Each year, the Jayhawk Invitational gives Lawrence and Kansas City area
fans a chance to catch some of the nation’s rising talent. In
the past guys like NBA All-Stars Deron
Williams and Chris
Bosh have
“blown up” nationally at the Jayhawk while others
like Kansas Jayhawk players Brandon
Rush, Cole
Aldrich and Tyrel
Reed
have given Kansas fans a preview of their talents.
Starting Friday, the Lawrence area and Kansas campus will once again
host the Jayhawk Invitational and this year’s event looks to
be even better than ever. In order to make things a little easier on
the fans who will be checking out the action at Allen Fieldhouse, the
Horjesi Center, Robinson Rec Center, Lawrence High and Haskell College,
we’ve put together a list of just a few of the many players
to watch out for, and we’ve done it for free!
First we’ll tackle the guys on the KU radar before moving on
to some other nationally known prospects from the classes of 2009, 2010
and even 2011! Also, please be sure to check out the official website
at www.jayhawkinvitational.com for
any other information including schedules.
KU TARGETS AT THE JAYHAWK
Elijah Johnson
(Pump ‘N Run Elite) - KU fans are already very
familiar with Johnson. An athletic, attacking guard, the 6-2 point
guard is a highlight reel waiting to happen thanks to his deep range,
nasty handle and even nastier hops.
Derrick Favors
(Atlanta Celtics) - Considered by many outlets to be the
#1 player in the class of 2009, Favor is is a force around the basket.
He’ll shake the rim, clean the glass and intimidate would be
scorers with his shot blocking.
Lance Stephenson
(Atlanta Celtics) - The current King of New York,
Stephenson will be sticking around to take an unofficial visit to
Kansas. A strong 6-6 wing with big time skills, he’s got
substance and flash and will compete for the #1 spot in 2009 before
it’s all said and done.
Stephan Van Treese (Indiana Elite) - This 6-9 forward visited Lawrence
to take in a game during the season, now he’s back to show
off his game. A good athlete who can score from 15 feet and in.
Michael Dixon
and Jeff Reid
(KC Pump ‘N Run) - Two
of the top players in the greater Kansas City area, they teamed up to
help lead KC to a championship at last weekend’s Next Level
Invitational. Dixon is a point guard who plays tough d and gets
everybody involved while Reid is a smooth shooter who can also get to
the rim for dunks.
Rodney Williams
(Howard Pulley Black) - Perhaps the single most
electric athlete in the class of 2009, Williams is a crowd pleaser
thanks to his Sportscenter quality jams. More than a dunker,
he’s added pretty deep range on his jumper and a quick first
step.
Lavonte Dority
(Indiana Elite) - One of the top class of 2010
playmakers in what is turning out to be a loaded class in the state of
Illinois. Gets to the rim, hits some jumpers and runs his team like a
true floor general.
Anthony Marshall
(Las Vegas Prospects) - Smooth lefty two guard was
named to last year’s all tournament team and he’s
back for more. Gets to the rim, hits jumpers and plays terrific defense.
Sampson Carter
(Compton Magic) - Currently a member of the class of
2008, this 6-7 wing is probably going to prep school. Shoots with good
range, finishes in transition and is one of the emerging prospects of
the spring.
Ryon Riggons (Atlanta Celtics) - Only a freshman, this 2011 standout
has already made a name for himself. 6-9 forward can run all day long,
finishes with athleticism and has blossoming skills on the offensive
end.
Shawn Williams (Texas Select) -
Tall wing with rep of having deep range on his jumper and can get
inside and mix it up.
Julian Washburn (Texas
Select) 6-8 PF prospect, able to play inside and
out and is a teammate of Shawn Williams.
MORE GUYS TO WATCH AT THE JAYHAWK
Mason Plumlee
(Indiana Elite) - Already committed to Duke,
he’s a skilled post man who has had a great spring. In fact,
his play has put him into serious contention for a spot on the 2009
McDonald’s All-American team.
