Winston-Salem, N.C.-- A capacity group of 200 young prospects attended the sold-out 14th Annual Bob Gibbons Fall Evaluation Clinic at Wake Forest University on September 20-21. This event included participants from 16 states, plus, the District of Columbia, Canada, and China. The two top 2009 performers in the event were 6-8 P/WF Jamelle Hagins , Roanoke, Va./ William Fleming, and 6-1 PG Jairus Simms, Winston-Salem, N.C./ North Forsyth.

The most talented overall prospects were 2010 players, 6-7 P/WF Reco McCarter, Goldsboro, N.C./ Wayne Country Day; 6-8+ C/F Patric Young, Jacksonville, Fla./ Paxon School; and high-flying 6-4 G/F Damarcus Harrison, Greenwood, S.C. There were numerous outstanding underclassmen players from the classes of 2010, 2011, 2012, and two in 2013.

This highly organized, precision run event was directed by Bob Gibbons, ably assisted by Head Clinician Andy Muse, Winston-Salem, N.C./Mount Tabor, and a member of the NBPA Top 100 Camp staff; andAssistant Clincian, Sean Vestal, Winston-Salem, N.C./North Forsyth. The clinic focused upon teaching and developing the fundamental skills of the game, with the primary concept being “Back to the Basics.” All players were evaluated by our coaches, Andre Whitehead of Tennessee Prep Report, and myself on their present abilities, the areas they need to improve, and their potential to play at the next level. Every player will receive a detailed written evaluation report from Bob Gibbons. The final players ratings are sent to over 300 colleges.

The Sunday morning keynote speaker was former NBA player, Rusty LaRue, now the athletic director and head basketball coach at Forsyth Country Day in Lewisville, N.C. LaRue gave a very inspirational talk about how his hard work, determination, dedication, and study of the game helped him to reach greater heights in sports career than anyone thought he could.

At this clinic in addition to playing two games each day, players are divided by positon into three groups-- lead guards, wings, and post players for teaching stations. Directing the lead guards was Kevin Spainhour, Mt. Airy, N.C.; head instructor for the wings was 12-years clinic veteran, Larry Sipe, Kings Mountain, N.C; and again directing the post players station was staff regular, Gary Bowne, Hickory, N.C., St. Stephens.

Standout Players

Jamelle Hagins, P/WF (6-8. 215) Grade: 91
Senior, Roanoke, Va./William Fleming
Hagins is a versatile, athletically gifted power forward with the potential, if he develops his perimeter skills, to play either forward positon at the next level. He was the best all-around post player in the position drills, and dominated in the games at this event.  He has excellent athletic abilities, including quickness, agility, and a high vertical jump. He moves his feet well on defense, and plays with intensity. Hagins has good form on his shot, and can hit three-pointers. He does need to continue to work hard on his shooting to improve his consistency. He can pick and pop to the rim, and has an effective drop step move. Hagins played for the Carolina Raptors travel team this past spring and summer. However, he stood out more playing in the post at this clinic. He is presently being under-recruited, and is a bonafide major college prospect.Hopefully, mid-majors or higher will look at him.

Jairus Simms, PG (6-1, 185) Grade: 91
Senior, Winston-Salem, N.C./North Forsyth
Simms transferred to North Forsyth this year from High Point, N.C./High Point Christian. He is not a flashy player, but a true point guard, and an outstanding floorleader. He has the ability to make all his teammates play better. Simms has a strong body, and the skills to penetrate and dish to open teammates, or finish at the hoop. He has an effective outside shot, but has a pass-first mentality. He plays aggressive defense on the ball, and works hard on both ends of the court. Simms played for the N.C. Gaters in the AAU Junior National Tournament this summer, and was a solid, team-oriented performer. For a mid-major program in need of a point guard, Simms should be considered.

Reco McCarter, P/WF (6-7, 187) Grade: F94
Junior, Goldsboro, N.C./Wayne Country Day
McCarter is, unquestionably, one of the top 2010 prospects in the talent-rich state of North Carolina. He is blessed with exceptional athletic abilities, including a terrific vertical jump, lightning speed and quickness, the hands of a magician, and superb reflexes. McCarter can explode to the hoop, or pull up and shoot his soft left-handed jumpshot. He has good ballhandling skills, and is an effective passer. He still needs to focus upon his three-point shooting consistency, and becoming stronger. He always plays with high intensity, desire, and confidence, and has a great work ethic. McCarter’s potential is virtually limitless. He projects as a high major college prospect. He attended the Wake Forest elite camp in August, and, reportedly, has much interest in the Demon Deacons.

Patric Young, C/F (6-8, 215) Grade: F94
Junior, Jacksonville, Fla./ Paxon School
Young has the most potential and upside of all the big men that attended this clinic. He is has superb athletic abilities, including being explosively quick off the floor, and a soaring vertical jump. He has very strong hands and catches the ball very well. He is an outstanding rebounder, shotblocker, and low post scorer. His most effective scoring weapon is his jumphook with either hand. Young is a tremendous dunker, and an excellent post defender. He has the potential to play either the high or low post at the next level. He does need to improve his shooting range and consistency, and work on his ballhandling. He plays with a high energy level and intensity. Young is a quiet, soft spoken young man, with a good attitude. His list of colleges includes Florida, Florida State, Wake Forest, Miami, South Florida Connecticut, and Jacksonville.

Damarcus Harrison G/F (6-4, 190) Grade:F93
Junior, Greenwood, S.C./Greenwood
Harrison is not rated on many national lists, but he has performed at a very high level in the past two Bob Gibbons Fall Evaluation Clinics. He is an extraordinary athlete with incredible quickness. He can explode to the hoop, has great timing, and plays above the rim. Harrison is an outstanding rebounder from the wing position, and the ultimate competitor. He excels in transition, and can finish with strong drives to the hoop, spin moves, pull-up jumpers, and soft bank shots. He plays strong defense on the ball, stays with his man, and is a tireless worker. Harrison has a great attitude, and is literally, a coach’s dream as a player. He has high major college potential.

Chase Fischer, 1/2G (6-3, 165) Grade: F94
Sophomore, Ripley, W. Va./Ripley, committed to Marshall
Fischer has remarkable basketball knowledge for a young player, and always seems to make the right decision. He is a very poised, confident floor leader, and an excellent playmaker. Fischer has precise passing skills, and is outstanding on the break. He is a deadeye three-point marksman, and can score in virtually every way. Marshall, literally, got a steal is this talented young West Virginia player, and it was very smart for them to get his commitment early. Otherwise, the high majors would be all over him. Fischer works very hard on and off the court, and, is constantly in the gym trying to improve his game. He projects as a top prospect in the Class of 2011.

Brian Richardson, 2G (6-5, 170) Grade: F92
Junior, Wilson, N.C./Greenfield School
Richardson is a very versatile, highly talented young player, with the skills to play both guard positions. He did not have a vintage shooting performance at this clinic. But, he is a very capable outside shooter and scorer. Richardson is at his best offensively with the ball in his hands. He is very creative, and a superb ballhandler. He can get to the rim, shoot with either hand, and find open teammates with accurate passes. Richardson must get stronger and play with more intensity. He must become a better defensive player, and have more toughness on the court. He is getting high major looks, but right now may be an upper mid-major prospect.

Derek Harrison, PG (6-0, 165) Grade: 90
Senior, Greenwood, S.C./Greenwood
The older brother of Damarcus Harrison, Derek was a standout at our 2007 Fall Evaluation Clinic. It is apparent that he has worked hard on his game during the past year, and has taken it to an even higher level. A true point guard, Harrison is a high energy athlete, who is constant motion on the court. He is blessed with superior speed, quickness, and athletic abilities, and plays much bigger that 6-0. He can explode to the rim, and has an unbelievable vertical jump. Harrison is an accurate three-point shooter, and can score in a variety of ways. He is the ultimate competitor , scrambles for loose balls, and is a master ballhawk. Derek Harrison is a definite Division I prospect.

Surprise Players

Noah Fischer, 2G (6-3, 175) Grade: 89
Senior, Ripley, W. Va./Ripley
The older brother of Marshall commit Chase Fischer, Noah is a fundamentally sound, hardnosed competitor. He gives maximum effort at both ends of the court; handles the ball well; runs the court on the break; and can get to the basket. Fischer is an accurate three-point shooter, and can score from every range or positon inside the arc. He has a high basketball I.Q., and is a true team player. He is an ideal system performer, and should be considered by mid-major and low-major programs.

Jordan Downing, WF (6-5+, 185) Grade: F92
Junior, Huntersville, N.C./ Hopewell
Downing is a versatile, athletic wing player with a very complete arsenal of scoring abilities. He can shoot from outside, slash to the hoop, or consistently make jumphooks with either hand. He has a good work ethic, and shows outstanding potential. Downing was rated by the coaches as one of the four best wing players at this event. He does need to concentrate upon becoming a better defensive player, and playing harder on both ends of the court. However, Dowining has the talent and the abilities to take his game to a higher level, and to become a major college prospect.

Dominique Raney, 2G (6-4, 175) Grade: F91
Sophomore, Oklahoma City, Okla./Putnam City
Raney was one of the real unknowns that attended this clinic. However, he established himself as a “star of tomorrow.” Raney is a remarkable athlete, with explosive leaping ability, and an exciting slam-dunker. He is also a very good shooter with three-point range. Raney has good leadership qualities for his age, and is a total team player. He has good basketball instincts, and obviously has been well-coached in the basic fundamentals. Raney is most definitely a young player to watch.

Allan Jones, W/PF (6-5, 200) Grade: 89
Senior, Clemmons, N.C./West Forsyth
Jones was one of the most aggressive players and leading points producers in this event. He is the consumate competitor. He is very physical, and has good range on his shot. However, at his size he does need to develop his skills to play the wing forward at the next level. Jones should focus upon ballhandling, and improving his three-point shooting. He has the athleticism and lateral quickness to defend opposing three-men. Jones has an excellent attitude, and is a total team player.

Georges MaNgoue, C/F (6-8, 230) Grade:F93
Junior, Lewisville, N.C./Forsyth Country Day
This exchange student from Cameroon, Africa, is loaded with potential. He is a very gifted athlete, with good size, strength, and power inside. However, he is still somewhat raw and undeveloped offensively. MaNgoue has a great work ethic, and knows how to play the game. He just needs to improve his low post scoring skills. He rebounds effectively, boxes out, and defends the post very well. With a year of good coaching at Forsyth Country Day, MaNgoue should become a solid major college prospect.

Joshua McNally-Bibbens, P/WF (6-6, 235) Grade: 89
Senior, Staten Island, N.Y./Michael J. Petrides
At the 2007 clinic McNally-Bibbens showed good athletic abilities, and potential. This year, he has improved his basic skills, and has become a much more complete player. He has a very strong body, and uses it to play very physically in the paint. He is an effective rebounder, and low post scorer. He needs to develop some face-up moves, and a medium range offensive game. McNally-Bibbens is very coachable and eager to learn, and is an unselfish, team-oriented player. He is a good low to mid-major prospect.

Frank Tanner, G/F (6-4, 185) Grade: 89
Senior, Harrisburg, N.C./Hickory Ridge
Tanner has been coming to our evaluation clinics since the 9th grade, and may have attended the most of any player. His older brother, Ford Tanner, also was a fixture at our evaluation clinics, and turned down college scholarship offers to play for the Junior Varsity team at North Carolina. He will likely make the varsity squad next year as a junior. The son of a coach, Frank Tanner is very well-schooled in the basic skills. He knows the game, makes good decisions, and has excellent shot selection. He is an very accurate shooter with deep range. He can score driving to the hoop, and pulling up for medium-range jumpers. He is a true mid-major prospect. But, do not be surprised if he follows in his brother’s footsteps to North Carolina as a walk-on.

2008 Fall Evaluation Clinic Notes

Swannanoa, N.C./ Asheville Christian School has two very promising senior big men in 6-9, 220-pound, C/F Sam Johnson; and native Lithuanian, 6-10, 195-pound, C/F Ignas Palaima. Both are legitimate college prospects.

A very skilled senior big man who missed Saturday’s action with congestion in his chest, but played well on Sunday was 6-10, 200-pound, C/F Peter Daaleman, Chapel Hill, N.C./East Chapel Hill. Daaleman needs strength, and, obviously, was not at 100%. But, he showed good post moves, passing skills, and an accurate shooting tough with range. He is still developing, but passes our look test. Those in need of a promising big man should check him out.

Four talented young post players were 2010 prospects, 6-8, 240-pound, C Cameron McQueen, Charlotte, N.C./Ardrey Kell, 6-11, 195-pound, C Jaleel Roberts, Evans, Ga., and rugged 6-8, 230-pound, C/F Marquis Hines, Fayetteville, N.C./Seventy-First; and promising 2011 player, 6-11, 225-pound center, John Cannon, Burnsville, N.C./Mountain Heritage.

6-7, 220-pound, Sr. PF Austin Harper, Spartanburg, S.C./Spartanburg Day School, is strong on the boards, can score inside or out, and is a very solid mid to to low-major performer. Another rugged 2009 player is 6-6, 215-pound, PF Christian Bors, Washington, D.C./ Sidwell Friends.

One of the most interesting players in this clinic was 2008 graduate, 6-0, 165-pound, 1/2G Zachary Morgan, now at Cocoa, Fla, Brevard Community College. Morgan is a sensational three-point shooter, and a skilled combo guard. He is not playing junior college basketball, and is now qualified for college. He has four years of eligibility.

2009 standouts with definite college potential included: 6-5 2G Troy Daniels, Roanoke, Va./William Fleming; 6-4 G/F Devin Thompson, Fayetteville, N.C./Jack Britt; 6-0 PG Jahmad Saleem, Augusta, Ga./Cross Creek; 6-1 PG Brian McNair, Wilson, N.C./Greenfield; 6-4 G/F Ryan Bogdan, Summerville, S.C./Pinewood Prep; 6-6 P/WF Rick Alderman, Roanoke, VA./Lord Botetourt; 6-0 PG Floronta Wynn, Goldsboro, NC, Wayne Country Day; 6-0 PG Orion Palmer, Edmond, Okla./Edmond Santa Fe; 6-5 WF Eddie Johnson, Duncan, S.C./ James F. Byrnes; 6-1 1/2G Evrick Gary, Chapin, S.C./H.S.; 6-9, 275-lb., C Patrick Jackson, Brunswick, Ga./Brunswick; 6-2 2G Daris Cosby, Columbia, S.C./Richland Northeast; 6-2 1/2G William Bunton, Belmont, N.C./South Point;, 6-0 2G Travis Tracy, Spartanburg, S.C./Spartanburg Day; 6-2 2G Anthony Williams, Evans, S.C.; 6-4+ G/F Bennie Mozingo, Mauldin, S.C./H.S.; 6-3+ G/F Jonathan Hymes, Columbia, S.C./Dreher; 6-1 1/2G Bradley Grayson, Marietta, Ga./ Sprayberry; 6-2 1/2G Antar Johnson, Wilson, N.C./Charis Prep; 6-6 PF Dustin Flanary, King, N.C./West Stokes; super athlete, 5-8 1/2G Mykjuan Truesdale, Winston-Salem, N.C./Parkland; 6-0 PG Kyle Snyder, Charleston, W.Va./Sissonville; 6-0 1/2G Trey Artis, Greensboro, NC./ Southeast Guilford; 5-11 1/2G Ashad Winstead, Wilson, N.C./Beddingfield; 6-6 PF Rashawn Carroll, Columbia, S.C./Richland Northeast; 6-0 2G Derrell Armstrong, Morganza, Md./Chopticon; 6-2 2G Jordan Harris, Chattanooga, Tenn./Christian; 6-1 2G Caleb Davis, Hickory, N.C./St. Stephens; 5-11 1/2G Niles Drasites, Chapin, S.C./H.S.; 6-3 2G Jenieri Cyrus, Goldsboro, N.C./Eastern Wayne; 6-2 1/2G Ben Cherry, Charlotte, N.C./Myers Park; 6-7 PF Tim Simpson, Winston-Salem, N.C. /North Forsyth.

Outstanding 2010 prospects with the upside to play at the college level included: 6-0 1/2G Saegan Hilliard, Asheboro, N.C./H.S; 6-3 2G Trevonte’ Dixon, Florence, S.C./ Wilson; 6-1 2G Savad Garner, Simpsonville, S.C./Hillcrest; 6-7 P/WF Akil Mitchell, Charlotte, N.C./Charlotte Christian; 6-1 PG Aaron Toomey, Kernersville, N.C./ Bishop McGuinness; 6-4 G/F Brandon Boggs, Greenville, S.C/J.L.Mann; 6-5 WF Tony Davis, Evans, Ga.; 6-0 PG Javonta Maynor, Snellville, Ga./ South Gwinnett; 6-0 PG Josh Corry, Gaffney, S.C./H.S.; 6-5 P/WF Tyler Burse, La Fayette. Ga./ La Fayette; 6-5 PF James Manor, Chapel Hill, N.C./H.S.; 6-4 P/WF Berkley Cooper, Irmo, S.C./Dutch Fork; 6-2 2G Brandon Dorsett, Greensboro, N.C./ Greensboro Day School; 6-5 P/WF Nick Sink, Lewisville, N.C./ Forsyth Country Day; 6-4 WF Allen Hauser, Winston-Salem, N.C./North Forsyth; 6-4 WF Adam Muse, Winston-Salem, N.C./Mount Tabor; 6-2 2G Mark Maloney, Middletown, Ohio/H.S.; 6-2 2G Anthony Keane, Staten Island, N.Y./Monsignor Farrell; 6-4 G/F Daniel Witczak, Georgetown, Ontario, Canada/Christ The King; 6-4 g/F Mitchell Hargett, Charlotte, N.C./Charlotte Christian; 6-3 G/F Adison Lawrence, Taylors, S.C./Eastside; 6-4 2G Hamilton Bailey, Atlanta, Ga./Holy Innocents; 5-10 PG Angelo Ross, Charlotte, N.C./South Mecklenburg; 6-0 PF Kagan Williams, Hendersonville, N.C./West Henderson;6-3 2G Sean Billerman, Raleigh, N.C./Ravenscroft; 6-2 2G Cade Isley, Greensboro, N.C./ Grimsley; 6-6 P/WF Aaron Wise, Chattanooga, Tenn./Red Bank; 6-2 2G Ben Amos, Lexington, N.C.; 6-0 PG Gabriel Mercer, Mooresville, N.C./Lake Norman; 6-4 G/F Christian Lawrence, Belmont, N.C./ South Point; 6-2 2G Dondray Walker, Simpsonville, S.C./Hillcrest; 6-4 2G Michael Woods, Swannanoa, N.C./Asheville Christian School; 6-5+ G/F Jeremy Jeffers, Wilson, N.C./Greenfield; 6-6 P/WF Tim Hobbs, Goldsboro, N.C./Wayne Country Day; and 6-1 2G Kendall Wicks, Winston-Salem, N.C./ R.J. Reynolds.

Outstanding 2011 players included: 6-5 G/F Nigel Snipes, Atlanta, Ga./Paideia; 6-2 1/2G Bishop Daniels, Raleigh, N.C./Word of God; 6-0 PG Wes Cole, Spring, Texas, The Woodlands; 6-4 G/F John Schoof, Fairfax, Va./ W.T. Woodston; 6-2 G/F Tyler Harris, Columbia, S.C./Dreher; 6-4 WF Malcolm Brunner, Brunswick, Ga./H.S.; 6-5 PF Harrison Bowne, Hickory, N.C./St. Stephens; 5-10 PG Matthew Gaylord, Durham, N.C./Jordan; 5-11 PG Kyle King, Durham, N.C./Hillside; 6-4 P/WF Malcolm Brunner, Brunswick, Ga./H.S.; 6-4 G/F Dorian Albritton, Mooresville, N.C./ Lake Norman.

The top 2012 player in the clinic was precocious 5-9, 140 PG Tyler Lewis, Lewisville, N.C./Forsyth Country Day. Tyler is already getting high major college offers. His older brother, 6-2 2G Colby Lewis, is a senior at Forsyth Country Day, and a most courageous player, a superb shooter, and a definite college prospect.

Other outstanding 2012 prospects in the clinic were: 6-4 G/F John Edwards, Concord, N.C./Cannon School; 6-3 2G Alex Biggerstaff, Burnsville, N.C./Mountain Heritage; 6-1 1/2G Darien Rankin, Salisbury, N.C./H.S.; 5-11 1/2G Tevin Taylor, Rocky Mount, N.C./H.S.; 6-1 G/F Kian Lewis, Spartanburg, S.C./H.S.; and 6-3 G/F Patrick Kirksey, Simpsonville, S.C./Hillcrest.

Two off-the-charts 2013 prospects (eighth graders) were 6-5 WF Greg McClinton, and 6-5 Gary Li, a native of China. Both are students at Lewisville, N.C./Forsyth Country Day. Li is still adapting to U.S. basketball, but has much upside. McClinton is really special. He has Vince Carter-type potential, and I project him as one of the nation’s elite eighth graders.