Athletes First mourns the loss of a family member with the passing of Carolyn Orton
on Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 from complications of Lupus an autoimmune disorder.
Carolyn, the mother of Terrence Crawford, former Oklahoma State player and Daniel Orton,
current player at Bishop McGuinness High School and loving wife of Larry Orton (Big O), will be
deeply missed by all. She will forever be remembered for her love and kindness towards all the kids
in the program and her willingness to give of her herself to everyone. God has called her home but her
kindred spirit will live on.
Athletes First Family
Darnell “D-Block”’ Jackson’s Basketball Camp
For Boys and Girls
August 22-23, 2009
Saturday and Sunday 9AM – 4PM
Location: Santa Fe Family Life Center
6300 N. Santa Fe
Oklahoma City, OK
Phone: (405) 840-1817
Thanks to hard work and his visibility on the recruiting trail, Eric Bossi has earned his reputation as one of the top
independent talent evaluators in the country.
The founder and director of EBoss Hoops Scouting Service a high school
scouting service for Division One basketball programs, Bossi has clients across the country in conferences like the ACC,
Atlantic 10, Big 12, Big 10, Big East, Horizon, Missouri Valley, Pac 10, Sun Belt, West Coast, and Mountain West among
others.
A member of the United States Basketball Writer's Association, Bossi has done freelance work for many of the
top outlets devoted to covering high school basketball. He's served as a Senior Recruiting Analyst for highly
regarded PrepStars.com and it's partner magazine the Recruiter's Handbook for seven years.
Currently, Bossi provides
evaluations and content for several sites on the scout.com network. He has also served as a talent evaluator for the
prestigious Nike Hoop Jamboree for each of the last two summers.
Athlete's First Combine Recap
Dominique Raney
Over the weekend, Athlete's First held their first ever exposure combine. Scout.com was on hand to check out the action
and get a look at some of the young talent.
When it comes to producing college and even NBA talent, Gary Vick's Athlete's First program has emerged as the top grassroots outfit in the
state of Oklahoma. Continually producing top talent, the program took another step over the weekend holding an exposure combine at
their new basketball facility in Oklahoma City.
Around 100 campers took the floor on Saturday and Sunday looking to emerge as the next Blake Griffin, Obi Muonelo,
Xavier Henry, Shelden Williams, Daniel Orton or Kelenna Azubuike.
[See Article]
Junior High - High School Boys October 24 & 25, 2009
Juwan Parker Brings the ball up court during the 2009 Showcase.
Josh Richardson Lays one in at the 2009 Showcase.
ATHLETES FIRST FALL SHOWCASE IS A MAJOR SUCCESS!
By: Rick McCormick, Owner/Editor of SOUTHWEST HOOPS REPORTS
On Saturday and Sunday, October 23-24, the Athletes First Fall
Showcase was held at the Performance Sports Complex in North Oklahoma City. The event was designed to
be a fundamental two day session which served as a lead-in to Junior High and High School basketball
practices. The event was a "no frills, fundamental, skills and drills camp". The Junior High segment
of the camp ended each day with some live game action scrimmages. The High School session ended each
day with full court drills of ballhandling,passing, and shooting. The High School group was directed
by Carl Henry, the Head Coach of the National Champion, Athletes First AAU program. The players spent
eight hours each day on the court going through every kind of fundamental drill one could imagine.
It was a great opportunity for many of these kids to not only get a real jumpstart on many of their
competitors, but also improve their skill level.
The Showcase attracted players from throughout the State of Oklahoma. The talent level was
certainly solid, in both the High School and Junior High divisions.
Listed below is a breakdown on a few of the players in attendence:
This group has definite NCAA D-I potential:
Juwan Parker 6'4" 185 FREHSMAN Tulsa, Booker T. Washington Has a High-Major Chance and Future
A great body for a young kid. Runs well, shoots it on pull-up and strokes the 3. Great wrist action on shot.
Handles well, showed possible PG skill level. A tremendous talent for age. Could become one of the
Nation's best in class of 2013.
Matt Christianson 6'7" 220 SOPH Bishop McGuiness D-I Chance Runs well for a big kid.
Is willing to throw body around and play a power post game. Showed some handles and ball skill.
Josh Richardson 6'5' JUNIOR Edmond Santa Fe D-I Potential and Chance
A run and jump athlete, quick jump off floor, good looking stroke and shot. A good talent
level. Needs additional RPM'S in motor.
