Las Vegas Scouting Day #1
Day 1 in Vegas consisted of going to watch the Global Summer League at Doo Little Community Center, and the Court Side Euro Camp at the Tarkanian Basketball Academy. Coach John Tinsley and myself will be scouting and coaching at several different events for 9 days in Vegas. We also got to the Sheffield Sharks team in the Global Leage. Sheffield had a familiar face in Brandon Hogg (Southern Indiana/Germany) running the point and directing a very athletic team. Hogg has had a nice career in Europe, and is ready for a mid level European job. He played well on this day. He was penetrating and getting everyone involved, as well as finishing around the basket. NAIA swingman Mario Gulley (Culver Stockton/NAIA) was also impressive. He is very athletic, and at 6-6 is an impressive 3 man who would be nice pick up for regional Germany team.
At the Court Side Euro Camp, we got to see the finals of the event. Raymond Penn (Texas Southern/14) was an impressive PG, who can flat guard. Coach John Tinsley was highly impressed with Penn and is on ball defense. He also can run a team. He is a solid pickup for a team in Europe looking for a solid PG with great energy. Marlon Miller (Crailsheim Germany) was also a solid athletic guard with a nice upside. He averaged 26 in Germany last year, and with a consistent jump shot could be a mid level European player. Big man Leon Gibson (Houston 13) was versatile 6-9 big man who showed he can hit the 3pt. shot and score on the block. If he plays 100 percent all the time on the defensive end could be a nice European player. Also another Houston player JJ Richardson showed a lot of versatility at 6-8. He can score on the block and from the perimeter.
The highlight of the day was meeting long time Portugal agent Antonio Pereira. I have known Antonio by email for more than 20 years. However never met him in person. We had a great talk and his energy for placing players in Europe is stronger than ever. Also got to meet head coach in Dubai Samir AbdulSabur St Clair. He is currently looking for an import center for next season. We made contact with coaches from Chile and Israel yesterday.
Today we are going to the Global League at 12 to watch Stephon Carter. Carter was the all time leading scorer at Cal Santa Barbara (NCAA Division 1). He is a 6-3 combo guard. Then at 1 will be at the NBA Summer League to watch New York vs. Dallas. Then at 3 Toronto vs. the LA Lakers. Then we will be coaching in the Las Vegas Combine. We will be coaching the Czech Republic team in the event. Practice will be at 7:30, and will then play two games tonight at the Tarkanian Academy. Team Czech Republic features several 6-8 and over players with European experience.
