Fabricio DeMelo is a big, mobile kid, that runs the court extremely well. At one point during the game he got himself trapped by a double team, managed to spin out of it, and shoot a graceful hook shot, that was all net. DeMelo then hustled down the court to draw a charge only seconds later. Unfortunately, I was unable to catch this sequence on film. The court was so crowded with fans, parents, players, and coaches that it was tough to get a clean shot during stretches of the game. The video does show DeMelo's excellent foot work and passing abilities, at one point he hits 2010 Louisville commit Josh Langford with a nice no look drop pass for an easy dunk. This kid is an amazing prospect with a bright future ahead of him.
Coaches that were on had to watch DeMelo include: Billy Donovan, John Calipari, Roy Williams, and a slew of other high major division one coaches. After the game DeMelo's high school coach Adam Ross delivered this list of schools to us. "Connecticut, Louisville, Florida State, Syracuse, Florida, Texas, Miami and Kentucky. In no particular order."
A brief caveat, The 2009 Take 5 classic drew talent from all over the country to Cincinnati's campus. The tournament directors Criss Beyers and Mike Duncan did a marvelous job and should be commended for their hard work and dedication to the sport. Thanks guys!
One of the most popular prospects of the first day was former Louisville commit Justin Martin (pictured with his coach). Martin recently withdrew his verbal commitment to play for the university of Louisville and despite recent rumors the Cardinals are still in the running for his services. A slew of division one coaches were on hand for his games including: Rick Pitino, John Calipari, Sean Miller, Bob Huggins, Josh Pastner and a who's who list of other top coaches. Martin played a couple of very impressive games and showed flashes of being a very versatile and explosive player. He didn't stuff the stat sheet with points, but his strong overall play certainly stood out.
Full Court Preps writer David Money was able to catch up with the talented youngster for a little Q & A:
F.C.P.- Could you talk a little about how the game against the Shining Stars went?
Martin- The first half we was a little rusty. The second half we came out ready to play.
F.C.P.- Could you tell us where everything stands in the recruiting process?
Martin- Right now I'm wide open. I'm not looking to make a decision until after I take my official visits.
F.C.P.- What schools are you hearing from?
Martin- Right now I'm hearing from Arizona, Oklahoma, Memphis, Kentucky, Miami, Florida, Xavier and Marquette.
F.C.P.- With you recently de-committing from Louisville are they not in the picture anymore at all?
Martin- No their still in the picture, I still hear from them and we still talk.
F.C.P.- What about the local schools Indiana, Notre Dame and Purdue?
Martin- I haven't heard from any of them except for Notre Dame.
F.C.P.- Any time table for a decision?
Martin- After I take my officials.
F.C.P.- Do you plan on taking any visits or going to any camps soon?
Martin- Since I reopened my recruitment I have yet to take any visits. I have been focusing on summer school and things like that so I haven't really had time.
F.C.P.- You mentioned Kentucky and coach Gillispie's staff was recruiting you in the past, have they re-initiated things now that coach Calipari is there?
Martin- Yeah, they came to our open gym at Lawrence North. They were actually there to see Dominique. After I de-committed they called me and re-established things. Calipari recruited me while he was at Memphis before I committed to Louisville so we know a little bit about each other. Right now I'm just looking to build a relationship with coaches.
F.C.P.- With you and Dominique both un-committed have you two discussed the possibility of playing together?
Martin- Dominique is like my brother but, we really don't want to play for the same school. I mean if it happens, it happens. We have been playing together since the eight grade.
F.C.P.- Is there any certain style of play that would suit you best?
Martin- Run and gun, that's the style that I like best.
According to Evan Daniels of scout.com Johnson has decided not to attend USC. Before committing to USC in September of 08' Johnson's list of schools included UCLA, N.C. State, Miami, Wake Forest, UNLV, Texas and Indiana. We had the privilege of watching this young man play in the 09' Derby Classic, where he posted 10 points, 1 rebound, one steal and an assist in about 15 minutes of play.
