Episode 11 - Illinois

Oregon is a state that has had peaks and valleys in the attention paid to the state for basketball recruiting. From producing multiple draft picks in a class to having only a handful of D1 guys our panel discusses why this happens and what you might find as a college coach if you’re in on the state early.

Guests Book Richardson (Guachoes), Munch Williams (PSA Cardinals), Patrick Massaroni (Arch. Stepinac) & Jay David (NY Jayhawks) let the world know that the NYC stereotypes and the rumors of the downward trajectory of hoops in the largest market in the US are wrong! Ballers from NYC get it done at a high level and that isn't changing, they tell us why.

Guests Jere Quinn (St. Thomas More), Thomas Epinosa (Putnum Science Academy), Rock Battistoni (Loomis & Chaffee) & Mike Hart (St. Andrews) talk about how in their states you often find players from out of state coming in to make a big names for themselves. 

Mike Weinstein (Fundamental Univ.) and Gavin Sullivan (Midwest ProspectAcademy) we cut out the city of Chicago and break down the state of Illinoisand address the challenges of recruiting a region that is spread out overland...but the land is fertile!

Guests Jason Smith (Brewster Academy) Dan Haynes (Lee Academy) & Alex Popp (Educational Consultant for Prep School placement) discuss some "smaller" states with big reps. The NEPSAC has some of the widest range of consistent talent in the nation with players ranging from NBA all-stars to D3 players. What is the value in getting a player who has prepped? Age, consistent preparation and readiness for the next level.

Garden State grows Talent (NJ) - Guests Jimmy Salmon (NJ Playaz), Tahj Holden (Ranney), Matt Bloom (Rutgers Prep) & Jay Gomes (NJHoops.com) talk about the geographical difference from North, Central, South Jersey and the shore. The basketball infrastructure in the state is the secrete in the soil to growing gems in the Garden state of New Jersey! 

Sweet Home Alabama - Guests Kirven Land (BamaMixTapes), Ronnie Arrow (Former South Alabama HC), Ralston Turner (Muscle Shoals) & Greg Brown (Huntsville Lee) represent the huge state of Alabama from Huntsville to Birmingham to Mobile. From North to south you are traveling over 5 hours. With all that ground to cover there are pockets of basketball that generally develop different types of players. Where are the skilled guys? Where are the athletes? The panel will tell you all!

Ballers from the Boot (Louisiana) - Guests Shaun Dumas (Crescent City), Dexter Washington (Hamilton Christian), Jeff Jones (Madison Prep) & Josh Preston (NOLA.com) are from all different parts of the state and they discuss the unique challenges faced by basketball players from Louisiana. There are obstacles such as football, player safety and crime and respect for the talent that exists. The solution? Coaches teaming up to create events with the top teams around the state making it easier to scout and evaluate the talent.

Guests Marcus Sloan (OTR Exposure), Richard Law (JL3) & Lupe Nunez (TX Hard Work) talk about how and why basketball has evolved in East TX and why they are always hidden gyms throughout this large and fertile recruiting region. 

Guests Jesse McMillan (Norcross), Desmond Eastmond (Worldwide Renegades) & Shun Williams (On the Radar Hoops) talk about the collaborative effort that everyone in and around ATL uses to help all their kids. Coordinated workout times & the most AAU events in the country mean more attention for more kids. Find out what else the ATL basketball community does to support their young athletes.