Rashad Vaughn (left), Kelly Oubre and Craig Victor could be the nation's most lethal trio of seniors.
Photo by Jann Hendry
Jerome Williams
2012-13 record: 35-1, No. 3 final Academy Top 10 national ranking
Players to watch: Lucas Antunez (6-2, Sr., G),
Jonah Bolden (6-8, Sr., F),
Dillon Brooks (6-6, Jr., F),
Justin Jackson (6-8, So., F),
Renathan Ona Embo (6-1, So., G),
Kelly Oubre (6-6, Sr., G, Kansas verbal commitment),
Horace Spencer (6-8, Jr., F),
Derryck Thornton Jr. (6-1, So., G),
Rashad Vaughn (6-6, Sr., G),
Craig Victor (6-7, Sr., F, Arizona verbal commitment)
Breaking down the PilotsIt's tempting to go with Findlay Prep in the top spot but three head coaches in three years is typically not a recipe for success at any level of basketball.
Jerome "Junkyard Dog" Williams of Pistons and Raptors fame steps in to replace Todd Simon, who left after one year as head coach to take a position at UNLV. Michael Peck led Findlay Prep to an incredible 157-8 record the previous five seasons before taking over the NBDL's Idaho Stampede.
Justin Jackson is the latest high-profile Canadian star to head to Findlay Prep.
Photo by Jann Hendry
The transition should be eased with plenty of familiar faces still on staff. Williams is in his fifth year with the program while assistants Andy Johnson, Brett Price and Michael Smalley are all mainstays.
If that group can coach as well as it attracts talent, the Sin City superpower should be in for another successful campaign.
"I think we have high-character kids that consistently push themselves to get better. Those characteristics really stand out about this group so far," said assistant coach Andy Johnson.
Guards Oubre and Vaughn are 247Sports Top 10 prospects in the 2014 class and both are on the short list for MaxPreps National Player of the Year honors. Skilled and versatile forward Victor brings a winning legacy from New Orleans as well.
Newcomers Bolden (from Australia), Ona Embo (France) and Jackson (Canada) all spent time over the summer on age group national teams. Antunez (Spain), Brooks (Canada) and freshmen O'Shae Brissett (Canada) and Chidozie Nnamene (Nigeria) add to the international flavor.
The Pilots will make two trips to Canada during the season.
Stepping upFindlay Prep is typically loaded with talented upperclassmen. But sophomore Thornton Jr. could be the rare youngster to make a major impact.
"He's one of our hardest workers and a very good on-ball defender," Johnson said.
Thornton spent his freshman year at Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) and has been on the national radar since seventh grade.
Key datesDec. 19-21 – Tarkanian Classic
Dec. 28 – vs.
DeLaSalle (Minneapolis) at Mike Miller Classic
Jan. 3 – vs.
Pinnacle (Phoenix) at Rancho Solano Arizona Showcase
Jan. 4 – vs.
Corona del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.) at Rancho Solano Arizona Showcase
Jan. 11 – vs. Atlanta Sports Academy at Las Vegas Prep Showcase
Jan. 20 – vs.
Wesleyan Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.) at Spalding Hoophall Classic
Jan. 25 – vs.
Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) at Big City Showcase
