NY2LA Sunday: Louisville bound Ramey asserts himself
Mequon, Wisc. -- After fighting all the way to the finals, St. Louis based Ramey Jets United and Bradley Beal Elite never played a championship game at the NY2LA Sports Swish 'N Dish. That minor disappointment wasn't too big a deal after a great weekend of basketball that saw top 30 Louisville commit Courtney Ramey save his best for last.
Recruitment: Committed to Louisville.
His day: Ramey actually got started a little late needing some extra stretching before an early morning quarterfinal game. After checking in he dominated on both ends of the floor. He made great decisions, was on target with his jumper and showed terrific all around skills and lockdown defensive ability. He's also becoming more vocal and is particularly good in the pick and roll.
Recruitment: Offers from Northwestern, DePaul, Iowa State, Missouri, Arizona State and more. Took a recent visit to Notre Dame and is planning to see Xavier in a few weeks.
His day: There's so much to like about this hard nosed and skilled wing who can shoot from deep. He showed natural leadership, attacked the basket and played at a very high level all day long. Horton-Tucker is in position for a move up in the 2018 rankings.
Quotable: "It's a good push for them, being the first time that Northwestern has ever been to the NCAA Tournament. It gives them a good thing to build on and put on their résumé."
Prediction: Things are definitely going to pick up for Horton-Tucker, but this is a great test to see if Northwestern's NCAA trip can pay off in recruiting. At a minimum, the Wildcats are in good shape early.
Recruitment: Offers from Butler, Missouri, Kansas State, West Virginia, UNLV, Creighton, Marquette and several others.
His day: Watson has always been a fine athlete but he showed much improved shooting ability. He's also gotten stronger and was finishing through contact. Turnovers have been an issue for Watson in the past but he took good care of the ball.
Quotable: "I'm starting to build a pretty good relationship. I think I talked to (Cuonzo Martin) four out of seven days last week. I'm starting to build a great relationship with him and then I got an offer from Missouri on Thursday."
Prediction: Watson could be a great litmus test for Cuonzo Martin at Missouri, he's the type of kid who the Tigers have missed on over the last 10 years. Butler, Creighton and Kansas State are also in good shape but watch out for Martin and the Tigers.
Recruitment: Offers from Kansas State and Saint Louis.
His day: Reece isn't putting up huge numbers yet and may be a guy who needs some time to really develop. However, at 6-foot-8 he has legitimate full time wing potential, a frame to build on, good athleticism and he was making jump shots on Sunday.
Prediction: Too early to predict a school on Reece -- though SLU figures to be tough -- but he could be a candidate for a breakout spring.
Recruitment: Recently received released from Southern Illinois.
His day: Formerly in the class of 2017, Jacobs has reclassified and will head to Arizona for his prep year (where he'll play with his 2019 Kansas commit brother Markese Jacobs). On Sunday, he was using his athleticism, toughness an nose for the ball to make plays all over the floor. He's a high energy guy all the way.
Quotable: "I just got my release from Southern Illinois and am going to Hillcrest next year. I think schools want to see me this spring."
Prediction: Jacobs got a release from SIU in hopes of finding a home at a higher level. We'll have to see who offers scholarships before any type of prediction on his future can be made.
Recruitment: Offers from Auburn, DePaul, Kansas State, Missouri, Saint Louis, Southern Mississippi and Tulsa.
His day: The tough point guard led the Bradley Beal Elite 16's to a title with his scoring and playmaking. He doesn't take any shortcuts on the floor and is happy playing on or off the ball as long as he's winning. He is one of the top point guards in the Midwest for 2019.
Quotable: "As a freshman I was kind of mad because I felt like I was working and the offers still didn't come. When I got to my sophomore year I feel like I had to prove myself."
Prediction: McKinney said that Missouri is coming at him hard and his cousin Jimmy McKinney played there. He's also seen Kansas State and SLU. We expect new Illinois coach Brad Underwood to get in the mix as well and for McKinney to be a big regional battle.
Recruitment: No offers yet but interest from Wisconsin, Marquette, Wisconsin Green Bay, Wisconsin Milwaukee, DePaul and several others.
His day: A strong and tough wing, Long really surprised with his ball handling ability and outstanding passing. He's a little moody at times, but the game appears to come easy to him. With some fine tuning, he has the tools to become a player that competes for national rankings.
Prediction: With no scholarship offers it is too early to predict a final destination. However, we would be surprised to see Long make it through the spring and summer without landing some high major offers.