Trio from New World vs. Takeover scrimmage
May 24, 2017 - Yesterday due to a scheduling mistake, New World 17u and Team Takeover 17u ended up practicing in the same Washington, DC gym. Adidas and Nike sponsored outfits respectively, and both preparing for big tournaments this weekend, the teams ended up scrimmaging each other to close the two hour session.
Before and afterward, several players were interviewed. One was Class of 2019 point guard Sherif Kenney of New World. Click here for it.
Three others were also talked to; Class of 2018 performers Brandon Slater, Jalen Smith, and Quentin Mallora-Brown.
Following are those interviews.
Brandon Slater - 6'7", 190 pound '18 swingman, Team Takeover - Things move quickly in the world of recruiting, as last night Slater mentioned four schools, "Maryland, Villanova, South Carolina and Miami", not that one would be selected in 24 hours. Well, a school was, and it's 'Nova!
For Slater's interview, which includes discussing a few players (Kenney, Mallora-Brown) and his recruitment, including head Wildcat Jay Wright, click here.
Quentin Mallora-Brown - 6'8, 215 pound forward, New World - A great student, Mallora-Brown is an emerging big man capable of rebounding, stepping out and hitting the midrange jumper, battling inside and scoring over his shoulders. Work finishing is noticeable, and will continue.
Mallora-Brown talked about recruitment, playing with confidence, expected collegiate utilization and committing to the weight room.
Jalen Smith - 6'9", 210 pound forward, Team Takeover - Smith continues to hone his inside/out game, making him a difficult player to guard. He's long, fairly bouncy and works hard, using that package to defend the rim weakside in particular.
Jalen shared about his recruitment, particularly Maryland, the possibility of playing with former high school teammate Darryl Morsell there, and if lining up with him weighs on decision making.
The interview is here.
For more on Smith and Slater, once Hoya prospects and what happened, see Premium Court.