Las Vegas tournaments heat up on Day 2

Puerto Rican small forward one of nations finest

With assistant coaches from Florida, Indiana and Texas front and center for his morning game, 6-foot-10, 2005 prospect Ricky Sanchez recorded 13 points, 7 rebounds and four blocks. Perhaps the top prospect in his class from a potential standpoint, Sanchez is a long, lean player who plays like a smaller guard. Preferring to hover around the perimeter, he showed nice form and deep range on his jumper. Sanchez has pro moves when he puts the ball on the floor but needs to get stronger in order to become a better finisher.

With his stock likely to climb during the summer, Sanchez had a less than enthusiastic performance in the nightcap. However, with almost unlimited potential, he will have his choice of colleges to choose from and named a few of his early favorites.

“Texas, Florida, Kansas, UCLA and Indiana are some of the schools I like right now,” Sanchez said. “I’m interested in other schools as well but those are the ones I like the most.”

Next season Sanchez is expected to attend high school in Texas.

Alaskan point guard rolling 7’s in Vegas

Alaska/ NM Pump ‘N Run point guard Mario Chalmers had one of the best performances of the tournament Saturday with a 40 point effort in a win over EBO/ EA Sports. Chalmers, 6-foot-1, 165-pounds, was impressive from all over the court offensively, knocking down his long range jumper or seemingly penetrating at will. Blessed with great quickness and a solid handle, Chalmers ran the point as well as any guard in the tournament.

On the defensive end he proved a good on ball defender who can defend the length of the floor. He used his long reach and nice instincts to harass the opposing guards into mistakes.

As might be expected there are a long list of schools lined up for his services but six have jumped to the front of the pack.

“I like Marquette, North Carolina, Arizona, UCLA, Kansas and Wake Forest,” Chalmers said. “All have offered but Carolina.

“I’m looking for a school where I can make a sudden impact.”

Look for Chalmers, who is currently ranked 25th in the nation by Rivals.com, to rise in the next rankings.

Good things come in 3’s. Players who impressed Saturday

Team Texas small forward Calvin Miles enjoyed another solid performance despite sitting out much of the 2nd half in his teams rout of Moapa Valley. Miles, 6-foot-6, did an excellent job of playing under control and proved with his length and handle he creates mismatches from midrange or in the paint.

Shooting guard Bryan Harvey of the SoCal All-stars showed nice athleticism and the ability to knock down the long bomb from downtown. Harvey, 6-foot-5, 190-pounds, connected on four three pointers in his afternoon contest and was also able to drive to the basket and finish.

Not many doubt his athletic ability and Houston Hoops small forward Fendi Onobun has plenty of that to go around. Onobun, 6-foot-6, 225-pounds, spend Saturday attacking the basket and physically shoving defenders around on the block. He runs like a deer and is currently working on his mid-range game. If that part of his game develops he will be more than a handful to guard.

Quick, fast and in a hurry

Rick Pitino and Mike Krzyzewski were in attendance for the Belmont Shore game featuring 2005 power forward Jamal Boykin

Texas assistant Russell Springmann was a busy man Saturday watching Houston Select guard Henry Dugat, Puerto Rican small forward Ricky Sanchez and Team Texas small forward Calvin Miles.

2004 small forward Lamar Roberson from EBO/ EA Sports is likely headed to prep school. Last year Roberson gained national recognition after playing well at the Tournament of Champions but soon came up missing in action after moving from Louisiana to California.

The early list for 2007 big man Kevin Love consists of Arizona, Duke, Oregon and UCLA. Although the hot rumors surround Love consisted of him making the leap straight to the NBA.

2006 shooting guard Christian Polk currently favors UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State and Florida State.