On the Bounce with Coach Meyer, TOC vol. 1

2005 PLAYER EVALUATIONS

Brandon Costner (Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, N.J.)- Costner, 6-foot-9, 220-pounds, has small forward offensive skills. He can shoot the three, put the ball on the floor, and pass it. He also has effective moves in the mid and low post. The long lefty is not the most explosive or strongest athlete, but that aspect of his game should improve as he physically matures. Presently, he is listing NC State, Connecticut, North Carolina, Kansas, Indiana, and Michigan although he said he is still “wide open.” All have offered but North Carolina.

Josh McRoberts (Carmel High School, Indianapolis, Ind.)- The 6-foot-9, 215-pound Duke commitment played very strong on the interior during the weekend. Not blessed with great explosiveness, the heady player knows how to use his body, pivots, and fakes to create space. He can then get the ball in the basket with either hand. In the high post he is both a danger with the pass and the shot. If he can improve his range and become more consistent behind the arc, all he will need is his shot fake to get by defenders.

Gary Flowers (Lincoln High School, Dallas, Texas)- Very long and athletic, Flowers, 6-foot-8, 200-pounds, can guard both the small forward and power forward. Offensively, however, he is only effective around the basket. If he can improve his perimeter shooting and handling of the basketball, his game will jump to another level.

Ricky Torres (St. Raymond's High School, Bronx, N.Y.)- Torres, 6-foot-4, 200-pounds, is a big physical shooting guard who can score the ball. He has a smooth stroke and can finish around the basket. His athleticism and quickness has improved since RivalsHoops.com saw him this winter. He presently has offers from St. John’s, Seton Hall, and Pittsburgh.

Quinton Thornton (Edgewater High School, Orlando, Fla.)- Thornton has an electric body with good speed and jumping ability but not as good lateral quickness. The 6-foot-8, 220-pound power forward struggles at times to catch the ball and finish his moves inside, and his understanding of the game needs to improve as well. He has, however, improved his offensive skills since RivalsHoops.com saw him play this winter. Not known as an outside shooter, he knocked down several jumpers, including a three pointer when we saw him this weekend. Right now he is listing Tennessee as his leader and claims an offer from the Volunteers.

Alonzo Gee (Dwyer High School, Palm Geach Gardens, Fla.)- The 6-foot-6, 205-pound small forward is a good athlete with strength. What makes Gee special is his mid-range scoring ability off the dribble. He can also knock it down from behind the arc. Charlotte, Marshall, and West Virginia have already offered, with Charlotte being his favorite.

2006 PLAYER EVALUATIONS

Darryl Augustine (Brother Martin High School, New Orleans, La.)- Augustine has the makings of a big, big time point guard. At 5-foot-10, 150-pounds, he is surprisingly strong with the ball and has a superb handle that gets him into the lane. Once in the lane, he has an incredible knack at finding the open man. He can also create his own shot at will and is an above average three point shooter off the pass. Most importantly, he is a winner who knows how to lead a team and distribute the ball.

Kurtis Huelsman (St. Henry (Ohio) High School- Huelsman has a great basketball body with room to put on weight on his 6-foot-9, 215-pound weight. He runs the floor well and has very good hands. With sound footwork and body control, he is able to finish difficult moves around the basket. Look for this developing big man to be a big time recruit.

Tom Herzog (Flint Powers High School, Flint, Mich.)- The 6-foot-11, 210-pound center conjurers up visions of Chris Kaman. He has sound footwork and good touch around the basket and on his free throws. Already an exceptional shot blocker, Herzog just needs to put on mass and gain strength. He likes Michigan and Michigan State, and they like him as well.

2007 PLAYER EVALUATIONS

O.J. Mayo (North College Hill High School, Cincinnati, Ohio)- Mayo continuously creates scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound combo guard is a very good passer in transition and can score off the pass and the dribble. He was third in scoring in the 17-under division, averaging 27.3 points per game over six games. Blessed with a unique understanding of the game, Mayo makes a strong argument for being the best in his class.

William Walker (North College Hill High School, Cincinnati, Ohio)- The 6-foot-5, 205-pound small forward is a tremendous athlete with the ability to finish in transition and with back to the basket moves. He also shot the ball well from behind the arc. Walker, along with his teammate O.J. Mayo, is one of the best in his class.

2009 PLAYER EVALUATION

Lance Stevenson (I.S. 96 Junior High, Brooklyn, N.Y.)- He looks like he belongs on the court with players four classes ahead of him. At 6-foot-2, 165-pounds, this combo guard can handle the ball and find the open man. An acrobatic lay-up and a sound behind the back pass had the crowd making noise during a 17-under playoff game.