Below is an article that we wrote awhile back about Johnson's impressive childhood.
As a freshman at Lovejoy High, Johnson was tabbed as one of the top prospects in the state. Now the senior from Fayette County high is one of the top prospects in the nation. However the grounded Johnson keeps everything in the right perspective:
“I just look at myself as just another individual that plays basketball.”
Noel’s family and support system has always had him involved in athletics. Johnson’s father was a star at Wichita State and played one season for the Golden State Warriors. Johnson has inherited his fathers athletic ability to go along with his 6′7, 180 pound frame. The kid has developed the ability to aggressively attack the rim and sports an improved jumper.
Johnson lists his parents as the biggest role models in his life:
“Both of my parents ‘cause they want me to strive to be the best at everything I do.”
Johnson’s father has had Noel mentored and tutored by some of the classiest people associated with the game:
-Xavier McDaniel is Johnson’s godfather.
-Nate “Tiny” Archibald, teaches Johnson ball handling ,court vision and awareness drills.
-Former Hawk Mike Glenn teaches him shooting and helps to mold him into a well rounded student/athlete (Johnson carries a respectable B average)
-The first ever African American to sign a scholarship at UNC, Charlie Scott helps Johnson with offensive consistency.
In December of 2007, while playing in front of a packed gym, including Rick Pitino. Johnson burned Mctinosh Ga, for 42 points and 14 boards. In March of 08′ it was more of the same. Johnson’s late three pointer closed the game out against #7 ranked Miller Grove in the state 3-A semifinals game. Johnson finished the game with 29 points. Johnson finished his junior campaign averaging 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists per contest. The quick rising junior had this to say after his clutch performance:
“We knew they were not going to get rattled,” Johnson said. “We just had to keep our composure.”
Mfon Udofia, who led Miller Grove to its first trip to the semifinals, finished with a game-high 30 points. Johnson went on to be named to the State AAA first team along with Mfon Udofia.
When Johnson was asked what was looking for in a program and coach he added:
“(I’m looking for) A coach that enjoys the game as much as I do but at the same time wants to help each and every player reach the next level.”
“I’m looking at how important the school takes education. Also, I’m looking at how the school takes care of their alumni.”
Photo courtesy of here.
This article, where we discussed, the news that John Wall was to choose between Miami and Kentucky, has been swirling once again. Wall, who's status fluctuates like the stock market, now finally appears to have cut his list, or has he? No public announcement has been made by Wall but all indicators are pointing toward Miami and Kentucky. At this point our perception of this is that Wall's heart says Kentucky but his "handlers" would opt for Miami.
"The latest report on John Wall being down to two is inaccurate" according to his AAU coach Brian Clifton. Most people within the proverbial recruiting community are under the impression that Wall will not cut his list. Instead Wall will just make an announcement on or around the 20th.
Our most recent Wall update from 5/12/09 is here.
This is the latest installment of the summer frenzy that is John Wall's recruitment. According to Jorge Milan of the Palm Beach Post, Wall will choose between Kentucky and Miami. Here is an excerpt from his article.
"Despite odds longer than a full-court buzzer beater, Frank Haith and his hardwood Hurricanes might actually be one of the finalists to land the nation’s best high school player.
John Wall, the nation’s consensus no. 1 recruit is said to be considering lacing up for UM - a coup almost as big for the ‘Canes as Wall declaring them the lucky recipients of his services.
A source close to Miami’s program has said that during Wall’s recruiting visit to Coral Gables last week, the 6′4″ guard from Raleigh’s Word of God Christian Academy told Haith his decision would come down to Kentucky and Miami, according to Jorge Milan of the Palm Beach Post.
Naturally, recruiting whispers come buried under a pile of salt. And the news differs from the 19-year-old’s public statement that he will whittle his options down to three or four from Duke, North Carolina State, Baylor, Kentucky, Miami, Florida, Kansas and Memphis any moment now."
John, can you give us your current list of schools?
John Wall: Memphis, Kansas, Baylor, NC State, Kentucky Miami, Duke, Carolina, Florida.
