Photo by Nick KozaNerlens Noel
The Boston Amateur Basketball Club captured the EYBL Finals at the Nike Peach Jam title Friday night in North Augusta, S.C., beating Memphis YOMCA to cap a dominating run through one of the nation's most prestigious events.
Here's a look at the standouts and some final notes from the Riverview Park Activities Center;
All-Tournament First Team(MVP) Nerlens Noel, BABC: The 6-foot-10 center put up over 12 points, nine rebounds and nearly seven blocked shots per game, setting the tone for a team that blew through tournament opponents by nearly 20 points per game.
Kyle Anderson, Playaz: The
St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.) rising senior recorded three triple-doubles en route to averages of 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game, leading the Playaz to a quarterfinal appearance.
Archie Goodwin, Arkansas Wings Elite: Despite playing injured, Goodwin put his offensive arsenal on full display, leading the event in scoring at 20.4 points per game.
Jabari Parker, Mac Irvin Fire: Posted 17.7 points per game to go along with several double-digit rebounding efforts. It's been a special summer for the FIBA Americas U16 Championship MVP.
Julius Randle, Texas Titans: The highly-competitive and physical power forward was third at the Peach Jam in scoring (19.3 points per game) and second in rebounding (9.8). Dominated several big one-on-one battles.
All-Tournament Second TeamBrice Johnson, CP3: The South Carolina product shot an unbelievable .818 (36 of 44) from the field and swatted away 21 shots in five games.
Matt Jones, Texas Titans: Helped open things up for highly-touted teammate Randle by averaging 18.0 points per game and knocking down 18 attempts from beyond the arc (.439).
Georges Niang, BABC: Consistent low-post force for tournament champs, contributed 21 points and seven boards in the championship game and tied a EYBL Finals-best with 31 points against Team Texas in pool play.
Jarnell Stokes, Memphis YOMCA: The Memphis club had key contributions from several players throughout the event, but Stokes' consistency earns him the nod (14.7 points, 9.7 rebounds per game).
Jalen Brantley, BABC: Pumped in a team-high 24 points in the final and shot over 50 percent from beyond the 3-point arc on the week.
All-Tournament Third TeamBilly Garrett Jr., Mac Irvin Fire: Playing alongside fellow 2013 star Parker, the DePaul commitment pumped in 17.3 points per game and knocked down 19 3-pointers in six games.
Ricardo Gathers, Louisiana Select: His team struggled but the manchild's production is difficult to ignore – 18.4 points per game and a tournament-best 12.2 rebounds per game.
Jaron Blossomgame, Georgia Stars: The Clemson commitment was clutch for the Stars, getting a game-winning free throw against Team Takeover that kept tournament hopes alive and averaging 15.7 points per game.
Brandon Ashley, Oakland Soldiers: Helped the Soldiers reached the semifinals with a team-leading 17.9 points per game and a couple of 20/10 efforts.
Dominic Artis, Oakland Soldiers: Perhaps the breakout performer of the week, posted 14.3 points and over four assists per game.
RundownTony Parker and the Georgia Stars met
Will "Shaq" Goodwin and Memphis YOMCA in the semifinals. Parker and Goodwin have seen plenty of each other lately as they met four times in high school ball last season. Parker's
Miller Grove (Lithonia, Ga.) team came out on top in three of those four contests, but Goodwin got a measure of revenge Friday by helping Memphis YOMCA eliminate the Georgia Stars...It was a disappointing week for
DaJuan Coleman,
Ricardo Ledo and the Albany City Rocks. While Ledo had some big scoring outings, Coleman never got on track and the Rocks went 0-5...
James Robinson is going to be a special leader and rock solid point guard for one lucky college program. The sturdy (6-2, 200)
DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) product uses all means available to get the job done, including shoving massive teammate
BeeJay Anya (6-8, 265) in front of a would-be defender while dribbling the ball to create space and drive to the basket. While it should have been a moving screen call, officials probably haven't seen it done before and let the play continue...Scott Drew an the Baylor staff are master advertisers. Thanks to their thoughtful apparel, there was no doubt when a BAYLOR coach was in the gym. Don't think recruits didn't take notice...
Darrick Wood of the Playaz and
Nia Prep (Newark, N.J.) might be the most athletic and entertaining dunker in the country. Glad I got to the gym early to see the Playaz face the Oakland Soldiers. Wood put on a show during pre-game with above-the-rim dunks and hammered several in game action, as well...Not that they don't have a big future in basketball, but if players like
Ricardo Gathers (6-7, 240),
Charles Tapper (6-4, 230),
Brian Bridgewater (6-5, 235) and Kaiako Kaluna (6-6, 245) ever decided to focus on football, they would likely be among the most highly-recruited players in the country.