What Lincoln is Thinkin’ - AAU Ramblings

Up for Auction-eers

Losing Andrew Crawford will be big for Mullins, but from what I've seen out of Eric Smith and Stacy Wilson this week, the Auctioneers won't lose too many steps. The duo will form the best backcourt maybe in the state in AA. Wilson still needs to get stronger and become a better defender, but there's no one that can stop him when he's on. And he was on for a few days at the tournament.

Coaches in the stands

More than 50 colleges were represented by scouts, assistants or the head coaches themselves. USC's Darrin Horn, Clemson's Oliver Purnell, Charlotte's Bobby Lutz, College of Charleston's Bobby Cremins, FMU's Gary Edwards, and Arizona State's Herb Sendek were among many head men that came to watch the talent. I was there every day, and there was no sign of Coastal head coach Cliff Ellis.

Jennings has work to do

Watching Clemson commitment Milton Jennings is like watching a man among men. The dude is 6'9" and can basically shoot over anyone. But, even he admits, he has plenty of improvement to make. Firstly, he must become stronger around the basket. In both games I watched him, he was pushed around in the paint. For his size, there's no excuse for that. Secondly, he must improve his psyche on the court. He fouled out in the second game, and no one EVER fouls out in an AAU game. Plus, he's a big complainer, and pouts when calls go against him. He admitted when I talked to him afterwards, that he will work his final year at Pinewood Prep to become a better on-court leader.

Impressive players out of the Pee Dee

Two guys really caught my eye. Wilson's Michael Thompson is playing alongside Jennings on the Beach Ball Select squad. Just by playing with other players at a high level this summer, you can tell his ball-handling and decision-making from the guard position are becoming very good. In addition, most of the rest of the Wilson squad is playing together at Big Shots on a team called the Florence Hustlers. The Tigers won't be big next year, but they should be much better. Also, Hartsville guard Jordan Scott shot the lights out in a few games. The Red Foxes ran through issues last year with Jordan Lyles quitting, and Jared Marine getting booted, but if they build around Scott, they could have a good year next year.

KGG may go roundball

As I reported on Thursday, Georgetown's Kinard Gadsden-Gilliard may leave school if he does not get a football offer by the end of this month, and go to a prep school to play basketball. Gadsden-Gilliard did not factor very much in the game that I watched him play, getting lost in the shuffle of a team from Georgia. KGG is a big guy, but he's not that tall - just 6'6". So he's too small to play power forward, and I think he's too big and bulky, and not quick enough to play small forward or shooting guard. Here's hoping that he gets that football offer.

Did you check out any of the Socastee tournament? Do you have any predictions for next basketball season?

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