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Eric (Corbin, KY): john have you thought about the possibilty of playing with demarcus cousins and xavier henry?
John Wall: Yes. I think that would be great to play with those guys. They're both great, but I have to look at the siuation and see what's best for me.
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Mike (Denver, Colorado): To John Wall: John, what would you say is the most important factor for you in making your college decision? i.e. Coaching style, playing close to home, TV exposure?
John Wall: Staying close to home, making sure I get along with the coach, the community of the school. You have to feel that you feel safe and like a family.
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Phil (Hopkinsville, KY): Wall, you are one freakish dude, where did you learn to play like that?
John Wall: I don't know, really. I just thank God, he blessed me with that talent. The rest came from hard work and dedication.
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JD (Glasgow, KY): John Wall, I've seen videos of you using your left hand and I've heard you are ambidextrous. Is this natural or did you work to become this way?
John Wall: It's pretty natural. I really worked on my left hand a little more. I use both hands, but I think my left hand is stronger.
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frank louisville,ky: what can you bring to a team and how big of a impact will you have on the game?
John Wall: I think I bring in being a great PG, as well as doing anytihng I can to help win a national title. I think I can hav ea great impact, Stay humble and hungry and does what the coach asks, I think I can have a bigt impact.
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Phillip: (Lubbock, TX): Is kentuckys still a strong possibility for you?
John Wall: Yes they are.
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Patrick Lexington, Kentucky: When can we expect a decision ?
John Wall: I don't know yet. It's pretty tough.
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Scott, Louisville, KY: John, How does the tremendous success that Coach Calipari has had putting point guards into the NBA factor into your decision?
John Wall: A little bit. THat's something I look at. Lok at the way the PGs have progressed along the years. Coach Cal has a good history with his point guards.
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Tommyboy Bowling Green, Ky: John, would you say that playing in front of large crowds makes you play better or is there a intimidating factor there?
John Wall: No, when the lights are on, it's time to perform. I try to play to my best and show people that I'm supposed to play here.
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mike: Paducah Kentucky: Is there any on player you want to go against?
John Wall: Not really. It doesn't matter. You play against anybody. You have to be ready for the challenge.
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Adam (Charleston, SC): Being from NC, are you a big fan of ACC basketball?
John Wall: Yeah. That's a great conference. THat's someting I'm looking at too, to play in a great conference. If you want to bea good player, you want to play against the best. The ACC, Big East, SEC, Big 12 they're all great conferences.
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Jonathan (Lexington, Kentucky): John, whats your greatest accomplishment to date?
John Wall: Playing for the Nike Hoops Summit. And playing in all these other things is great, but to put the USA across your chest, it's an honor.
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Andrew (Birmingham, AL): John, who are you most looking forward to playing with or against this week?
John Wall: It really doens't matter. I've played against most of them. It should be a great game if we play like we are supposed to. IT's basically the last high school even tbefore college, so just go out and have fun.
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Billy (Vermont): What do you believe is your greatest weakness?
John Wall: Jumpshot.
John Wall: Thanks for all the support. I just hope that no matter what school I pick you support me in the future.
Buzzmaster: Thanks John!
Buzzmaster: Hey everyone, we've got a special treat! Xavier Henry, while not in Bristol today with the rest of the guys, will join us in the chat anyway! Send us your questions!
Buzzmaster: Xavier will be with us at 4 p.m. ET everyone.
Buzzmaster: Xavier is here!
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John T. (Lexington, KY): Xavier, what's the official list of top contender schools?
Xavier Henry: Kansas, Memphis and Kentucky.
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Evan (Kansas): Xavier, Does the fact that Sherron and Cole are returning next season impact your decision at all?
Xavier Henry: Not really. It just helps to know that we'll have a good team if we go to Kansas.
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Daniel: (Lexington, KY): Do you prefer playing in a fast paced offense or a set half court offense?
Xavier Henry: A fast pace. Everybody gets touches in a fast pace and none of your teammates get mad.