Sean Young 6'10" 195 SOPH Bixby D-I Potential and Chance.
Long, lean, and thin. Runs OK. Hands appeared OK. Looks young. Future depends on development,
weight/strength and overall development of a true position. Is a project, but due to size and
youth has a very high ceiling.
This next group have a chance at some level of collegiate play:
Zach Bowie 6'4 1/2" 170 SENIOR Bethany
Showed some good handles, good skill level, and a good feel for the game.
Chad Johnson 5'11" 180 JUNIOR Edmond Santa Fe
Good strong and athletic body, good handles and speed. Plays aggressively and comes at you.
Kyle Larkin 6'3" 155 SOPH Bethany
Shoots it, moves well without the ball, decent feel for the game for a young kid.
Rodney Teal 6'2" 145 SOPH Putnam City North
Long and athletic, decent skill level. One to keep an eye on.
A Young Kid To Watch:
Frank Johnson 6'1" 150 8th Grade Putnam City West
Decent handles and athleticism.
*Note: Rick McCormick is a veteran college basketball coach of 27 years.
McCormick was a College Head Coach and Athletic Director for 17 years. Along with winning a
National Championship, he was named National Coach of the Year and was selected as Conference
Coach of the Year in three different collegiate conferences. Known as an excellent evaluator,
he brings the uniqueness of having coached collegiately at the Junior College, NAIA, NCAA D-II,
and NCAA D-I levels. His website is www.southwesthoops.com.
2009 Nike Combine
Top Nike Scout
Vince Baldwin evaluates the talent at the 2009 Nike Combine.
Players play above the rim at the 2009 Nike Combine.
2009 Nike Combine Action!
Junior High - High School Boys October 24 & 25, 2009
Summer Tip Off 2009
NATIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
June 26, 27 & 28, 2009
Location: Performance Sports
6300 N. Santa Fe
and local area high schools, OKC, OK
2009 Jordan Brand All-American Team
Daniel Orton
Daniel Orton is arguably the most powerful and versatile big men in the 2009 class. He is a
tremendous defensive player due to his shot blocking ability and rebounding. Orton highlighted
those skills last year as he averaged 10 rebounds and almost seven blocks a game as a junior.
His unselfishness on the offensive side of the ball makes any point guard want to play with him.
Orton can score on the low block and is great at finishing through contact. In the summer,
he played along side fellow Jordan Brand All-American Xavier Henry. Next season Orton will
play for Billy Gillespie at Kentucky.
2009 Jordan Brand All-American Team
Xavier Henry
Arguably the top prospect in the class of 2009, Xavier Henry has been on college coaches
radar from before his freshman year of high school. Henry has a textbook jump shot that
is automatic from the wing. He can put the ball on the floor and will challenge anyone
on his way to the basket. Henry’s strength and size are a huge asset and are what set him a
notch above the rest of the players at his position. His mother and father also played
collegiately at Kansas in the early 80’s. Henry will play at Kansas next year where
he will join his older brother C.J. and Coach Self.
Former Athlete First Player
UK Signs Three Recruits; Gillispie calls Orton 'unbelievable prospect'
Orton, a 6-foot-10 center from Oklahoma City, Okla., and a top-20 national prospect,
gives Kentucky a franchise anchor.
"He's an unbelievable prospect at a very difficult position to recruit," said Gillispie, who
likened Orton to UK All-American candidate Patrick Patterson.
Athletes First Defeats The Southern Kings 67-58 To Win The Las Vegas Main Event Tournament
Pictured Front Row: Trey Payne, Jemeil Donovan, James Woodard, Joe Edmonds
Back Row: Coach Randy Walters, Mike Onuhau, Matt Christiansen,Josh Richardson,
Devin Totoro, Head Coach Leonard Jackson
Athletes First 15's Finish Sixth At The 2009 AAU National Tournament
Athletes First 15's with a record of 8-1 finish sixth at the 2009 AAU National Tournament in Nashville,TN.
Pictured Left To Right: Coach Randy Walters, Jemil Donovan, Nino Jackson, Tre Payne, James Woodard, Coach Leonard Jackson
Pictured Back Row Left To Right: Devin Totoro, Josh Richardson, Joe Edmonds, Sean Young, Mike Onuoha, Matt Christiansen
Athletes First 15’s Win 2009 Manhattan Classic National Tournament
Athletes First 15's defeat the Kansas City Cowboys 66-59 to win the 2009 Manhattan Classic National Tournament.