Joe Jackson
(Compton Magic) - This class of 2010 product out of
traditional Memphis area power White Station is a flat out scoring
machine. A young Allen
Iverson type, he’s quick, gets to the
rim and scores in bunches. He was the MVP of last year’s 15
and under division but will make the move to the 17’s for
2008.
Jamaal Branch (Houston Swoosh 15’s)- A native of Kansas City,
this 2011 standout is amped to play in front of his family and friends.
The 6-2 playmaker has already given a commitment to Texas A&M
and is considered by many the top player in Texas for his class.
Trevor Releford
(KC Pump ‘N Run 16’s) - The younger
brother of KU commitment Travis
Releford, this 5-10 PG is fun to watch.
Terrific ball handler who gets into the lane at will and sets up
teammates for easy scores.
Justin Clark
(KC Pump ‘N Run) - After leading the KC Metro
area in scoring as a junior, Clark has officially blown up. Marquette,
Clemson, Nebraska, Missouri, UCLA, Georgetown and
several others have
asked about this high scoring wing with unlimited range within the last
week.
Dominique Ferguson
(Indiana Elite LNO) - One of the top 10 players in
the class of 2010, this 6-9 forward just gave a commitment to Kentucky
earlier in the week. He’s long and skilled around the basket
and makes great use of his 7-5 wingspan.
Joe Burton
(Compton Magic) - A true big man, Burton is a space eater
who earns his money within 10 feet of the hoop. Thanks to his play this
spring he’s had high majors from across the country checking
in on his progress.
Richard Anderson
(Rameybasketball.com ) - A native of St. Louis who is
currently prepping in the Nashville area, he’s one of the
better kept secrets in the country. Has great size, runs the floor and
likes to rock the rim.
Matt Carlino
(Arizona Premiere Black) - Another class of 2011 standout,
Carlino is back for his second year at the Jayhawk. Smart combo guard
is a no brainer recruit on the high major level.
Harrison Barnes
(All Iowa Attack 16’s) - This 6-6 wing is on
the verge of breaking out on the national scene. Athletic, tough and
he’s a very good shooter to the three point line. Should end
up as a top 50 prospect nationally in the class of 2010.
Trent Lockett
(Net Gain Sports) - This smooth wing has already given a
verbal commitment to Arizona
State. Has range to well beyond the three
point line and is back for his second year after leading his team to
the semifinals of last year’s 16 and under division.
D.J.
Bird (Indiana Elite) - Just one of many committed players on
the loaded Indiana Elite squad. He’s a tough 6-5 wing who has
already told Purdue
he’s coming to play for them.
Bobby Capobianco
and Derek Elstun (Indiana Elite) - That’s
right, more committed players for Indiana Elite! This duo has committed
to Indiana. Capobianco brings the muscle while Elstun brings the skill.
Andre Malone
(Atlanta Celtics) - Auburn
flat out stole one when they
got him to commit early. This 6-5 wing can stroke it from deep,
finishes above the rim and is pretty well put together.
Christian Watford
(Compton Magic) - A smooth 6-8 combo forward, Watford
can exploit defenders depending on matchups. He takes big guys to the
perimeter while working over smaller guys in the post. He’s a
top 30 prospect nationally with a legit shot at the
McDonald’s game in 2009.
Royce White
(Howard Pulley Black) - This 6-7 combo forward is an
excellent shooter with range to the three point line. Around the
basket, he’s an explosive leaper who can finish with the best
of them. Tubby Smith
is certainly glad to have him locked up to play at
Minnesota.
Darian Kelly
(Midwest Mission) - One of the best prospects in the state
of Kansas, this 6-1 point guard is a two sport standout who is being
recruited by Kansas for football. Plays good defense, makes great
decisions and can make you pay from deep if you leave him open.
Michael Cobbins (New Mexico Force) - A big man from the class of 2010,
look for the 6-9 Cobbins to be one of the breakout performers at this
year’s Jayhawk Invitational.
Jamison Stearns (Texas
Select) - Burly PG, known for his ability to get to the rim.
Future Baylor Bear.
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