2009 Derby Classic Movers and Shakers

Gold Team

Micheal Snaer- 30 points, Gold Team MVP. Wow, this kid continues to impress us. Snaer (pictured center) has a nose for the ball. Showed a nice touch from the perimeter as well. Snaer doesn't play above the rim as much as you would like him to, but other than that the 6'4 shooting guard has the complete package. Leonard Hamilton has to be anxious to get this kid on the court.

Christian Watford - 25 points. Watford was wonderful. He completed 4 of his 5 and 1 attempts in the game. Watford has a great blend of size and athleticism that should give defenders trouble at the division1 level. Showed a decent stroke as well. Watford is definitely more of a slasher as of now, but given time could develop into a star at IU.

Daniel Orton- 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks. Orton (above center) was a bit out of his element in this game that went up and down so much, the final score was 151-145. However he showed that he has a strong all around game. Once sealed in the low block the kid is going to be tough to stop. Orton displayed a great feel for the game and seems to always know where to be on the court. After the game Orton told us that: "I am going to sit down and talk about my future with my father all this coming week, but as of now I am still on board wth Kentucky."

Maurice Creek - 17 points. Creek and Watford should complement one another well. The 6'5 guard showed nice touch from the outside as well as a strong ability to finish plays.

Brendan Lane- 15 points. The 6'9 UCLA commit runs the floor well. Showed range on a nice three point basket. Will definitely provide immediate help at the 4 and possibly help at the 3 in the future. Had some heady plays and should fit nicely into the Bruins gritty style.

John Hood- 13 points, The Kentucky signee looked a little sluggish at first but came on strong in the second half. Showing nice athleticism and speed for a kid just a few weeks removed from having a boot on his leg. Should provide immediate spark for the Wildcat's in limited minutes as a freshman.

Maalik Wayns- 10 points, 3 assists. Wayns is going to be a great player while at Villanova. Didn't do anything to hurt or help his ranking in this game. Wayns did have trouble with Siva's speed (something to keep in mind with 2 future Big East players.)

Black Team

Peyton Siva-16 points, 8 assists and 3 steals. We knew this kid was good, but Siva has gotten better. Known as a combo guard in high school the crafty, shifty one has shown that he can handle the point guard responsibility's at the division 1 level and beyond. Had great passes. speed and timing. Looked a cut above the other point guards in the game.

Rakeem Buckles- 24 points, 18 in a row in the 3rd quarter. Buckles started slow. In the second half the kid showed why he is a consensus top 40 player in the class.. Buckles displayed a large arsenal of post moves and slashes. We were very impressed with this kids drive. Buckles did fouls out with just under 4 minutes remaining in the game.

Raymond Penn- 24 points. (pictured above)This young man displayed the best touch from 3, knocking down 5 treys during the course of the game. Penn's shooting was part of a late surge that almost helped his team get over the hump. Penn is a solid built guard who should step in and fill departed senior Byron Eaton's shoes nicely.

Lakeem Jackson- 14 points. Jackson had the best springs in the event. The 6'5 forward was all over the place, getting several baskets off of hustle alone. Runs the court as good as any player in his class, could use a little work on his shooting. Overall Gamecock fans should be pumped about seeing this kid on the hardwood.

There are 4 video's in the player to the right that feature footage from the Derby Classic.