Bottom Left to Right:
Nino Jackson, Jamil Donovan
Top Row Left to Right: Coach Leonard Jackson, Devin Totoro, Joe Edmonds,
Tre Payne, Josh Shepherd, Matt Christiansen, Mike Onuoha, James Woodard
and Coach Randy Walters
Athletes First 15’s Win 2009 Texas Throwdown Championship
Athletes First 15's defeat Texas Bluechips 52 to 49 to win 2009 Texas Throwdown Championship.
Pictured front row left to right:
Coach Randy Walters, Jamil Donovan, Tre Payne,
Nino Jackson, Coach Leonard Jackson
Back Row: Phoenix Bills, James Woodard, Josh Richardson,
Matt Christiansen, Mike Onuoha, Garrett McGrady,
Devin Totoro
Athletes First 15’s Win 2009 Arkansas Showcase National Tournament
Athletes First 15's defeat St Louis Eagles 79 to 49 to win 2009 Arkansas Throwdown Championship.
Bottom left to right: Jamil Donovan, Tre Payne
Standing left to right: Coach Randy Walter, Nino Jackson, Phoenix Bills, Josh Richardson, Mike Onuoha,
James Woodard, Devin Totoro, Coach Jack
Back row Matt Christiansen, Garrett McGrady.
Athletes First 14’s Win MAYB National Kick Off Tournament
The Athletes First 14's defeated the Tulsa Thunder 58-56 to win the 2009 MAYB National Kick Off Tournament in Newton, KS.
From Left to Right: Joel Blumenthal, Demi Royal, David Bush, Tanner Tepe,
D’Angelo Smith, Richard Brothers, JR Simon, Connor McFall, J.D. Warren.
Not pictured head coach Peter Abbott
Former Athletes First Player SAM BRADFORD WINS HEISMAN TROPHY
Sam Bradford of the University of Oklahoma was selected as
the 74th winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy as the Most Outstanding College Football Player in the United
States for 2008.
Sanford Wurmfeld, of the Heisman Trophy Trust, which annually presents the Heisman Memorial
Trophy Award, announced the selection of Bradford on Saturday evening, December 13th, on a
nationally televised ESPN sports special live from the Nokia Theatre in Times Square.
(Read More)
ATHLETES FIRST FALL SHOWCASE IS A MAJOR SUCCESS!
By: Rick McCormick, Owner/Editor of SOUTHWEST HOOPS REPORTS
On Saturday and Sunday, October 23-24, the Athletes First Fall
Showcase was held at the Performance Sports Complex in North Oklahoma City. The event was designed to
be a fundamental two day session which served as a lead-in to Junior High and High School basketball
practices. The event was a "no frills, fundamental, skills and drills camp". The Junior High segment
of the camp ended each day with some live game action scrimmages. The High School session ended each
day with full court drills of ballhandling,passing, and shooting. The High School group was directed
by Carl Henry, the Head Coach of the National Champion, Athletes First AAU program. The players spent
eight hours each day on the court going through every kind of fundamental drill one could imagine.
It was a great opportunity for many of these kids to not only get a real jumpstart on many of their
competitors, but also improve their skill level.
The Showcase attracted players from throughout the State of Oklahoma. The talent level was
certainly solid, in both the High School and Junior High divisions.
NCAA Moves to Clean Up Recruiting
The Division I Legislative Council approved one part of a plan aimed at cleaning up the recruiting environment in men's basketball and will seek feedback from the membership on several companion proposals.
The Council approved 2009-99, which would prohibit institutions from hiring people associated with prospects for noncoaching positions during a period two years before and two years after the prospect's enrollment at an institution. It will be considered adopted at the conclusion of the Board meeting Saturday.
In essence, the proposal allows coaches either to recruit the prospective student-athlete or recruit the coach, but not both.
Putnam City High School's Xavier Henry has been named Gatorade's state Player of the Year in
boys basketball. The Memphis signee scored 24 points in the Class 6A state championship game against Jenks. Putnam
City won the game, 72-48.
Henry was considered one of the best players in the country being ranked by
recruiting websites and magazine publications such as VYPE.
The 6-foot-6 forward is expected to do well at the college level.
