Eye-catchers: Flying to the Hoop
Rivals.com analyst Eric Bossi spent last weekend at the Flying to the Hoop tournament in Kittering, Ohio. Here's a look at Bossi's "Eye-Catchers" from the tournament. Prospects are listed alphabetically.
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Eye-catchers: Flying to the Hoop
Anthony Davis, PF, Perspectives
Bossi's take: A five-star prospect who is already ranked sixth in the class of 2011, it's quite possible that the 6-foot-9 Kentucky signee is a bit under-valued. His lack of strength or bulk remains a concern for the next level, but you have to give it up to the kid because he plays with zero fear. Davis handles the ball and gets to the basket with explosiveness, very impressive for his size, and he's developed a good-looking jumper to go along with his low-post scoring tools. Additionally, Davis is both an elite-level shot blocker and rebounder.
Gary Harris, SG, Hamilton Southeastern
Bossi's take: To be fair, Harris struggled in his second game of the event when senior Wisconsin signee Traevon Jackson outplayed him. However, the 6-foot-4 junior was scintillating in his first game of the event. A solidly built off-guard, Harris got to the rim via the dribble-drive, slashed in transition and knocked down open jumpers when defenders left him. He's legitimately a year young for his class so he's loaded with upside. He is the center of a major recruiting battle among Michigan State, Indiana, Illinois, Notre Dame, Michigan and Louisville, among others.
Jabari Parker, SF, Simeon
Bossi's take: When you watch the 6-foot-7 Parker, it's almost impossible to believe that he's only a sophomore. His skill, feel for the game and effort are of the charts. But it is the maturity with which he plays that is borderline astonishing. Watch him operate on the floor and he's got the glide, confidence and approach of a multi-year pro. He's never too high, never too low, just effective and productive. Formerly most effective in the low or high post, Parker has extended his game to the three-point line and improved his athleticism. Duke, Michigan State, Washington, Northwestern, DePaul, Kansas, Illinois and many others have made him a priority early.
Tony Parker, C, Miller Grove
Bossi's take: The 6-foot-8 junior pivot is a guy who has been highly touted since middle school. During his time at the Flying to the Hoop, he looked as good as we have ever seen. Parker has his body in very good shape, runs the floor and accepts that his game is around the rim. He uses vice-like hands to secure rebounds, plays with physicality and has developed soft touch on spin moves to either shoulder. He's got a wide-open recruitment with Duke, Memphis, Tennessee, Georgia, Georgia Tech, North Carolina and several others involved.
Xavier Rathan-Mayes, SG, Christian Faith
Bossi's take: Because he's only a freshman, so much can still change with Rathan-Mayes. However, early indicators are that the 6-foot-2 freshman shooting guard has a chance to play at a high level down the road. He's a natural athlete who can catch and shoot off curl cuts, or he can create his own space for jumpers or attack the lane off the dribble.
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