Today I saw a post about identifying under the radar Division 1 level talent for NAIA schools. This brought a personal experience to mind that is worth sharing. In 2019, I pitched a local college (in Newark, NJ) on the formation of a basketball program. After reviewing the tape of local players across the state of New Jersey and elsewhere, I sent several emails (I am sharing one such email dated April 2019) across to my potential coaching staff regarding under-the-radar NJ high school basketball standouts. This post tracks who was identified and where they have ended up. While I probably would not have been able to sign all of these guys to a new college program, the ability to evaluate basketball talent and progress starts at the youth level and extends all the way to professional player development.
Below, please find the verbatim email:
Hi Coach [name omitted]:
In case you are interested, I did some legwork on solid basketball talent in the state of NJ.Tier 1Avante Gilbert, #1, 6'6, F, Paterson Kennedy - White TeamThe most talented player I have looked at. Has a handle he never used in high school b/c they played him at big. Elite athlete and raw basketball talent needs to perfect jumper. All the tools to play high level overseas or even in the NBA if developed. I believe he has committed somewhere already, but waiting on the confirmation.Chris Manon, #3, 6'4, G, St. Joseph's (Montvale) - Gray & GreenThis kid will probably hold out in prep b/c he is a Division 1 level recruit, so we probably can't get him. Played for a top tier program and orchestrated the offense, finishing at the basket, shooting the ball, and distributing. He is also a dynamic defender and this is his greatest strengthIzaiah Delbrune-Robinson, #4, 6'3, G, St. Mary's of Assumption (Elizabeth) - Blue TeamUnbelievable game and they almost beat nationally ranked program b/c of him, clutch 3 in 4thJaheim Tanksley, #1, 5'9, G, Union Catholic - Blue Team (teammate of Battle)Electric handle can split defenders, has the tools and speed to be dynamic at a high levelMark Howell, #2, 5'10, G, Wayne Valley - White TeamLove his game. One of the most underrated players in the state (and my top 2-3 fav). High IQ playing on a lower level high school team that is still competitiveDonovon Guess, #5, 6'3, G, Mercer County CC (JUCO Transfer) - White TeamSolid shooter doesn't get low enough when dribbling, decent attacking the basket, defense is a work in progress due to below average lateral quicks. If we can teach him defensive angles he would improve immenselyDJ Campbell, #4, 6'2, G, Vineland - White TeamHigh volume scorer with good tools. Shot could be refined a little, but he has a good feel for the game and could develop into a serious scoring threat at our schoolJaedon Khubani, #3, N/A, G, Delbarton - White TeamSuper smart player who can shoot and picks his spots. Very clutch and hit several game winners. Small but hard working guardMadani Diarra, C, St. Benedict'sHas an offer from Detroit already and has been injury prone, but plays in one of the top programs in the stateTier 2Nahshon Battle, #15, 6'4, G, Union Catholic - Blue TeamNot the best tape here, but is a good ball handler with size and can shootNick Boyd, #10, 6'3, G, St. Mary's (Rutherford) - White TeamI have seen him play better on tape. Has good scoring tools but is forced to do it all. Good size and slashing instincts.Malik Bailey, #1, 6'10, C, St. Joseph's (Hammonton) - White TeamLeaves game, comes back at 39min mark, picks up fourth foul then comes back at 60min mark. Raw big who rarely receives interior feeds. Underdeveloped b/c had knee injuries in high school and just recovered.So far, the following guys I previously identified as potential targets are committed:Kyle McGee, 6'4, G, St. Mary's of Assumption (Elizabeth) - West ChesterJack Stern, 6'7, F, Moorestown Friends - IthacaMarcellus Ross, 6'2, G, St. Joseph (Hammonton) - Caldwell CollegeAnas Amos, 5'7, G, Newark Eastside - Felician CollegeKyYon Chapman, 6'2, G/F, Payne Tech - Felician CollegeBaba Ajike, 6'6, F, Camden Catholic - California U (PA)Rynell Lawrence, 6'2, G, Millville - StocktonAshton Miller, 6'2, G, Seton Hall Prep - DuquesneJassiem Moore, 6'2, G/F, Bound Brook - Georgia CourtConor Regan 6'0, G, Gloucester Catholic - Chestnut HillJosh Wright, 5'11, G, Cape May Tech - Rutgers-NewarkBernard Kouma, 6'10, F, Our Saviour Lutheran - Illinois
Colby Rogers, 6'4, G, Roselle Catholic - Cal Poly
How these players have progressed on the basketball court:
Avante Gilbert - Transferred to Felician College (DII) [sitting out 2021] from St. Thomas Aquinas (DII)
Freshman season: 4.6ppg for one of the top DII programs in the country
Chris Manon - Cornell (DI) in 2020-2021; went to Saint Thomas More for a prep year
Izaiah Delbrune-Robinson - Dartmouth (DI) in 2020-2021; went to Kent School for a prep year
Jaheim Tanksley - Frank Phillips College (JUCO) in 2020-2021; averaging 11.4ppg on 35% 3pt%
Mark Howell - Ramapo College (DIII) in 2019-2020; averaged 2.1ppg 42.9% 3pt% in 8.2mpg
Donovon Guess - RIP, simply shocking and horrific that I am learning about this now (https://boydfuneralservices.com/tribute/details/539/Donovan-Guess/memories.html)
DJ Campbell - Stockton University (DIII) in 2020-2021; averaging 18.3ppg 36.8% 3pt%
in 2019-2020 averaged 12.1ppg 34.9% 3pt%
Jaedon Khubani - NYU (DIII) in 2019-2020; averaged 5.5ppg 71.4% 3pt% in 21.8mpg
Madani Diarra - Eastern Illinois (DI) in 2020-2021; averaging 3.1ppg 3.5rpg
Nahshon Battle - Saint Michael's College (DII) in 2020-2021; went to Woodstock (Conn.) Academy for a prep year
Nick Boyd - Florida Atlantic (DI) in 2020-2021; spent prep year at Don Bosco Institute; averaging 5.4ppg 40.0% 3pt%
Malik Bailey - Cabrini College (DIII) in 2019-2020; averaged 1.8ppg in 7.0mpg; suffered a season ending injury
In terms of trends, many college coaches missed on these guys and several of these players ended up doing a prep year; now many can be found playing Division I basketball. It is quite amazing how many of these players have developed on their own. NJ is truly a hotbed for basketball talent.
Image Courtesy of Getty Images
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