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Hall of Fame National Invitational Recap
By NE Hoop News, Friday, Jul 15, 2011
July 13, 2011 New England Hoop News Staff
The Hall of Fame National Invitational concluded late last night with winners crowned in three divisions. The event took place over the course of three days and drew well over 150 college coaches to Springfield, MA. During one part of Monday evening, Bob Huggins of West Virginia, assistant Jerod Haase of North Carolina, Sean Miller of Arizona, assistant Bob Dooley of Kansas and assistant Kevin Ollie of UConn, were just a few of the coaches checking out Kaleb Tarczewski and then later, Andre Drummond and Kris Dunn. At any point throughout the three days, especially days one and two, numerous mid-to-high level coaches could be tuned in to the games at the Mass Mutual Center. Connecticut Basketball Club and Mass Rivals captured the 17u crowns over Lone Peak (UT) and Middlesex Magic (MA) respectively. Meanwhile, the 16u title went to Long Island Lightning - Dingle and and 15u went to Team Scan (NY).
Let's take a look at who stood out throughout the event.
Andre Drummond, Connecticut Basketball Club, 2012 - When Drummond was not hampered by foul trouble, he came to play. Something seemed to light a fire underneath him, as he was aggressive, intimidating, and making big plays. Most impressive might have been his display of passing for someone his size.
Kris Dunn, Connecticut Basketball Club, 2012 - Continued his high-level play all tournament. Had followers from UConn, Boston College, Providence, and more at many of his games.
Timajh Parker-River, Connecticut Basketball Club, 2012 - P-R give Drummond a side kick that he plays better with. Not afraid to mix it up, P-R did a great job on the glass and finishing in traffic.
Noah Vonleh, Mass Rivals, 2014 - Was very impressive this weekend. Played like a 6'5 wing at times and it needs to be remember that he is much taller (and stronger). Has a great body and was outstanding getting to basket and showed a solid mid-range game. Had to leave with stitches.
Cedric Kuakumensah, Mass Rivals, 2012 - Played hard and battled the entire tournament. Has a great body and uses it well to board and finish at the rim. Certainly has ability to play at mid-major level or above.
Joseph Glynn, Middlesex Magic, 2012 - Rebounded, scored, and defended at an extremely high level all tournament long. A superior athlete who scores at the rim and showcased an array of post moves and a face up game while defending 2's -5's. A no-brainer at the division 2 level and starting to gain division 1 interest.
Peter Miller, Middlesex Magic, 2013 - Miller showed why Holy Cross has already offered and why many more are to come, as the extremely skilled 6'10 big man broke out and dominated the paint for the Magic. From the mid way point of the TP Elite game on he was unstoppable on the block, scoring in a variety of ways, and he patrolled the paint and blocked 5 shots every contest. With a repeat Junior year coming up, Miller has enormous potential at the Division I level.
Rony Fernandez, Metro Boston, 2012 - The Charlestown native came to play and did so by getting to the rim, almost at will. Fernzandez used his quickness and craftiness to blow past defenders all tournament.
Tyler Gendron, Bishop Elite, 2012 - Showed a solid 6'5 frame and scoring ability. Can knock down the three ball but also has a very good mid-range game.
Rohan Brown, CT Select, 2012 - Brown may have boosted his stock as much as anyone this weekend as he had interest from the Atlantic 10 level by the tournament's conclusion. Played with a great effort, and had to do so at times with a depleted supporting cast.
Oscar Assie, Expressions Elite, 2012 - Brown's old teammate, Assie, came to play against CT Select and dominated them around the basket. Assie is so strong and athletic and truly makes up for his lack of size for a power forward. Gotta think someone is going to ignore the 6'5 listing and realize that he makes things happen.
Lone Peak High School - Something needs to be said for the way this group played. Sure they had star power in Nick Emory and T.J. Haws, among others, but they were a joy to watch, played hard, unselfish and together! Got everyone's attention with their play in pool play, going 1-2, but only losing to New Heights and Grassroots by 3 each. And then shocked everyone by taking down Keystone Blazers, Metro Hawks, and LI Lightning-Dingle, before falling to CBC.
Kaleb Tarczewski, New England Playaz, 2012 - Was so efficient around the rim all night in their showcase game against TP Elite. Keeps the ball high and can finish with either hand around the rim. Does an excellent job of getting position in the post.