BY JEREMY WOO
Special to ZAGSBLOG
MEQUON, Wisc.—With a second day of action in the books at the NY2LA/Under Armour Summer Jam, here’s a look at some of the players who stood out.
Cliff Alexander
With John Groce, Rick Pitino and assistants from Kentucky, Michigan State and DePaul looking on, Alexander again looked like the best player in the tournament, and possibly the country. The 6-foot-8 big man from Chicago exposed UK commit Karl Towns, using his strength to overpower down low and win the matchup. His 19 points, 14 rebounds and handful of dunks spurred the Mac Irvin Fire to a statement victory in a heated game.
Diamond Stone
Coveted 2015 recruit Stone was a rock in the middle for his Young Legends squad, pouring in 22 points in a morning game with Dream Vision. With a college-ready frame and great touch around the basket, it’s easy to see why Stone is a top target for so many big programs. He shouldered the load ably, and though his midrange game could use some work, Stone boasts considerable upside. Marquette, UCLA, Illinois, Georgetown, UNC, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Duke all showed up for him.
Wade Baldwin
The 6-foot-3 guard was the best player on the floor for his Sports U squad in their loss to the Mac Irvin Fire. He scored early on, distributed the ball more in the second half, and ably defended Jalen Brunson for stretches throughout. With top suitors including Vanderbilt, Minnesota, Virginia Tech, Northwestern, Auburn, Seton Hall and Temple in the building, Baldwin posted an impressive 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Joe Burton
Burton followed up Wednesday’s 35-point effort with 31 more on Thursday, knocking down four threes and making plays all over the court. Emerging as a big-time scorer, the 6-foot-6 wing is also an able passer and solid defender. Several Big 12 schools are in pursuit, but it wouldn’t surprise me if a wider range jumped in very soon.
Cody Schwartz
Schwartz lit it up from all over the floor this morning for his Wisconsin Blizzard 16U squad. The versatile 6-foot-8 forward knocked down jumpers and played tough inside as well, working hard for his points and even hitting a ridiculous, circus-style double-pump game winning three. Wisconsin, Marquette, Northwestern and Michigan were among those in attendance for the rising 2015 star.
Keita Bates-Diop
As his Illinois Wolves squad roughed up Dream Vision, Bates-Diop was very productive against the Stephen Zimmerman-Chase Jeter tandem. The Ohio State commit put up 13 points, splashing in a few threes and defending pretty well on the interior with his seven-foot wingspan.
Damontrae Jefferson
While highly regarded teammate Kevon Looney clashed with fellow top-10 recruit Myles Turner, the 5-foot-7 Jefferson put in work and led his team to victory. Attacking the rim and racking up 23 points and six assists, Jefferson opened some eyes around the gym. An underrecruited prospect, expect the point guard to pick up more interest in due time.
