Fastbreak

Kyle Macy played for his dad in Indiana in High School and has fond memories of it to this day. He was an All American at UK, so I guess it was successful.

That's crazy... the nuns were right... I do feel hair growing on my palms...

I absolutely love this kid. He works his tail off on the court and makes good things happen. ODU is getting a hard nosed, blue collar workman that will contribute on both ends of the floor. Congratulations Stauffers on a job well done!!! :thumb:

Transy Coach Brian Lane picks up a great kid and a solid family. Congratulations all around! :thumb:

A quick update to not that Ryan Popp is not playing ball at Thomas More. I have no further information, but the kid is quick with tremendous handles, it would be a shame for him not to be competing somewhere. Also just learned that Chad Jackson has withdrawn from James Madison following his freshman season and has signed to play at Northern Kentucky University.

11 of 12 playing college ball and the one kid that could be playing at a lot of schools. Seven NCAA Division One schollys Two D-IIIs Two NAIAs I even know of one kid a grade behind these guys that played with the Patriots in a few events over a couple of years when his primary AAU squad was not in action that just signed to play D-II next year. These guys were good, from the parents, coaches and behind the scenes folks keeping things rolling, to the players themselves... and a better group of kids would be hard to find. This is a shining example of what is possible when people work together and do things right. :thumb:

Just learned some more on other former Patriots: Jordan Siebert - Ohio State Juan Staten - Dayton who just transferred Penn State Griffin McKenzie - Xavier Andy Earls is at Cincinnati State but not playing basketball... (...a shame to me...) They had some great kids and a tremendous program... Five (or more) state titles, numerous trips to nationals, and a majority of their players still competing in college ball pretty much debunks a lot of high school coaches complaints about AAU encouraging bad habits and not teaching team play. Granted, the Patriots weren't an average team, but they also prove that not all AAU ball is bad. :thumb:

I edited my previous post after you posted... "The last I heard is he was considering Cincinnati-Clermont and Wilmington, but don't know for sure where he ended up, or if he is still playing. It would be a shame if he isn't." Andy is a good kid who worked hard to develop his skills. I do hope he's still competing somewhere.

The following are the kids that come to mind from this AAU team. The information is current to the best of my knowledge, but may change at any time. Chad Jackson was at James Madison and may be looking for a new opportunity. Dakotah Euton was at Akron, and is now at Asbury Austin Flannery was at Asbury Kyle Bair was at Asbury Ryan Popp was at Thomas More Daniel Corbett was at Johns Hopkins Josh Sewell is at Miami Ohio Mikey Gabbard was at Western Kentucky but is rumored to be transferring to Erskine Andy Earls has to be playing somewhere. The last I heard is he was considering Cincinnati-Clermont and Wilmington, but don't know for sure where he ended up, or if he is still playing. It would be a shame if he isn't. There are several other kids that played with the Patriots at one time or another, but I have no information at this time.

Congratulations to Jake and his parents. Great kid, great family! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

I've seen both pros and cons in terms of player development. From my experience it has been almost entirely favorable. Spring and summer ball many not be essential, but it is invaluable for helping kids already with solid fundamentals improve their skills and thinking in actual game situations against very good competition. Under the right circumstances, this carries over to their school teams and into confidence off the court. Some of the very best coaches in the game, without time or credentials to coach high school ball have excellent summer teams. Of course there are some stinkers too. In terms of kids with the physique and skills to play beyond high school, it is almost mandatory for them to compete on a decent team in events attended my college coaches. Not many players - great or average - have the opportunity to play in the Sweet 16 at Rupp. Only a handful ever have a tourney like Mr. Hickey did this year. But a lot of good players can participate on summer teams that will play in events with more coaches present than ever attend the Sweet 16. I've seen more than 70 coaches at a single summer game, and over 300 at some tournaments. It's a numbers thing, and for good players, every bit of extra exposure is almost always a good thing. There are exceptions to the rule, but they are becoming increasingly rare. It's just too easy for college coaches to visit a handful of key events in July and see more talent than they have time or budget to see otherwise.

It's been my pleasure to know Mr. Hickey since his third or fourth grade year. A great kid and a terrific competitor. I wish him nothing but the best.

Goldie, I can honestly say, the highlight of my evening was finally getting to meet you face-to-face. GRC is very fortunate to have you as their #1 fan. GRC is the real deal. They have the size, talent and depth to be playing on the final Saturday in March. :thumb:

The King brothers are both great kids and competitors. Congratulations to Kyle, Luke and the whole family... job well done!

Home... in bed with a fever.