2013 Vegas Trip/Hidden Gems

I recently went to Las Vegas and coached in two pro exposure camps. I coached at the World Sports Marketing Invitational (Agent Justin Haynes), and the Eurobasket Summer League Vegas #2 (Agent Chris Warren). I also attended the NBA Summer League everyday. This report is on players I found to be hidden gems at these events. Over the years I have had a good eye for these type of guys, and here are a few I saw. I encourage overseas clubs to look at these players very seriously. Keep in mind these are guys that did not have all the hype surrounding them but caught my eye. Michael Stinnett August 8-2013

1. Othyus Jeffers Robert Morris (NAIA 2008)/NBDL Iowa Energy/2013 NBA Summer League Vegas Minnesota Timberwolves 8.2ppg., 3.8 rpg. 6-5 3/4 - My favorite player in Las Vegas without a doubt. Jeffers by far was the most hyped player in warm-ups everytime I saw him. He really loves the game and is passionate about it. He does not have a position according to people but I feel he is a 3/4 and can play it at the NBA level. He can score in bundles in a variety of ways. He is very strong and can draw fouls at will on his drives to the hoop. He is also is an excellent post up player for his size and can score on much bigger defenders. He is a solid ball handler on the perimeter. He can lock down defensively on multiple positions, and is an excellent rebounder. He can push the break after a defensive rebound very well. I hope he can stick in the NBA, but HIGH LEVEL Europe/Asia teams need to look at him ASAP. He is a special basketball player.

2. Steve Weingarten La Salle/Australlia 6-8 3/4 position player - This kid is a very solid player who has a huge upside. He is very versatile, and has excellent offensive fundamentals. He is also deceptively athletic, and can defend multiple positions. The thing that stuck out to me was his knack for scoring the ball in a variety of ways. He can shoot with range, and has a uncanny ability to score in traffic. He can handle the ball as well, and could play some point forward in the right situation. He also has a good feel for the pick and roll game offensively and defensively. Steve played on my team at the WSM and is very coachable.

3. Garland Judkins Texas A&M-CC (2011)/Signed with Arizona out of High School 6-4 2/3 3/2 position player - This kid is a BIG TIME athlete who can do a little bit of everything on the court. He is a slasher who can explode and finish around the basket or at the mid-range. He also has adequate 3pt. shooting ability. He can play almost any position on the floor. He is perfect for a team who needs a multi pupose player. He can defend all positions, and can really pressure the ball. He also can rebound in traffic. He reminds me of some good players who have gone to Mexico in the past (example Leroy Hickerson I knew would be a star).

4. Brenton Butler Fordham (2011)/Denmark 6-3 Combo - There are several things about this kid I really like. I can see a great European career ahead of him if he gets the right breaks. I said the same about David Logan (Indianapolis/Alba Berlin Germany BBL this year). This kid is a much better spot up shooter from 3 than his stats indicate. He is a floor general if need be, and also can be a scoring guard from the PG. Also if you put him off the ball is excellent coming off screens. He has a nice muscular build, and can defend well. He is a true combo with a great feel for the game. His current pro stats will not blow anyone away, but they eventually will. I really feel a mid level European team should give this guy a chance and they will see some great things from him in the right situation.

5. Brad Tinsley Vanderbilt/France (Pro B) 6-3 PG/2 - Brad played for me in the WSM. He is a WINNER. He can play the 1 or the 2 effectively. He is a coach on the floor, and very professional in everything he does. He can play at a high level in Europe because of his overall feel for the game. He flat understands how to play the game. He can shoot the 3, and is deceptive with his athleticism. This is a kid who lead the SEC in assists, and assist to turnover ration. He also played on a SEC Tournament champion. He can run a team and execute, or he can go to the wing and come off screens and knock down shots. He also knows who to get the ball to, and is a natural leader. I can go on and on about this guy.