USA BASKETBALL: OB's Five Takeaways And More From Colorado Springs
1) JAMES BANKS IS UNDERRATED
Among a loaded 18U roster that featured a lot of five-star prospects and future pros, Texas big man James Banks didn’t just look like he belonged. At times, he looked like one of the better players on the floor. Rated as the No. 83 prospect overall, Banks, who attended La Lumiere School in La Porte, Indiana prior to his arrival at Texas, looked the part of an impact player early on at Texas.
Often on AAU and high school teams that never really featured him on offense, the four-star prospect from Decatur, Georgia showed that although his offensive game isn’t refined and needs a lot of repetitions and work, he has some tools to work with on that end including some ability as a rolling big man, the shot mechanics and touch to make a shot at the elbows or short corners, and some face-up and back-to-the-basket knowledge.
However, where Banks stood out most and where he’ll make an immediate impact at Texas was on the defensive end. The Longhorn possesses great physical tools (he measured in at 6-10 1/2 with shoes with a 7-5 1/4 wingspan and 9-3 1/4 standing reach), and uses them well), and was the best shot-blocker during the USA trials and camp scrimmages we watched. A very physical presence that’s a well-built 242 pounds, Banks challenged shots aggressively on the ball or from the helpside, and couldn’t be bullied in the paint. Despite being so large, Banks gets off the ground well, and he also moved his feet in pick-and-roll defense while also showing knowledge of how to back up from the ball to use his length to his advantage.
Big guys with motors can do a lot of good for a basketball team, and Banks is as passionate and energetic as they come. He was constantly talking on the floor, muscled his way to a couple of tough baskets at 50-50 rebounds, and has an infectious competitiveness on the floor.
2) JARRETT ALLEN IS STILL REALLY GOOD
We saw five-star Longhorn Jarrett Allen (St. Stephen’s; Austin) put together a really solid week at the McDonald’s All-American practices, which concluded with a performance during the game that kept him in the MVP discussion. Then, Allen, who measured in at 6-10 3/4 with shoes at USA Basketball, followed that up with performances at the Nike Hoop Summit that turned a lot of heads, and reminded people why he’s in the conversation as the best 2016 big in the country. After seeing Allen again against elite competition, he proved his outstanding March and April performances were no fluke.
The No. 15 prospect overall competed, and impacted scrimmages in a number of ways. He flashed a mid-range jumper that still needs work but can definitely become a part of the arsenal; he ran the floor and competed constantly and well; he used his length to block and change shots, including from the helpside with authority; as a pick-and-roll defender against quicker guards and wings, Allen used his length (7-5 1/2 wingspan and 9-1 1/2 standing reach), lateral quickness and athleticism to get into a stance and defend the ball better than any other big on the USA roster; and he displayed very impressive hoops IQ that put him in the right position at the right time often along with a bit of a killer instinct that led to trying to dunk on a number of people.
At times, Allen, like pretty much everyone at the event, was a little up-and-down. But the all-around skill set spoke often and loudly while he was on the floor. He is going to make an immediate impact at Texas on both ends of the floor, and is a special talent.
3) MATT COLEMAN OOZES INTANGIBLES
As soon as he arrived at the USA Olympic Training Facility from the Colorado Springs Airport, 2017 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia) point guard Matt Coleman went to the gym to get some work in. Whenever he was on the court during practices or scrimmages, Coleman was always talking. And when practices concluded, you’d find him challenging someone to a one-on-one game or shooting contest.
There are areas of his game that the No. 35 prospect overall can improve on (his shot mechanics have improved, but can continue to get better), but there’s no denying his makeup and ability to be a future leader and floor general at the collegiate level. He’s a player others want to be around and play with. During the Wednesday and Thursday practice sessions, Coleman was one of the best guards on the floor. His elite speed, understanding of pace, willingness to pass first and knowledge of when to attack, and competiveness the length of the floor on defense allowed him to make plays.
If you’re searching for the Malik Jefferson-esque recruit for 2017 Texas basketball in terms of importance, it’s Coleman.
4) P.J. WASHINGTON KEEPS GETTING BETTER
P.J. Washington showing up to the gym and playing with energy and toughness is basically a guarantee. But the 6-7 1/2 combo forward keeps displaying improved skill too. During a one-on-one big man, inside-outside offensive session, Washington was the best player among a loaded group of bigs. He put the ball on the floor from the outside and shot it well, and he also was able to go down low and get buckets against taller, older players.
At a well-put together 232 pounds, Washington, a product of Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada and native of Frisco, Texas, ran the floor with ease and looked comfortable both down low and up top on both offense and defense. In a setting where refs are encouraged to sometimes swallow their whistle when contact happens, Washington didn’t get frustrated; he elevated his play and physicality.
5) SHAKA SMART IS ALWAYS CONNECTING
Whether it was during practice or not, Texas head coach Shaka Smart was always talking to someone – players, coaches, personnel, anyone in the gym. As coach of the 18U team, Smart earned positive reviews from everyone we came in contact with, including players.
“Very hands-on. He’s in-shape enough to run through the plays and run through everything. I love that. He can get on the floor with us. Very high energy. I like that,” said 2017 prospect D.J. Harvey. “It’s hard not to feed off of his energy. He’s very vocal and explains things well.
OTHER TAKEAWAYS
-- During the Tuesday action, 2016 five-star guard Markelle Fultz was the best player on the floor, and looked like the No. 1 overall player in the country. Washington and Lorenzo Romar are going to love the one year they get of Fultz, who had the look of the favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Fultz has a very tight handle, and rare instincts and playmaking ability.
Romar, who was at Colorado Springs helping out with USA Basketball, is also the favorite to sign 2017 No. 2 overall prospect Michael Porter Jr. If Porter’s range and three-point ability make a noticeable jump, his ability to take over games on offense will be special.
-- 2017 guard M.J. Walker showed an improved jumper, and that his rare blend of strength, tenacity, speed and athleticism make him a scary sight for the opposition when the game turns into a very up-and-down affair. Walker was a menace as a full-court presser, and only 2017 five-star Hamidou Diallo, who was maybe the best presser we’ve ever seen at his level, was better in that role.
If Diallo’s jumper can improve significantly, the sky is the limit.
-- During the Tuesday and Wednesday sessions, 2017 guard Trae Young (North; Norman, Oklahoma) was bothered by the opposition’s length and physicality. He was able to shake free some on Thursday and during the second session Wednesday night to knock down open threes, but Young found life difficult trying to get to the rim, finishing, and playmaking for others.
-- Michigan State point guard and 2016 prospect Cassius Winston isn’t going to turn heads with his athleticism or physical attributes. But he’s going to make the right plays way more often than not for Tom Izzo, and is a crafty finisher in the paint to go with a solid spot-up shooter from three.
-- There aren’t many guards/wings more gifted than DeMatha’s D.J. Harvey. The 2017 five-star prospect competed on defense, but wasn’t ever really able to unlock the assertiveness and dominance on offense. It’s in there somewhere. Similar could be said for La Lumiere guard/wing Brian Bowen, who flashed his immense skill and mid-range game at times, but was bothered some by the physical presence of stronger players.