Jason Fraychineaud
The best and brightest of the 2012 class participated today in the 2012 Jordan Brand Classic in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The West squad edged out the East team by a slim four point margin, 100-96.
Future Bruins Shabazz Muhammad and Kyle Anderson participated in the game, while UCLA target Tony Parker was also a member of the event.
Let's take a look at the future/possible Bruins, and everyone else in the game that impressed/didn't play very well...
*Note: One thing to be cognizant of is the fact that this is an All-Star exhibition game. No semblance of organization nor defensive effort exists in an event like this, so performances should be taken with a grain of salt. They aren't truly accurate about a prospective player's future.
Players Who Impressed West Team Shabazz Muhammad: The lefty got off to a rather slow start in the first half. He wasn't very aggressive early, but got into the flow of the game quite well in the second half.
There's no doubt that Muhammad is special out in the open court. He had multiple thunderous dunks out on the break, and was also very authoritative when driving the ball to the cup.
Although he wasn't hitting his shots from the perimeter (or the free throw line), Muhammad still finished with 20 points. The commentators mentioned that he's smaller than his listed 6'6", and that he's around 6'4.5" without shoes. While his potential on the college level is immense, his overall ceiling as a professional probably isn't as high as some of the other participants.
He needs to refine his dribbling ability/guard skills, and he's got to use his off hand more (he's very left-hand dominant). Despite the minor qualms, Muhammad will be the best scorer on the roster from day 1.
Muhammad was named as the MVP of the West team.
Alex Poythress: The Kentucky bound small forward is tailor-made for John Calipari's system in Lexington.
He's extremely long and athletic, and displayed an explosive nature out on the court. He looked to attack the rim and played with great enthusiasm. While he might not be as skilled as Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, look for him to fill that role next season as the next great slashing forward on the UK roster.
His potential is arguably as high as anyone's that played in today's game.
East Team Kyle Anderson: Bruin fans have to be super excited about Anderson coming to Westwood next year.
Despite the fact that the game was up and down, and didn't necessarily suit Anderson's game, he still played at a comfortable pace. He knocked down two perimeter shots in the first couple minutes of the game, and was consistently active on defense, utilizing his long arms.
In terms of passing ability, there wasn't a player that could match his acumen in that department. He constantly was looking up the floor for his teammates. While not blessed with tremendous athleticism, Anderson was not "out-classed" by any means. He did get by defenders and used crafty moves to score.
Based on what I saw tonight, there's no way that he doesn't start right away and have the ball in his hands. He's too good with the ball, and makes things so much easier for his teammates.
Kaleb Tarczewski: The Arizona bound center was very impressive in this game. He not only had a double-double, but he was quite active around the rim.
Not once was a play run for him, per se, but he was always around the basket making things happen. "Tarc" was also quite mobile and fluid for a guy his size, and ran the floor relatively well.
He'll give Arizona an added dimension in the post that they haven't had in a long time.
Rodney Purvis: Perhaps the most impressive looking player out on the floor was the NC State bound guard.
Purvis absolutely excels out in transition, and got numerous hoops on leak outs. He's got great strength for a freshman guard, and a killer instinct to score the ball.
He'll help to make NC State the odds-on favorite to win the ACC next year.
Players That Disappointed Isaiah Austin: The Baylor bound forward is a guard trapped in a 7'0" body. His game is eerily similar to Perry Jones III. Although dripping with potential and upside, Austin floated on the perimeter and jacked up three-point shots (which rarely came close to going in).
With his combination of size and athleticism, he should be dominating in the post. However, his lack of aggressiveness and assertiveness down low make him tall on potential, but small on production.
Grant Jerrett: The Southern California native headed to Arizona didn't have a banner day.
Jerrett, known for his skill level, was seemingly rushing the entire game. That very well could be a byproduct of the length and athleticism defensively, but Jerrett could never get on track.
Also, what position will he play? He looks like a face up power forward at this point, living off of the pick and roll. Defensively, he looks below average. He's on the skinny side and doesn't offer much athleticism.
It'll be interesting to see how Arizona head coach Sean Miller divvies up the minutes between Jerrett and Brandon Ashley.
Tony Parker: I'm sure Bruin fans don't want to see Parker on this list, but he was a bit underwhelming in this game.
I do have to preface, however, that this type of game does not in any way fit his skill set. Parker's effectiveness will come in a half-court game, not in one predicated upon running up and down the court.
Parker did have 8 points and 12 rebounds, but he shot 5-15. He was seemingly bothered by length and athleticism inside, and had a hard time getting any good looks off.
He'll be effective using his bulk to carve out space in the post, but he'd be well off to develop a mid-range jumper to counter any longer defenders that he'll inevitably face on the block.
I do feel as if Parker would be a banner addition to the team. As we mentioned earlier today, we're getting strong signs that he'll in fact become a Bruin.
I don't see Parker being a one-and-done prospect. With Josh Smith ideally getting into good shape and departing after this season, Parker will be the primary post option as a sophomore (in a perfect world).
He has a great skill level, and can become a very good college player. He, like many post prospects, has to work on his overall stamina and condition. But the talent is completely there for him to be an impact guy on the next level.
Other Notes: Nerlens Noel is incredibly long. He blocked and altered a number of shots, but I'm not quite yet ready to say he's going to better than Anthony Davis, or on his level.
He might be a better shot blocker, but he's raw, and doesn't have the perimeter game that Davis has. If I had to make a comparison right now, I'd say he has the shot blocking ability of Serge Ibaka, with the offensive repertoire of DeAndre Jordan. I do think, however, that he has much more potential in the offensive department than Jordan does/did.