Summer Eye-Openers
The nation's best tell us who impressed them the most this summer
The summer circuit is an opportunity for players to put their names on the map, but it's also one that exposes them to the best talent nationwide — something the high school regular season cannot provide. With that said, we asked some of the best players in the country to name who impressed them the most this summer. The answers might surprise some just as these guys' games did.
Jahlil Okafor, Mac Irvin Fire (2014): Tyus Jones (Howard Pulley Panthers, 2014) really impressed me the most because he's an amazing point guard who controls the game. He knows how to go slow and how to speed up when needed. He scores and also passes.
Isaiah Austin, Texas PRO (2012): Marcus Smart (Texas Assault, 2012) put in major work. He led his team to win the adidas 64. His motor is crazy and his will to win is above others.
L.J. Rose, Houston Hoops (2012): Shabazz Muhammad (Dream Vision, 2012) and T.J. Warren (Garner Road, 2012). Both really took their games to another level. Both have killer instincts that you can't teach! Jabari Parker (Mac Irvin Fire, 2013), too, kid can really go!
Tyler Lewis, Team Loaded (2012): I think one of the best players this summer was Andrew White (Team Loaded, 2012) ... He shoots the ball really well and has a great body to attack the basket. Also, Dominic Artis (Oakland Soliders, 2012), who committed to UCLA, played very well this summer. He has great handles and is super quick. Great shot.
Jaron Blossomgame, Georgia Stars (2012): Alex Poythress (Georgia Stars, 2012) really blew up this summer! It's coming from a teammate because I saw him grow through the year ... He's open to learning more things to make him better! He really improved his shooting and driving over the summer!
R.J. Curington, CIA Bounce (2013): Steve Taylor (Mac Irvin Fire, 2012) and Georges Niang (BABC, 2012) really impressed me. Both took their game to another level at Peach Jam and showed they are top players in 2012.
Tyler Ennis, CIA Bounce (2013): Andrew Wiggins showed he's one of the best players in the country regardless of class. Players I played against that I thought did well were Rondae Jefferson from Team Final, the big man from Memphis YOMCA [Jarnell Stokes] and Allerik Freeman and Wayne Selden from the Nike Top 100 Camp impressed me.
