Top Unsigned NY Point Guard

Japhet McNeil, a shifty 5'11'' 165 pound point guard from Christ The King High School in Middle Village, New York, is one of the better pure point guards still on the board in the class of 2003.

McNeil has become somewhat of a hot commodity in the Northeast. He is entertaining offers from Siena, Bradley, Hartford, St. Peter's, and Binghamton, and is being sought by "most of the MAAC". Siena head coach Rob Lanier was on hand Friday night to see McNeil score 19 points in a 66-65 loss to Rice. Members of the staffs of Bradley and Canisius have also come in recently to evaluate McNeil.

McNeil may take a trip to Bradley after the season as well as Binghamton. He is waiting to see how the recruiting process shakes out.

McNeil is not particularly explosive, but very crafty, and is perhaps the best pure point guard in New York City. He is not a jet off the dribble, but is deceptively quick, using hesitation dribbles and studder-steps to shed defenders. Japhet has terrific court vision and awareness. He excels at seeing things develop before opponents do, and finding the open man. He has gained some strength and bulk in the past six months, which has helped him on forays to the rack.

McNeil, who is currently averaging 18 points and seven assists for Coach Bob Oliva, was named MVP of The Gonzaga High School Tournament in Washington, DC, earlier in the season, and was an all-tournament selection at The Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Japhet competed at the Nike Camp in Indianapolis this past summer. He suited up for Doc Nicelli's Madison Broncos at The Las Vegas Big Time Tournament in July. Japhet's regular AAU team is The Brooklyn-Queens aka SONDAY Express, coached by Christ the King assistant Artie Cox.

McNeil is fully qualified academically. He carries a B average in the classroom.