FRISCO, Texas - The second session of the NIKE EYBL got underway Friday night. One of the top performers over the course of the spring, Anthony Bennett, continues to impress.
Anthony Bennett (2012, CIA Bounce)- He is strong, bouncy and full of competitive energy. Playing as a cross between Paul Millsap and Draymond Green, Bennett is constantly producing winning plays. He is terrific in traffic, is an accurate finisher and is capable of playing above the rim.
Rodney Purvis (2012, CP3)- Love Purvis' physical scoring game and the way he is constantly attacking the body of his defender. The elite combo guard also had some impressive passes off his attacking drives.
James Robinson (2012, Team Takeover)- Robinson isn't an overwhelming athlete, but he combines his strength with his feel for the game to control the action. He goes both directions with ease, knows how to change pace and is always scanning the floor for a playmaking opportunity.
Beejay Anya (2013, Team Takeover)- Anya controls space with his wide body and can go get the basketball with his long arms. At a young age, he already has a grown man's game. Although not a high riser, he impressed with his quickness off the floor.
Jarnell Stokes (2012, Memphis YOMCA)- He might not be the most fluid athlete, but Stokes his a powerful athlete who constantly is making a positive impact on the game. Physically imposing, he typically has his way around the basket. Friday night he also has some terrific deep outlet passes.
Johnathan Williams III (2013, Memphis YOMCA)- Williams has impressive length and skill set for a combo forward. He sees the game and can make plays with either hand. When he begins to gain more strength, watch out.
Anthlon Bell (2012, Memphis YOMCA)- Bell made a strong impression during the first session of the Nike EYBL, and Friday night he was on target once again from deep.
Sam Craft (2013, Memphis YOMCA)- A stocky, strong point guard, Craft plays with great composure and confidence. A solid-looking prospect who exudes winning.
Brandon Ashley (2012, Oakland Soldiers)- Ashley is progressively expanding his game. Friday night he looked great attacking the basket off the dribble from the wing.
Dominic Artis (2012, Oakland Soldiers)- Similar to Craft, Artis played with composure and confidence at the point guard position. Constantly in command of his handle, he broke down the defense with regularity and found open teammates.
Anthony Barber (2013, Boo Williams)- I can't help but think of a right-handed Brandon Jennings when I watch Barber. He has the same type of slinky quickness and uses that quickness to overcome deficiencies in strength. Love his mid-range scoring game.
Archie Goodwin (2012, Arkansas Wings)- His shot needs refining, but his athletic slashing game is at the top of the charts.
Jalen Jackson (2012, Arkansas Wings)- The big producer for the Wings was Jackson, a 6-foot-6 wing. He made plays going to the basket and hit some shots from the perimeter. He was active all around on the court and is an intriguing prospect.
SCHOOL LISTS
Ohio State and Connecticut are the latest schools to offer Brandon Ashley. Planning to formulate a list by mid-summer, Ashley also mentioned offers from all the Pac-10 schools, along with Kansas, Kentucky, Texas, Wake Forest and interest from North Carolina.
Class of 2013 wing prospect Brannen Greene has offers from Alabama, Marquette, Georgia Tech, Florida State and Providence. Duke, Ohio State and Georgetown are showing serious interest. Green plans to visit N.C. State and the new coaching staff in the near future.
James Robinson listed offers from Georgetown, Notre Dame, Virginia and West Virginia. He has visited all four of those schools. The new staffs at North Carolina State and Miami have started recruiting him and interest is coming in from UCLA.
Jerami Grant named Virginia Tech, North Carolina State, Rutgers, Georgetown, Virginia and Clemson as the schools recruiting him the hardest.