Published Dec 22, 2013
Rabb makes case at Tarkanian
Eric Bossi
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Analyst
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LAS VEGAS -- Ivan Rabb, the nation's No. 3 player in the class of 2015, made a case for moving up at the Tarkanian Classic on Friday. The No. 2 player from this year's senior class, Emmanuel Mudiay, also came up big, and got enough help from underclassmen Shawn Williams and P.J. Washington for Dallas Prime Prep to get a win over powerful Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Prep.
Rabb makes case for top spot
Given that he is already ranked No. 3 in the class of 2015, it isn't big news that Ivan Rabb is in the conversation for the top spot in his class. However, it is one thing to be in the conversation and another to make a compelling case. Friday night, the 6-foot-9 power forward at Oakland Bishop O'Dowd put together a sparkling performance against Las Vegas Bishop Gorman and their duo of 2015 five-star big men Stephen Zimmerman (No. 2) and Chase Jeter (No. 21).
Playing with lots of purpose and battling through leg cramps for much of the second half, Rabb was the alpha dog of the trio of talented big men after a quarter-long feeling out process. By the time he was done going to work, he had put together a strong official stat line of 24 points and seven rebounds (Rivals.com had him with 11 rebounds) to Zimmerman and Jeter's combined 19 and 13 while O'Dowd scored a 68-54 win.
Still a bit on the thin side, Rabb is getting stronger and has wiry strength that surprises given his overall slender build. Where he really excelled on Friday night was using his quickness to get by defenders. He also showed the ability to finish with either hand. The natural lefty spins for jump hooks, uses shot fakes to get opponents in the air and then makes a strong move to the hoop for a slam. He is engaged and active at both ends of the floor.
Rabb is being pursued by the likes of Arizona (had full staff watching him), California, North Carolina, Kentucky, Kansas, USC, Georgetown and many more, but said that he will have a more official list ready in the next week or so.
Mudiay gets help from his friends
Playing Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Prep on any floor is always a scary proposition. The Pilots roll out a loaded lineup each year and their 2013-14 squad is no different as they start five-star senior shooting guards Kelly Oubre and Rashad Vaughn to go along with top 25 sophomore point guard Derryck Thornton and several other talented players. One of the few teams that is equipped to deal with them hit the floor of the Orleans Arena on Friday night as 2014's No. 2 player Emmanuel Mudiay led Dallas Prime Prep into action.
The SMU-bound Mudiay was every bit as good as advertised on Friday night as he scored 24 points and dished out three assists in a 70-67 win. What is most impressive about Mudiay is that he doesn't seem to get rattled or rushed. He patiently felt his way through the game and then when it was wining time late in the fourth quarter, the big, athletic point guard took over off the dribble and scored on one electric drive after another.
The future Mustang was far from without help either as two of Prime's youngest players stepped up huge. Sophomore combo guard Shawn Williams and freshman power forward P.J. Washington were unafraid of the big stage and played huge roles at different points in the game.
Coming off the bench after starting at different points in the season, Washington continued to show massive potential. With Prime Prep struggling early to generate any offense, the 6-foot-7 four man unleashed an early barrage of 12- to 17-foot jump shots while doing some heavy lifting on the glass. During his 23 minutes, Washington was good for 12 points and five rebounds, but it was his energy that was the biggest difference early.
A razor-thin, six-foot shooting guard, Williams is a fearless jump-shooter with deep range. He made one deep jumper after another and seemed to have an answer whenever one was needed while going for a game-high 26 points that included connecting on 6-for-8 from beyond the three-point line.
Understandably, Washington -- who said Kansas is the first school he has really heard from -- was pleased about his big performance on a big stage.
"I'm real excited," Washington told Rivals.com. "I just wanted to come out and play without making any mistakes. Then I just felt like I couldn't be stopped out there."
Eubanks a spring option
This winter, college coaches will be going over the class of 2014 with a fine toothed comb looking for undiscovered prospects. While Kobie Eubanks isn't exactly an unknown, the three-star shooting guard at Centereach (N.Y.) Our Savior is going to get a lot of strong looks.
A native of Florida, Eubanks is a well built 6-foot-4 two guard who has athleticism and the mentality of a scorer. Eubanks has a short memory when it comes to missed shots and he does a good job of mixing up deep jumpers and drives where he uses his strength and athleticism
Eubanks said after a tough win over Rockville (Md.) Montrose Christian that he has had recent contact with Pittsburgh, Minnesota and Missouri and that he has an open mind.
"I've kind of wiped the slate clean," said Eubanks. "I'm interested in a school that is going to push the development and gives some freedom to my position. I would like to know that they will try to prepare me for the next level."
