Eli Thomas Enjoys SMU, Texas A&M Next

Eli Thomas, the 6-foot-9 big man from Lancaster (TX), enjoyed his weekend visit to SMU and next trips to Texas A&M Oct. 10.

“It was legit, I enjoyed it,” he told SNY.tv. “I love the staff, and their team is going to be scary good.”

He added: “[Coach] Larry Brown is Larry. He’s a legend and a teacher of the game.”

Of the schools on his list, SMU is the closest to home.

“It’s cool but I wouldn’t say it’s a factor,” he said. “But SMU being in my city is cool.”

Thomas has already visited LSU, Oklahoma State and Illinois. Oklahoma State recently landed a pledge from Thomas’ AAU teammate Jawun Evans, which could impact the big man’s decision.

6-Foot-11 Samuel Japhet-Mathias: A Secret No More (UPDATED)

Editor’s Note: Samuel Japhet-Mathias reclassed to 2017 from 2016 after this story was first written.

By DREW MESSMER

Special to ZAGSBLOG

Arguably the best unknown basketball prospect in the United States just arrived on Sept. 23.

In his opening week, the man-child had a coming out party in front of 30+ total Division I programs, including Pittsburgh, Kansas State, Providence, Oklahoma State, Virginia, Wake Forest, and many more.

Samuel Japhet-Mathias is a 6-foot-11 2017 center with a freakish 7-4 wingspan from Globe Academy in London, England.

Last season, he posted averages of 12 points and 9 rebounds per game against the best England has to offer. He recently arrived at Vermont Academy to play for Coach Alex Popp, and it didn’t take him long to make a big first impression.

“I think he has a very high ceiling.” Popp told SNY.tv, “The fact that he is 6-11, 270 pounds with great hands and feet is fantastic, but his greatest gift is his love for the game. He just started playing and he is only 16. I have coached a few McDonald’s All-Americans, and he is on par with them.”

Sharette Dixon Rosters Set for Oct. 11

The Sharette Dixon Classic is a one-day event featuring the top boys’ high school basketball from across New York and New Jersey.

This annual event is being organized in memory of Sharette Dixon, wife of Minnesota assistant Kimani Young and mother of Kamaal Young (12), Khaliq Young (10) and Salimah Young (8). Proceeds from the event will support a family education fund that has been established for the three children.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, at the Gauchos Gym in the Bronx and will feature two contests at 6 and 8 p.m., a sophomore game and upperclassmen game.

Here are the rosters: