Best Friends Patric Young & Stacey Poole on Why They Chose Rival Schools Florida & Kentucky (Part 1 of 4)

Fabricio de Melo highlights - Syracuse - "The Big, Bad, Brazilian Banger" - McDonalds All-American

Fabricio de Melo (7'0" C) is one of the elite prospects in the nation, and was recently selected to play in the highly prestigious McDonald's All-American game. The Syracuse recruit is one of the most physically dominant prospects around, and has all the physical tools to one day be an NBA all-star. This highlight reel is from the City of Palms holiday tournament in Fort Myers, Florida... DPbball.blogspot.com ... DanielPoneman@gmail.com

Landon Gamble (Lockport) Unsigned Senior Highlights and Interview with Daniel Poneman

Big, long, athletic, smart, skilled, and hard working- Landon Gamble is everything you could want in a high school basketball player. As the only sophomore playing varsity at Lockport in 08, Landon was a key component in leading the Porters to a final four finish in the IHSA state tournament. Now that he is a senior and centerpiece of a very talented cast of players, Landon has overcome all kinds of obstacles to produce a very good senior campaign. Still without a college to play at next year, Landon is sure to be a hot prospect for colleges looking for a late pickup that can provide post scoring, versatility, defense, rebounding, and leadership. This video features highlights from Lockport's two huge upsets over Bollingbrook and Homewood-Flossmoor, as well as an interview with Daniel Poneman... for more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com

Demonte Hopkins (Lockport) Unsigned Senior Highlights and Interview with Daniel Poneman

Demonte Hopkins plays with a purpose. He has been through all kinds of obstacles throughout his career, but has persevered to become one of the top scorers in the South Suburbs. This video features highlights of Demonte having big time outings in upset wins over highly regarded Bollingbrook and Homewood-Flossmoor squads, as well as an interview with Daniel Poneman....for more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com

Chris Olivier and Khameron Harper (Seton) unsigned seniors highlights and chat with Dan Poneman

Chris Olivier (6'8" PF/C) and Khameron Harper (6'3" G/F) are two of the elite unsigned seniors in Illinois, and across the midwest. Chris is a highly skilled, big bodied post presence, and Harper is a versatile and powerful high scoring wing. They won a state championship with Seton last year under coach Ken Stevenson, and this year they are looking to repeat.

Kyree Jones Commits to Northern Illinois University

2010 point guard Kyree Jones of North Carolina Tech Preparatory School recently verbally committed to Coach Ricardo Patton at Northern Illinois University. Jones, a 6'2", 205 pound scoring point guard, chose the Huskies over interest from Kent State, George Mason, Georgia Southern, Texas Southern, and IUPUI, along with an offer from Oregon.

Jones committed to NIU due to several factors, "I connected right away with Coach Patton, he's a good coach and a great person.. NIU is close to home so my family can come watch me play.. and I can go in right away and get a lot of playing time in a decent conference," said Jones. Jones figures to contribute immediately for the Huskies," Nothing will be given to me but if i work my tail off in the summer and fall I think I will have a shot at starting"

Jones ability to penetrate, and shoot should mesh well with current
Huskies backcourt star Xavier Silas.

"I fell great about playing with Xavier, he can score in so many ways
on the court, and he is really cool off the court. I think we will be a
good duo next season."

The well traveled Jones spent a postgraduate year this year at North
Carolina Tech Prep School. Jones went to NC Tech to raise his
recruiting profile, and readiness for college. "Carolina Tech developed
me on how to play hard and get after teams for 40 minutes. I've never
played on a team where we pressed the whole game but because of
them I'm able to do so now," said Jones.

Kyree Jones will be a freshman next year at NIU. This scoring point
guard has the talent and desire to step in and play right away for the Huskies.

2010 All-American Games Rosters Are Announced

It's official. Both McDonald's and Jordan have announced the rosters for their 2010 High School All-American games.

Dan Poneman chatting with Harrison Barnes

First, for McDonald's, which is set for Wednesday, March 31st at 8:00PM EST in Columbus, Ohio (For more information, click on each participants name to be connected to their Rivals page):


EAST
Reggie Bullock, G, Kinston, NC, North Carolina

Tobias Harris, F, Dix Hills, NY, Tennesee - Our HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW

Kyrie Irving, G, Elizabeth, NJ, Duke - Our INTERVIEW

Joe Jackson, G, Memphis, TN, Memphis

Perry Jones III, C, Duncanville, TX, Baylor

Jelan Kendrick, F, Marietta, GA, Memphis

C.J. Leslie, F, Raleigh, NC, Undecided

Kendall Marshall, G, Arlington, VA, North Carolina - Our INTERVIEW

Jayvaughn Pinkston, F, Brooklyn, NY, Villanova

Josh Selby, G, Baltimore, MD, Undecided - Our INTERVIEW

Jared Sullinger, C, Columbus, OH, Ohio State - Our INTERVIEW

Deshaun Thomas, F, Fort Wayne, IN, Ohio State


WEST
Keith Appling, G, Detroit, MI, Michigan State

Harrison Barnes, F, Ames, IA, North Carolina - Our INTERVIEW and another INTERVIEW

Terrence Jones, F, Portland, OR, Undecided - Our Combined HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW

Cory Joseph, G, Henderson, NV, Undecided - Our Combined HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW

Brandon Knight, G, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Undecided

Doron Lamb, G, Mouth of Wilson, VA, Undecided

Ray McCallum, G, Detroit, MI, Undecided

Fabricio de Melo, C, Weston, FL, Syracuse

Jereme Richmond, F, Waukegan, IL, Illinois - Our Combined HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW and another INTERVIEW

Josh Smith, C, Covington, WA, UCLA - Our INTERVIEW and another INTERVIEW

Tristan Thompson, F, Henderson, NV, Texas - Our Combined HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW and another INTERVIEW

Patric Young, C, Jacksonville, FL, Florida


And now for the Jordan Classic which is set for Saturday, April 17th at 8:00PM EST at Madison Square Garden in New York City(Same links apply):


EAST
Reggie Bullock, G, Kinston, NC, North Carolina

Kyrie Irving, G, Elizabeth, NJ, Duke - Our INTERVIEW

Perry Jones III, C, Duncanville, TX, Baylor

Jelan Kendrick, F, Marietta, GA, Memphis

Brandon Knight, G, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Undecided

C.J. Leslie, F, Raleigh, NC, Undecided

Roscoe Smith, F, Mouth of Wilson, VA, UCONN

Jared Sullinger, C, Columbus, OH, Ohio State - Our INTERVIEW

Deshaun Thomas, F, Fort Wayne, IN, Ohio State

Dion Waiters, G, Philadelphia, PA, Syracuse


West
Harrison Barnes, F, Ames, IA, North Carolina - Our INTERVIEW and another INTERVIEW

Will Barton, G, Baltimore, MD, Memphis - Our INTERVIEW and another INTERVIEW

Tobias Harris, F, Dix Hills, NY, Tennesee - Our HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW

Terrence Jones, F, Portland, OR, Undecided - Our Combined HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW

Cory Joseph, G, Henderson, NV, Undecided - Our Combined HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW

Doron Lamb, G, Mouth of Wilson, VA, Undecided

Kendall Marshall, G, Arlington, VA, North Carolina - Our INTERVIEW

Josh Selby, G, Baltimore, MD, Undecided - Our INTERVIEW

Josh Smith, C, Covington, WA, UCLA - Our INTERVIEW and another INTERVIEW

Tristan Thompson, F, Henderson, NV, Texas - Our Combined HIGHLIGHTS and INTERVIEW and another INTERVIEW


We will be in Columbus, Ohio for the McDonald's All-American game, so make sure to check back for more videos and coverage with the nation's top players.

Marko Petrovic (Findlay Prep) Highlights and Interview with Daniel Poneman- "The Croatian Catapult"

Marko Petrovic (Findlay Prep 2010) has three point shooting in his blood. The 6'3" shooting guard was invited to come to the states from his native Croatia to ball for Findlay Prep (the top high school basketball program in America) because of his transcendent ability to knock down shots from long range. One could've reasonably inferred, however, that he may possess this extraordinary ability without even having watched him take a shot because, well, it was about time someone took over the family business. Marko's uncle- the late Drazen Petrovic- is a member of the basketball hall of fame, the father of Croatian basketball, and the one whom many point to as the individual who paved the way for the current abundance of European stars in the NBA. But don't take my word for it, take it from NBA commissioner David Stern himself: "Drazen Petrovic was an extraordinary young man, and a true pioneer in the global sports of basketball. I know that a lasting part of his athletic legacy will be that he paved the way for other international players to compete successfully in the NBA. His contributions to the sport of basketball were enormous. We are all proud of the fact we knew him." Or from Michael Jordan "It was a thrill to play against Drazen. Every time we competed, he competed with an aggressive attitude. He wasn't nervous; he came at me as hard as I came at him. So, we've had some great battles in the past and unfortunately, they were short battles." Those battles were short because Drazen tragically died in a car accident at just 28 years of age, after only four seasons in the NBA (he was the player of the year in Europe twice before coming the the states), and now Marko has returned to America to finish what uncle Drazen started. After starting the season as a little used reserve for the Pilots- a team that starts two top 20 players in the nation in the backcourt- Marko has become a starter and a key contributor for Coach Peck's squad since top 50 guard Jabari Brown left the school last month. Some of the highlights of his season include a 22 point outing, a game in which he made 6 of the 7 three pointers he took, and a 27 point, 8/11 shooting day against a very good Christian Life (TX) squad. A charismatic and confident young Croatian, Marko shows in this interview why he is the man for the job- why he the kid with the heart and desire to make the name Petrovic relevant in the basketball world once again... For more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com.

Rayvonte Rice & Karl Madison- Highlights & Interview with Dan Poneman- "Drake Fans- Congratulations"

Rayvonte Rice (Champaign Centennial) and Karl Madison (Springfield Lanphier) both are kids who had plenty of options as to where they could've chosen to play their college ball. Rayvonte is one of the top ten players in Illinois, and is having arguably the best senior season of any player in the state, including McDonald's All-American Jereme Richmond, who Rayvonte outplayed when his Centennial Chargers defeated Jereme's Waukegan Bulldogs to claim the title of top ranked team. A 6'4" wing player with a big body and big time hops, "Trey" doesn't have many flaws to his game on offense or defense, and has been proving all season long that he deserves some consideration for a national ranking. Karl Madison is a point guard's point guard, and the 41st in the nation, according to ESPN.com. A lighting quick floor general with a tight handle and a basketball IQ that's through the roof, Karl can dominate a game by driving and dishing to set up his teammates just as easily as he can take over in the blink of an eye with his deadly three point stroke. Just like his buddy Trey in Champaign, Karl often gets left out of the conversation for the state's best players due to his distance from the Windy City, but when one sits down to watch him play it's almost comical to think that people forget to bring him up when discussing the state's elite back court players. Both of these kids had a lot of college options, there's no doubt about that, and they would've had many more suitors had they waited to commit until after their senior season; so, you may ask, why did they commit to Drake? A mid major school in Iowa that's going through a rebuilding process with a new coaching staff? For real guys? Easy...where you see a question mark, they see an opportunity. Some kids like following others, but kids like Trey and Karl like blazing their own trail. Where you a mid major school that's rebuilding, they see a program with great fans, in a great conference, with a passionate and energetic coach- a program that just needs a couple of players to believe- a team with potential to do extraordinary things with the addition of a few perfect pieces. Where you see fear, they see excitement; where you see a risk, they are so confident in their skills that that same risk looks to them like a sure thing. Drake fans: You better buckle your seat belts, because for the next four year's you'll be in for the ride of your life. Congratulations... For more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com.

