subject: Florida's Macklin shoots for the scouts in Portsmouth [print this page] Florida's Macklin shoots for the scouts in Portsmouth
Vernon Macklin passes the eye test with scouts. He apparently took that as a license to shoot, hoisting up 18 shots in his first game at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament on Thursday.
Macklin had reason to feel as if he owned the place. He was born and raised in Portsmouth and starred at nearby Norcom High School, which plays in the same conference as Churchland High School, home of the PIT. where to buy cheap NBA Jerseys?ujersy is a good choice.
He is tall (6-foot-10), has a strong and athletic body and moves extremely well for his size. That alone is usually enough to ensure a long, hard look from NBA scouts.
Macklin made nine of his 18 shots on his way to scoring 19 points as Portsmouth Sports Club defeated Mike Duman 76 by a score of 96-76 in the opening game of Thursday's evening session. He also grabbed 12 rebounds. On paper, it was a solid showing for the well-traveled Macklin, who played a fifth year of high school at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatam, Va., before spending two lackluster seasons at Georgetown and eventually transferring to Florida.
Macklin got back on the right track at Florida, becoming a solid contributor in the middle for Billy Donovan. He averaged 11.6 points and 5.4 rebounds as a senior, as the Gators advance to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.
Still, there are some potholes in his game. He almost always goes right in the post. He's not an overly engaged defender or rebounder. He doesn't block many shots. In short, he's a bit white collar for a fringe big man with no face-up game. When filling out NBA rosters, GMs and scouts will always take a shine to big guys who compete and do the little things. Macklin has some work to do in this area.
Boston University's John Holland led Portsmouth Sports Club with 23 points on 8-for-12 shooting. Duquesne's Bill Clark added 21 points on 8-for-11 shooting, including 5-for-6 from behind the arc. The team also got a spirited effort from Memphis' Will Coleman, a last-minute injury replacement. He finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and five blocks.
Coleman has always kept himself on the radar based on his impressive physical tools and motor. He's an explosive athlete with terrific length, despite being undersized (listed at 6-foot-9 but probably closer to 6-foot-7). He doesn't need the ball and is willing to do the dirty work, traits that bode well for his future.
Texas' Gary Johnson led Mike Dunham 76 with 16 points. Michigan State's Durrell Summers added 14 points, four assists and three steals.
Like Coleman, Summers has the physical profile, with his terrific length, bounce and lateral quickness for a player his size (listed at 6-foot-5, but probably closer to 6-foot-3). Had he declared for the NBA Draft last season after his sterling performance in the NCAA Tournament, he'd likely be on NBA roster collecting a check. A prolonged shooting slump hurt his stock this season. Give him credit for recognizing the need to play in this type of venue, in the hopes of getting his pro prospects back on the track.
San Diego State's Malcolm Thomas could be on the fast track, if his performance in the nightcap is any indication. Thomas was all over the place, finishing with 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four blocks as Cherry, Bekaert & Holland defeated Roger Brown's, 91-75. recommend directory: Rajon Rondo #9 Boston Celtics NBA Jersey.
He wasn't the most talked about prospect on this year's terrific San Diego State squad, which was ranked in the top 10 and advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. That honor goes to sophomore Kawhi Leonard, who's yet to put his name in this year's Draft, which takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. on June 23.
Thomas is intriguing. He'll need to add weight and strength, but his effort, motor and athleticism is evident. Just ask Western Kentucky's Jeremy Evans, who didn't get an invite to Portsmouth last season, but was drafted in the second round by the Utah Jazz and made the roster.
Pittsburgh's Gilbert Brown led Cherry, Bekaert & Holland with 19 points on 9-for-16 shooting. Dwight Hardy of St. John's added 15 points and four assists.
Billed as a two trapped in a one's body, Hardy, who actually started at the point this season for the Red Storm, did a nice job running the offense and balancing his ability to score with making sure to initiate his team's offensive sets. Though he lacks special physical tools, Hardy has a great offensive feel and is a surprisingly good finisher near the basket. Not the type of player who comes through the NBA's front door, but may have a chance to sneak in the back door down the road.
Charleston's Andrew Goudelock led Roger Brown's with 22 points on 7-for-12 shooting. One longtime NBA scout called him the best shooter he's seen in college basketball this season. Goudelock backed that up, going 5-for-8 from behind the arc in addition to making all three of his free-throw attempts.
Though he lacks elite athleticism and size, Goudelock has a very complete offensive repertoire and knows how to compensate for some of his weaknesses. He can certainly raise his profile with two more games like this one this week.
Florida's Alex Tyus already has a profile. One scout predicted he'd be the put-back king this week, and he didn't disappoint, grabbing a rebound and scoring with five seconds left to give Norfolk Sports Club a 72-71 victory over Sales Systems Ltd in Thursday's afternoon game.
Norfolk Sports Club led by as many as 19 points, before Pitt's Brad Wanamaker fueled a late rally, only to come up a little short. It's easy to see why Wanamker was such a valuable player for Jamie Dixon over the last several years. He's smart, tough and has some talent to go with it. Though he might not get drafted, Wanamaker would raise the level of play in any setting, be it summer league or training camp.
Tyus, a late addition to the camp, led Norfolk Sports Club with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Strictly an effort player, Tyus will make a living playing somewhere next season based on his activity level and pedigree.
Washington's Matthew Bryan-Amaning had another solid game for Sales Systems Ltd, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds and two blocks. He has more upside than Tyus, based on his athleticism and clever shot-making ability in the post. A native of London, England, Bryan-Amaning will have plenty of opportunities overseas should he not catch on with an NBA team right away. recommend directory: Bird #33 Boston Celtics green NBA Jersey.
