing about Tyler in any of the coverage, Generally speaking, most of the players that get the hype at these type of events are exceptionally athletic and/or big, or at least (big) for their position.They "look" the part. Most probably had big time dunks, at least in warm ups lol. If they differed from what I just described, yet still received attention, they likely came in already well known (such as Bach). Lastly, there were a couple of players that received some attention that did surprise me, but mostly because their team did so well. That's the way Tyler would've received more coverage - if the Magic 16's had performed better. I'm somewhat familiar with Tyler and he is a nice player. I wouldn't be too distraught. Here's an analogy I will use. If Archie Goodwin (UK) and Seth Curry (Duke) had played in this tournament early in high achool, the "media" would've been all about Goodwin. And Curry would've been lucky to have received a mention - unless his team fared really well. I'll take Curry everyday, and so would Coach K. Another interesting note. I see Tyler as a 2 in college, a position he already plays. If you read the coverage about some of these players, you'll see kids whose natural position is PF but who are referred to as as guards. Why? Because they may be 6'3" which is a guard height at the college level! That transition - going from the skill set of a PF to the skill set of a guard - is highly unlikely at this stage.

Good list! Not familiar with Wright. Sounds like three guards and three interior players? I was able to take in some of the 15U and 16U games there this weekend. Tried to watch some of the teams said to be the better teams, and saw several (other) nice players that I feel have college potential assuming they continue to develop. Some of those don't appear to as "matured" as those mentioned above so they are not there just yet.

See any up and coming sophs (or fresh) at state that haven't been on the radar but that you feel will make a name for themselves?

Do you know if he has any offers? You seem to be in the loop with knowing a lot about multiple kids. You work for a recruiting service or cover basketball for a publication? Just curious.

Two games with healthy margins of victory. Are they looking like the favorite to win it?

Two games with healthy margins of victory. Are they looking like the favorite to win it?

Thanks. Not familiar with these kids. Hope to see them play.

Where is this team from? Roster?

I didn't mean that as a slight at all. But, I do disagree with you. Magic does have the better talent TODAY but not necessarily the best prospects. Manimal looks (physically) like a freshman team, and most of their players haven't developed as quickly. So, IMO, their players will improve much more over the next 3 years than those on the Magic (though the Magic have 2 that fit this category as well). And, as a college coach, you love coachable, heady kids - that's something not easily teachable. Again, this as meant as a compliment, not an insult. Based on that game, I'm impressed with you guys. It was certainly different than watching most of the other teams on Friday night.

I have to say that I enjoyed watching Manimal play because they were well coached and played as a TEAM. Having said that, don't get too cocky just yet. That was only the first game of pool play....

Hats off to Manimal! I'm sure that losing those 2 players hurt the Magic, but, after seeing the Magic play, they probably werent the best fit for that team's style anyway. IMO the Magic had better talent. However, Manimal played very unselfishly and intelligently - things that aren't that common for AAU teams. They appeared very disciplined. That is a credit to their coaches - as well as to the kids for being unselfish and putting winning first. Job well done.

Don't know about that much talent to spread across 24 teams, but I am anxious to see. Keep in mind that 9th grade is the first year that D1 is the only option at state - Teams can no longer avoid the better competition by playing D2. I can say I'm familiar with several of the "household name" programs and, yes, there is a lot of talent in the 15U age group. The programs I'm referring to go 5-7 deep with kids that have a realistic shot of having their college educations paid for (at varying levels -NAIA, D2, or D1).

Besides the two that left Manimal who else they have?

Oh, ok. So who is the third of the top 3 picks you are referring to? Manimal?

Sorry, that was meant to be a reply to the comment about someone in Pool A losing on purpose.

Looks like 3rd seed from that pool, if they win their first tournament game, would get Hoop Dreams in the second round. I would think that would be the team that other teams would least like to face (in the 15U group). Maybe not but I would think so. I'm definitely going to be there watching this tournament !

Like PP, not sure why there's hesitancy if the names are known. I've now been told it was Stearns and the "kid that's a shooter." I'm assuming that's the Hill kid from Corbin maybe? That they've revived KY Elite. May be wrong but I'm sticking to my prediction of Magic winning this game. Might not be the double digits I originally predicted...

I'm going on rosters from a few weeks ago. That they lost their 2 best players and leading scorer is news to me. Who did they lose?

Magic on the plus side of that one. With all of the back and forth on there between fans of those 2 teams, I don't think it's a coincidence that they landed in the same pool.

I don't see it that way. Will be surprised if the final margin isn't greater than 10 points.