Pro City Update: 8.2.13

August 3 2013 - Two games were on tap at Nike's D.C. Pro City summer league last night, with a splattering of hoop heads traveling to Georgetown's McDonough Arena. Those who didn't missed out, as again talented players donned silks to compete.

Following are game recaps and a few player updates.

Higher Level 104 A Wash Associates 102

In the evenings best game, Higher level erased a six point halftime deficit to defeat A Wash 104-102. The teams traded leads for much of the second half, with George Mason senior Bryon Allen's two free throws - around 30 seconds stood on the clock - sealing the win.

Allen finished with 25 points, followed by Mason teammate, junior Anali Okoloji's 18 points. Will Thomas, a former George Mason guy himself, logged 14 points, while sophomore Navy Midshipman Tilman Dunbar added nine.

A Wash enjoyed a game high 27 points from Georgetown senior Aaron Bowen, while Gus Gilchrist logged 19. The NBA Memphis Grizzlies' Donte Greene contributed 10 points. Sophomore Hoya walk on David Allen chipped in six points.

Players:

Bryon Allen - 6'3", 202 pound senior guard, George Mason, Higher Level - Over his college career Allen has worked hard at becoming a point guard and it shows; he drives, finds, and pushes the rock. Next up is picking his spots and changing speeds better, as sometimes he is a two guard who has point guard skills, but forces the issue.

Athletic and aggressive, Allen challenges foes - he's tough to guard - and teammates - Bryon wants everyone to go all out, as he does. Will strap up defensively.

Will Thomas - 6'7", 230 pound forward, Higher Level - A member of Mason's magical '05-06 Final Four run, Thomas still has almost balletic footwork, still uses it and his left hand to finish around the tin, still plays with strength. Basically, he's still that guy that scores regularly over bigger foes.

Now, he can better go around them as well - it's clear Thomas has worked on his face up, driving and mid-range shooting skills, a fact confirmed after the game.

Last season Thomas indicated "I played in Turkey (Karsiyaka)". He doesn't yet know this year's destination, though teams in "Turkey, Italy and Spain" are options.

Allan Chaney - 6'9", 230 pound (extra) senior forward, High Point, Higher Level - Chaney's story of transferring from Florida to Virginia Tech, suffering a heart ailment, battling that and then playing for High Point should be instructive of his playing ethos, as he plays hard. Will step out to around three ball range and score around the tin. Faces up solidly, and is not afraid of contact.

As a rare sixth year collegiate player next year, Chaney should mix more separation moves into his repertoire, including step backs, jab steps and even ball fakes/up and unders. Doing so will allow him to better be the guy he suggests he is, which is "I can do it all".

Skills and Scrimmages 90 Oohs and Aahs 82

Despite 15 points from Danny Smith in addition to 19 provided via Maurice Sutton - both being A Wash players that came to life in the second half - Skills and Scrimmages prevailed. Robin Jackson logged 20 points for the victors, Charles Mitchell provided 18 and Kelvin Bright chipped in 15 points.

Players:

Maurice 'Mo' Sutton - 6'11", 215 pounds, Oohs and Aahs - Recently graduating from Villanova, before the game Sutton explained of his recent stint with the NBA Wizard's summer league team "It was a good experience for me", considering the level of play and utilization involved.

Sutton is a nimble big man, a very good weak side shot blocker, and solid shooter out to three point land off of spot ups. He must get stronger, which will allow him to better take contact; right now he finishes well with a clear path, but struggles doing so when bumped. Also strength development will improve his point of attack defense.

"I have a couple of options" explained Sutton of burgeoning professional opportunities. "I'm weighing them".

Danny Smith - 6'2", 175 pounds, Oohs and Aahs - A former Morgan State backcourt guy, Smith is a tough combo guard that can score in bunches. Can drive, yet also pull up on breaks or in the half court.

Should focus on being a more consistent passer, which could open up his game. Defensive consistency can also increase.

"I was in Bosnia (Igokea) last year" shared Smith after the game. "I'll know within next week where I'm going this year". He may return to Bosnia, or travel to neighboring Croatia to play pro ball.

Kelvin Bright - 6'4", 180 pounds, Skills and Scrimmages - An '11 graduate of Youngstown State, Bright is a swingman that slashes and can hit three-balls. Seems like a savvy scorer.

Presently Bright does not have a professional option. He's capable of playing somewhere in pro ball. Greater strength would improve his chances of success.

For discussion of Hoyas Bowen and Allen, see our Premium Court message board.