It must be nice to play with a guy like Cheick DialloClick BYUClick His Redondo Union team took a tough loss to a Stanley JohnsonClick Findlay took the loss, but sophomore point guard Derryck ThorntonClick It wasn't all Rabb for Bishop O'Dowd. Junior point guard Paris AustinClick Montrose Christian lost a tough one to Our Savior, but it wasn't without a valiant effort from four-star shooting guard Allonzo TrierClick Friday notesHere to view this Link.. The junior is a native of Oklahoma and is definitely wired to score. Trier connected on several deep jumpers and showed that he has been in the weight room bulking up on some physical drives. Unfortunately for his team, his 31 points weren't quite enough.Here to view this Link. is really making a name for himself. The 5-foot-11 floor general is quick, he is fearless and he is a solid three-star prospect who is able to control the tempo and make things happen without losing control. He had 16 points and five assists in the win over Bishop Gorman and is putting himself on the radar. Austin listed offers from San Jose State, Boise StateClick Montrose Christian lost a tough one to Our Savior, but it wasn't without a valiant effort from four-star shooting guard Allonzo TrierClick Friday notesHere to view this Link.. The junior is a native of Oklahoma and is definitely wired to score. Trier connected on several deep jumpers and showed that he has been in the weight room bulking up on some physical drives. Unfortunately for his team, his 31 points weren't quite enough.Here to view this Link. and Utah State and mentioned others like Northern Arizona, Boston CollegeClick Montrose Christian lost a tough one to Our Savior, but it wasn't without a valiant effort from four-star shooting guard Allonzo TrierClick Friday notesHere to view this Link.. The junior is a native of Oklahoma and is definitely wired to score. Trier connected on several deep jumpers and showed that he has been in the weight room bulking up on some physical drives. Unfortunately for his team, his 31 points weren't quite enough.Here to view this Link., San Francisco, Weber State and UC Santa Barbara as having early interest. Here to view this Link. had some moments. The No. 22 player in the class of 2016, Thornton is a speedy floor general who is learning to mix his scoring and playmaking on a team full of talented veterans. In particular, Thornton is a dangerous pull-up jump shooter and that confidence will serve him well going down the road.Here to view this Link.-led Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei squad in the semifinals, but sophomore shooting guard Leland GreenClick Findlay took the loss, but sophomore point guard Derryck ThorntonClick It wasn't all Rabb for Bishop O'Dowd. Junior point guard Paris AustinClick Montrose Christian lost a tough one to Our Savior, but it wasn't without a valiant effort from four-star shooting guard Allonzo TrierClick Friday notesHere to view this Link.. The junior is a native of Oklahoma and is definitely wired to score. Trier connected on several deep jumpers and showed that he has been in the weight room bulking up on some physical drives. Unfortunately for his team, his 31 points weren't quite enough.Here to view this Link. is really making a name for himself. The 5-foot-11 floor general is quick, he is fearless and he is a solid three-star prospect who is able to control the tempo and make things happen without losing control. He had 16 points and five assists in the win over Bishop Gorman and is putting himself on the radar. Austin listed offers from San Jose State, Boise StateClick Montrose Christian lost a tough one to Our Savior, but it wasn't without a valiant effort from four-star shooting guard Allonzo TrierClick Friday notesHere to view this Link.. The junior is a native of Oklahoma and is definitely wired to score. Trier connected on several deep jumpers and showed that he has been in the weight room bulking up on some physical drives. Unfortunately for his team, his 31 points weren't quite enough.Here to view this Link. and Utah State and mentioned others like Northern Arizona, Boston CollegeClick Montrose Christian lost a tough one to Our Savior, but it wasn't without a valiant effort from four-star shooting guard Allonzo TrierClick Friday notesHere to view this Link.. The junior is a native of Oklahoma and is definitely wired to score. Trier connected on several deep jumpers and showed that he has been in the weight room bulking up on some physical drives. Unfortunately for his team, his 31 points weren't quite enough.Here to view this Link., San Francisco, Weber State and UC Santa Barbara as having early interest. Here to view this Link. had some moments. The No. 22 player in the class of 2016, Thornton is a speedy floor general who is learning to mix his scoring and playmaking on a team full of talented veterans. In particular, Thornton is a dangerous pull-up jump shooter and that confidence will serve him well going down the road.Here to view this Link. is one to keep watching closely. A big-time athlete with blazing speed, Green has the build of a young safety and he likes to play physically. He is a strong finisher in transition, very good defender, big-time competitor and as his jump shot comes around he will be an interesting prospect to keep tabs on up to the high major level.Here to view this Link.-bound sophomore Frank JacksonClick His Redondo Union team took a tough loss to a Stanley JohnsonClick Findlay took the loss, but sophomore point guard Derryck ThorntonClick It wasn't all Rabb for Bishop O'Dowd. Junior point guard Paris AustinClick Montrose Christian lost a tough one to Our Savior, but it wasn't without a valiant effort from four-star shooting guard Allonzo TrierClick Friday notesHere to view this Link.. The junior is a native of Oklahoma and is definitely wired to score. Trier connected on several deep jumpers and showed that he has been in the weight room bulking up on some physical drives. Unfortunately for his team, his 31 points weren't quite enough.Here to view this Link. is really making a name for himself. The 5-foot-11 floor general is quick, he is fearless and he is a solid three-star prospect who is able to control the tempo and make things happen without losing control. He had 16 points and five assists in the win over Bishop Gorman and is putting himself on the radar. Austin listed offers from San Jose State, Boise StateClick Montrose Christian lost a tough one to Our Savior, but it wasn't without a valiant effort from four-star shooting guard Allonzo TrierClick Friday notesHere to view this Link.. The junior is a native of Oklahoma and is definitely wired to score. Trier connected on several deep jumpers and showed that he has been in the weight room bulking up on some physical drives. Unfortunately for his team, his 31 points weren't quite enough.Here to view this Link. and Utah State and mentioned others like Northern Arizona, Boston CollegeClick Montrose Christian lost a tough one to Our Savior, but it wasn't without a valiant effort from four-star shooting guard Allonzo TrierClick Friday notesHere to view this Link.. The junior is a native of Oklahoma and is definitely wired to score. Trier connected on several deep jumpers and showed that he has been in the weight room bulking up on some physical drives. Unfortunately for his team, his 31 points weren't quite enough.Here to view this Link., San Francisco, Weber State and UC Santa Barbara as having early interest. Here to view this Link. had some moments. The No. 22 player in the class of 2016, Thornton is a speedy floor general who is learning to mix his scoring and playmaking on a team full of talented veterans. In particular, Thornton is a dangerous pull-up jump shooter and that confidence will serve him well going down the road.Here to view this Link.-led Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei squad in the semifinals, but sophomore shooting guard Leland GreenClick Findlay took the loss, but sophomore point guard Derryck ThorntonClick It wasn't all Rabb for Bishop O'Dowd. Junior point guard Paris AustinClick Montrose Christian lost a tough one to Our Savior, but it wasn't without a valiant effort from four-star shooting guard Allonzo TrierClick Friday notesHere to view this Link.. The junior is a native of Oklahoma and is definitely wired to score. Trier connected on several deep jumpers and showed that he has been in the weight room bulking up on some physical drives. Unfortunately for his team, his 31 points weren't quite enough.Here to view this Link. is really making a name for himself. The 5-foot-11 floor general is quick, he is fearless and he is a solid three-star prospect who is able to control the tempo and make things happen without losing control. He had 16 points and five assists in the win over Bishop Gorman and is putting himself on the radar. Austin listed offers from San Jose State, Boise StateClick Montrose Christian lost a tough one to Our Savior, but it wasn't without a valiant effort from four-star shooting guard Allonzo TrierClick Friday notesHere to view this Link.. The junior is a native of Oklahoma and is definitely wired to score. Trier connected on several deep jumpers and showed that he has been in the weight room bulking up on some physical drives. Unfortunately for his team, his 31 points weren't quite enough.Here to view this Link. and Utah State and mentioned others like Northern Arizona, Boston CollegeClick Montrose Christian lost a tough one to Our Savior, but it wasn't without a valiant effort from four-star shooting guard Allonzo TrierClick Friday notesHere to view this Link.. The junior is a native of Oklahoma and is definitely wired to score. Trier connected on several deep jumpers and showed that he has been in the weight room bulking up on some physical drives. Unfortunately for his team, his 31 points weren't quite enough.Here to view this Link., San Francisco, Weber State and UC Santa Barbara as having early interest. Here to view this Link. had some moments. The No. 22 player in the class of 2016, Thornton is a speedy floor general who is learning to mix his scoring and playmaking on a team full of talented veterans. In particular, Thornton is a dangerous pull-up jump shooter and that confidence will serve him well going down the road.Here to view this Link. is one to keep watching closely. A big-time athlete with blazing speed, Green has the build of a young safety and he likes to play physically. He is a strong finisher in transition, very good defender, big-time competitor and as his jump shot comes around he will be an interesting prospect to keep tabs on up to the high major level.Here to view this Link. of Highland (Utah) Lone Peak solidified his status as a four-star prospect in the class of 2016. The 6-foot-2 combo guard was doing it all early before running out of gas against Redondo Union. He drove to the hoop, hit deep jumpers, defended and did it all while exercising much more control than young players with his athletic gifts are usually able to do.Here to view this Link.. The 6-foot-9 power forward at Our Savior is still working to develop more regular offense than dunks and stickbacks, but the reason that he is a five-star prospect is because of his ability on the defensive end and his rebounding. Simply put, he is an animal on the glass and makes things easier for his teammates. Because of his presence as a rim protector, Diallo's teammate know that they can really pressure opponents out front because if they get beaten, he'll be there to make up their mistakes.
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