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Chris, Louisville: So are you and your brother a package deal?
Xavier Henry: Yeah, it turned out that way. I think we're going to do that, go to the same school. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapel Hill, NC: Xavier, how important is it for you to play college basketball at a tradition rich program such as Kansas, where both of your parents played?
Xavier Henry: It wasn't a deciding factor, but it's kind of cool if your whole family went to the same school. It's not a deciding factor, but it's cool.
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Mckenzie (Erlanger KY): does calipari's offense affect your overall decision in any way?
Xavier Henry: It's a big factor, the style that he plays and how his team works. Now he has to start all over and the team is not going to play like it has. It will be different than what its been in Memphis.
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Mark Columbus, OH: When do you think you will decide?
Xavier Henry: I haven't put a timetable on it, but it will be as quick as possible. After these games.
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Aaron Sivori (Louisville, Ky): What is the highest number of threes you have hit in a single game?
Xavier Henry: Honestly, I don't know. It was probably a lot! I know one time, this past year in Missouri, I think it was the ''Show Me Classic'' I think I had 10 or 12, or maybe it was 10 of 12.
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Kevin (Louisville Ky): Love your game! what do you base your decision on?
Xavier Henry: There are a lot of things. Me and my brother making sure we're happy where we're going. Keeping my family happy and keeping them together is what I'm basing my decision on.
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Ross (Lawrence, KS): How good of a relationship do you have with Self? Calipari?
Xavier Henry: We have real good relationships. They've been recruiting me over the years. They know my families well. We keep communicating all the time.
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Lawrence, KS: Xavier- How important is being able to play on an established national championship caliber team for you now preparing to make your college decision?
Xavier Henry: It's real important. That's what you go to college for, to win it all and prepare yourself to be the best. I'm fortunate to have those schools looking at me.
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Nathan (Bowling Green, Ky): What NBA player would you say has a game similar to yours?
Xavier Henry: I don't know. I take different parts of a lot of people's games and make them my own.
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Parker: Memphis, TN: Did you have much of a relationship with coach Pastner before Cal left for Kentucky?
Xavier Henry: Yeah. That was the main guy that was recruiting me, Coach Pastner. He's a positive guy and we have a good relationship.
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Matt (Lexington, KY): Do you plan on taking anymore visits before making a decision?
Xavier Henry: Yeah, I plan on taking one visit with my brother to Kentucky. We've never been out there. After that, we'll take a couple of days and probably make our decision.
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Taylor (Baton Rouge, LA): Have you already made your decision and you are waiting to announce or are you still struggling with making a decision?
Xavier Henry: I'm still deciding where I'm going to go. If I knew where I was going, I would have made the announcement a long time ago. I'm not trying to hold out on anybody.
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Jeff (Asheville, NC): What player did you most admire growing up?
Xavier Henry: My brother. Always getting to see him play. He taught me a lot.
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Brian (Chicago): Will you wait to hear from the NCAA on CJ's status next year before making a decision?
Xavier Henry: Yeah. CJ's a big part of my decision. I'm waiting to hear about him before I decide where I'm going.
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stephen (Dallas,TX): Xavier, you once pinned one of my lay-ups on the backboard so hard that I thought the ball was going to pop. What are you most excited for going into next season?
Xavier Henry: Just seeing how good they can prepare me to be for the next level. Seeing how they can take my game and being with my brother the whole year and my family.
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Rod, Los Angeles, CA.: Do you get tired of all the recruiting and hype?
Xavier Henry: After a while it gets boring. Just stagnate. I'm just waiting for it to be over with so I can go on and go to college and further my career.
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Ryan (Lexington, KY): How much does Jodie Meek's decision to stay in the draft or come back next year affect your opinion of coming to UK? Could you all play well together?
Xavier Henry: That would. That changed the team and the whole outlook of the team. I'd have to look at that if he decides to stay in or play at Kentucky. We'd have to talk about it.
Xavier Henry: Thank you for following me!
full chat here
