SAINT PICKS - last updated 7/24/2009
The Saint Picks is a new element to Saint Cecilia that will keep college
scouts and anyone else in the basketball world, current to who’s showing out
at The Saint. We will critique five boy players and three girl players each
week of our summer league. Players will be picked based on performance.
Analysis will be derived from college and high school coaches, Pierre Brooks
(Saint supervisor), and the famous Dott Wilson.
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Brandon Robinson Sr. 6’1 SG Detroit King HS |
Why is it so dark in here? Ill tell you why, Brandon Robinson (BJ) has shot out every light in the Saint. BJ has really been putting his work in this summer and it shows. BJ is a legitimate two guard who can handle the pill just as well as any point guard that I have seen this summer. One proven characteristic that BJ possesses is his ability to make the midrange shot and pull up on the dime and knock down the pull up jump shot with a silky smooth stroke. Back court mate Dominique Brown has made things easy for BJ, because of his ability to drive and kick. This duo has also caused havoc all summer with their pit bull mentality on defense. BJ and Dominique pride themselves in their full court pressure that they impose on opposing guards. Watch out for BJ this upcoming season has he builds his rep as one of the top two guards in the city. |
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Brendalle Smith Jr. 6’3 Small Forward Detroit Consortium HS |
Brendalle is very tough! He uses his size and strength to attack the basket. This 6’3 forward finishes around the basket and takes contact. He has active hands and is a good defender. He has the ability to handle the ball and is a good passer in transition. But his size and finishing ability is what really stands out. I watched this kid score 12 points in 10 minutes, with 9 of the points coming from and one’s. He is only a Junior, so he has plenty of time to work on his midrange and increase his ball handling. |
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Kem Bradshaw Sr. 6’2 Combo Guard Detroit Cass HS |
Kem Bradshaw is the pound for pound 2nd best scorer in the Detroit Public School League (of course behind Appling). I have personally witnessed Kem individually assassinate opposing guards. He has cat like quickness. His all around game has begun to blossom, and from my perspective, the sky’s the limit. On this Sunday evening at the Saint, Kem went head up with the defending Class A State Champs the Pershing Doughboys. Kem somewhat paced himself until the last 10 minutes of the game. Then he went crazy, taking smaller Pershing guards off the dribble getting to the cup embracing the contact and finishing. When Pershing made a run at the end of the game, Kem showed poise by personally stepping up and taking charge. On three occasions he demanded the ball and drove to the basket drawing the and-one. This put Cass up for good. Cass will be a team to reckon with in the PSL’s Southeast division this year. |
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Out of all the guards that I have observed this summer at the saint, I would say that Travis would be the best shooter out of any player in the league. He has text book form and great lift on his shot. I have seen Travis play over ten times this summer and he has impressed me each time. He’s consistent, savvy, poised, you name it this kid has it. He also has the ability to drive to the basket and finish with either hand. Travis is definitely in the top five in just about every category of stats at the saint this summer. Yesterday in a game against Detroit Denby, Travis scored 28 points and 7 assist in the next game he scored 22 points against U of D Jesuit. I’m amazed that this kid has not received any D-1 offers as of yet. |
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Isaiah is a dominant player with size and athleticism. He’s a lefty that has great ball handling ability. He’s also good at starting and finishing on the break. He finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds against Detroit western. He also had two nasty alley oops, two blocks and three steals. Isaiah runs the floor well and has great basketball IQ. Isaiah need a little work on his right hand and midrange, but for the most part he is a all around good player. High major ability. |
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Sheldon and backcourt mate Terrance Pride seem like they have been around forever (four year varsity players). I remember how Sheldon as a freshman was a undersized point guard with a ton of heart. Now, Sheldon has blossomed into a legit point guard. The first thing that sticks out about Sheldon is his ability to rebound and start the break his self. We also observed Sheldon having the ability to drive to the basket, drawing contact and getting to the free throw line. Above all, Sheldon possesses that gritty toughness that you look for in a point guard (must be the Franklin). |
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Chris has improved his game in leaps and bounds from last year. I was amazed at Chris ability to handle the ball and run the offense at his height and class. Last summer when I saw Chris as an incoming freshman, he was limited to post duty, but it is very apparent that he has really been putting his work in. in two games against St. Anne (24 points) and walled lake (18 points, 6 assist, 7 rebounds) Mr.. Jenkins dominated. Chris almost puts you in the mind of a Leonard bush type of player but more athletic. Chris was able to throw down a couple of dunks on the break as well. If Chris continues to work on getting stronger and quicker, Chris along with backcourt mate so. Cameron fowler will be a tandem to reckon with for the next three years. |
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Javon Harden |
Javon gets better each time he plays at the saint. I must say that this kid has a tremendous up side. He runs the floor good, has soft hands, and is a very good defender. I was equally pleased with his ability to defend the pick and roll and defend perimeter players. This is what really got me excited, Javon seems like a quiet soft spoken guy, but when this guard drove to the cup and tried to float one in, he blocked the shot into the stands and said get that ---- outta here!!! The saint was rockin. Keep working big fella keep working. Javon has received offers from a few d-1 schools this summer, most notably Florida International. Zeke loves the kid. | |
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Robert Andrews 6’0 SG 2012 |
In
two games against Detroit Community and Dearborn Edsel
Ford, Robert showed a tremendous ability to shoot the rock. At this point of his career he’s
more of a set shooter (reminiscent of John Long). Robert was able to get of several shots,
primarily because of freshman point guard Derek Walton playmaking ability. I also liked Robert’s confidence
as he shot the ball. Robert also
showed the ability to drive to the cup with prowess. In order to make it to the next level
he’s going to have to put his work in, in the weight room. Get your weight up boy!!! |
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Ali Saleh 6’5 PF 2010 |
Ali
is what I would call a “throw back big fella”. In the two games that we observed Ali,
he grabbed about 23 rebounds. You
can tell that Ali prides himself in doing the dirty work. He sets good screens,
rebounds very well and is a presence in the middle of the paint (after blocking
a few shots, guards became discouraged to drive the lane). Ali could possibly be a solid D-II
player if he developed a more refined post game. |
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Mike Talley 5’10 PG 2010 Melvindale
ABT |
In
the game that we watched (vs. Detroit Community), Mike Jr. was incredible. He epitomizes the true meaning of what a
true point guard really is. We were
amazed, when Mike Jr. got up and threw down 2 two handed fast break dunks. Mike showed great playmaking ability,
he’s fast as a cheetah, knocked down the open shot, and showed good
leadership skills. The only area of
concern might be his consistency at the free throw line. And the way he likes to drive and draw
contact that’s going to be crucial.
Last summer, I thought that his jumper was suspect, but after watching
him this summer you can tell that he’s been working on what I like to
call the “Thumper”!! |
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Devonte Baines 6’2 SG 2011
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The
PSL West better watch out, Cooley has a guard that can go! Devonte showed
a variety of skills in a game against |