[VYPE Article]
Former Athletes First Player Xavier Henry Top
Prospect!
Considered the top prospect in the Class of 2009 by many, Putnam City, Okla. guard Xavier
Henry is headed to Memphis.
Regarded as the top player in the country by some recruiting services, Henry will follow in the footsteps of
brother C.J. to suit up for the Tigers. C.J. was once considered a hot prospect on the baseball diamond after
becoming in the 17th overall pick in the 2005 amateur baseball draft by the New York Yankees.
In addition to earning spots on the McDonald’s All-American and Jordan All-American teams,
Putnam City guard Xavier Henry was named to the USA Basketball Junior National Select team, which will play the
World in Nike Hoop Summit on April 11. The World team is comprised of top players 19 years old or younger from
around the world.
“It feels unbelievable to be recognized as one of the best players in the United States,”
said Henry, who signed with Memphis last fall. “And be on a team that gets to play against the world’s best.”
The 6-6 senior is averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
Henry is shooting 55.9 percent from the field, including 44.3 percent from the three-point line.
XAVIER HENRY
PUTNAM CITY HIGH SCHOOL
HOMETOWN: OKLAHOMA CITY, OK.
HEIGHT: 6'6 - WEIGHT: 225
POSITION: GUARD
COLLEGE: KANSAS
Former Athletes First Player PC Basketball Standout Kyle Hardrick Signs with Oklahoma
Putnam City basketball standout Kyle Hardrick put his signature on the dotted line.
He was officially a Sooner. The 6-foot-8, 233-pounder joined Oklahoma’s 2009 basketball recruiting class on
Wednesday during a signing ceremony at Putnam City High School. Hardrick signed with OU after orally committing
to the Sooners in May 2006.
The Boston Celtics picked guard J.R. Giddens of New Mexico with the 30th pick of the NBA draft Thursday night and coach Doc Rivers said his defensive skills give him a chance to contribute to the world champions next season......
Critical mass has hit the Celtics [team stats]
over the last two weeks, with the latest casualty, Rajon Rondo [stats],
set to miss tonight’s game against Toronto with an ankle sprain.
With Paul Pierce [stats] (knee), Kevin Garnett (knee) and Marquis Daniels
(thumb) also out, coach Doc Rivers dipped into his seldom-used pool of young
players yesterday, with a beaming J.R. Giddens running with the first unit
in practice.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired the draft rights to forward Darnell Jackson from the Miami Heat in exchange for the lower of the Cavaliers two second round picks in the 2009 NBA Draft.
The Celtics went into Thursday night's draft with the last pick in each of the two rounds after
winning the title last week in a six-game series against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Former Athletes First Player Blake Griffin's 21 boards, clutch free throws lift Sooners to NIT title
Griffin hit the go-ahead foul shot with just over a minute left in overtime, finishing with 18 points
and matching a career high with 21 rebounds in an 87-82 victory over the No. 10 Boilermakers on Friday in the
championship of the NIT Season Tip-Off.
He did a really good job of attacking and getting to the free-throw line," Oklahoma coach
Jeff Capel said. "Our team has to know that Blake is going to get double-teamed, he's going
to get triple-teamed, they're going to get physical with him. You can't force it. Other guys
have to step up."
Former Athletes First Players
Sooners Stars Blake Griffin, Sam Bradford Makes History
Whether it was Blake Griffin driving his 1993 gold Ford Explorer or Sam Bradford behind the wheel of a white 1997 Ford Expedition,
the carpooling rides to AAU practice at Midwest City High would rarely deviate.
Two high school kids roaring with laughter at the expense of their buddies and Athletes First
basketball teammates with one impersonation after another.
Juwan Parker Brings the ball up court during the 2009 Showcase.
Josh Richardson Lays one in at the 2009 Showcase.
Suns Take Taylor Griffin in Second!
What a night for OU men's basketball and for the Griffin family.
Approximately four hours after Blake Griffin was selected No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft
by the Los Angeles Clippers, older brother Taylor Griffin was taken in the second round
by the Phoenix Suns with the 48th overall pick.
"This is your dream," said the 6-7, 238-pound forward from a suite at New York's Madison Square Garden.
"As far as Blake and I being taken in same draft -- you can imagine maybe playing in college together,
but never in million years did I really imagine both of us being drafted on the same night."
Read More