Winston Shepard (Findlay Prep) - Too Big For Texas - Interview with Daniel Poneman and Highlights

If you are lucky enough to have ever encountered Winston Shepard, then you can vouch for me when I say that he defines one of a kind. A 6'7" wing with freakish athletic ability and a flair for the spectacular- Shepard is considered one of the top ten sophomores in America thanks to a collection of natural abilities that you only see in a handful of players per generation. Strangely enough though, it isn't until he steps off the court that Mr. Shepard truly enters his element. With a big, bright, white smile that he flashes at all the right times, extra long limbs that fit perfectly into his navy blue sweatsuit- and seem to move in just the right way as he glides out of the locker room and down the hall to greet his adoring fans, and a innate confidence that only can come from being arguably the top prospect on the top high school basketball program in the world- Shepard's social presence might just surpass that which he has on the basketball court. By the time Winston had finished his freshman season at Hightower High (TX), there was an undeniable buzz that stretched far beyond the Lone Star State about the unbelievably talented kid from Houston. With enough talent to garner early offers from a long list of schools including Texas, Okahoma, and Arizona, it would've been easy for Winston to have ridden out the rest of his high school years in Texas being "the man," living (what most kids his age consider) "the dream" and never having a care in the world. But that dream wasn't Winston's dream; his dream involved a decorated NCAA career, an NBA contract, and a life filled with choices that he could be proud of when it was all said and done- a dream that he knew would take hard work, dedication, and a whole lot of sacrifice. So Winston packed his bags and left home to go out west to the desert of Henderson, Nevada- passing up being big man on campus back home for the opportunity to be a part of the most prestigious and highly regarded high school basketball program in the world. Winston knew that the private school academics, college style training program, and national travel schedule was going to be a challenge to say the least, but he knew that if he wanted to truly become the best, that meant becoming a Findlay Prep Pilot. In his first season at Findlay, Winston is thriving; he competes with and learns from teammates like Tristan Thompson (going to Texas), Nick Johnson (#18 junior in the nation), and Cory Joseph (McDonalds All-American), he provides a spark plug off the bench as a role player for the #1 ranked Pilots, and, if it wasn't already a given, he makes hoards of new friends and adds members to the Winston Shepard fan club in every city they stop in. Winston Shepard may still be young, but that might just be the best part about him- the future is his canvas- and I couldn't be more excited to see what this young man is going to paint... For more information email DanielPoneman@gmail.com.

Thomas Laerke (Findlay Prep) Highlights and Interview with Daniel Poneman at City of Palms

Thomas Laerke, a native of Denmark, is the newest member of the Findlay Prep Pilots. Findlay Prep is a school in Henerson, Nevada that is designed for the best and brightest young basketball players in the world to have the opportunity to play for an elite, around the clock, college style program to better prepare them for their respective NCAA futures. Laerke joins a team that is absolutely loaded with talent from top to bottom; some of the top players on the team are Tristan Thomson (Texas recruit), Cory Joseph (top 10 in the nation), Nick Johnson (top 20 in the nation), and Winston Shepard (top 10 in the nation). I got a chance to watch Laerke in action in his first tournament with the Pilots, the prestigious City of Palms Holiday Tournament, and he put on quite a show. In two of his three games at the event he poured in 17 points per, and he caught the attention of the many college scouts and recruiting analysts in the building with his outstanding play. A long range marksmen, Laerke has gone from having only one college suitor (Idaho) to having tons of schools from across the country vying for his services, and the list is only going to keep on growing.... For more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com

Orr vs. Hyde Park- CPS Playoff Highlights- Fabyon Harris, Mycheal Henry, CJ Jones, Treyshawn Jones

Everyone high school athlete wants to win a state title; this much is obvious. For many young men in the city of Chicago, however, there is one crown that is in many ways more desirable: the Chicago Public League City Championship. Chicago is a big city, and basketball is far more than just a game from Lake Michigan to the West side- from the Evanston border to the wild 100's. At the end of the season there can only be one champion; only one team who can truly claim to be the best Chi-town has to offer, and many young Chicagoans are ready to give every once of effort they've got for the chance to make that claim. The game featured in this video, a match-up between Orr (west side) and Hyde Park (south side), was a hard fought and tightly contested game that featured no fewer than four future division one players, and they were only playing to get to the quarterfinals! Fabyon Harris vs. Mycheal Henry, Curtis Jones vs. Treyshawn Jones: a battle for the ages... Enjoy... For more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com