Very unique vision you have going on here. I'm curious to see what's next.
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DeMatha High School: Building Baltimore’s Next Star in Art Dawson
By Curry Kirkpatrick | ESPN High School Basketball
Few programs in the nation can match the prestige of DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland. From Adrian Dantley to Sidney Lowe, the Stags have built a tradition of producing college-ready — and in some cases NBA-ready — talent. In the 1983–84 season, the torch is being carried by a tough, flashy point guard from Baltimore: Art Dawson.
DeMatha’s Growing Influence
Dawson isn’t alone. Harry Warren, an undersized power forward, has been the emotional heartbeat of the squad, leading them in scoring and rebounding. Together, they’ve kept DeMatha among the national elite in high school basketball.
The school’s growing reputation has turned every Stags’ home game into a mini-scouting convention. NBA scouts have started showing up, too — part of a larger trend where professional eyes are tracking prep stars earlier than ever.
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Dawson’s JourneyAt 6’1”, Dawson has the speed, ball-handling, and court vision that make scouts lean forward in their seats. But beyond the stats is a story of perseverance. Raised in Baltimore, Dawson’s path has not been easy — growing up in a rough neighborhood and facing challenges off the court.“Basketball kept me out of trouble,” Dawson told ESPN after practice. “DeMatha gave me structure. They gave me family.”
His coaches echo that sentiment, calling Dawson not just a talented guard but also a leader who’s grown into the role of floor general.
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National Magnet for Talent
In the past, DeMatha was largely known as a Washington, D.C.–area power. But now, the program has taken on a national identity. Players from as far away as Chicago, Philadelphia, and even the West Coast have expressed interest in transferring to Hyattsville, hoping to sharpen their games against elite competition.
The Stags have quietly become East Coast prep basketball’s version of Oak Hill Academy — a place where tough competition, national schedules, and high-level coaching make every practice feel like a showcase.“If you play at DeMatha, you know you’re going to be tested every day,” one scout said. “That’s why kids want to come here — it feels like college basketball already.”
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Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats Searching for Their Next Star in 1984
By Bob Ryan | ESPN College Basketball | February 1984
The Cincinnati Bearcats haven’t sniffed the national title picture since the days of Oscar Robertson and the back-to-back championships in the early 1960s. But in the rugged world of college basketball in 1983–84, the Bearcats are quietly piecing together a plan to climb back into national relevance — and it begins with recruiting.
Recruiting Targets for 1984
The Bearcats’ staff has been busy on the road, popping up in gyms across the Midwest and beyond. Some of the names at the top of their list include:- Ricardo Edwards (SF, Homestead HS, IN) – At 6’6”, Edwards is a wing scorer who has exploded onto the scene this season. Cincinnati likes his versatility — the kind of player who can defend multiple positions and contribute right away.
- Clifford Reece (SF, Glenbard West HS, IL) – A junior, but already one of the most talked-about recruits in the class of ’85. Cincinnati has been laying early groundwork to stay in the mix alongside Illinois and DePaul.
- Greg Armstrong (PF, Eau Claire HS, SC) – The No. 1 power forward in the class, Armstrong is being chased by everyone from ACC powerhouses to Big Ten giants. The Bearcats are considered a long shot, but their willingness to get into the fight shows their ambition.
What’s Next for Cincinnati?
While the Bearcats may not be competing for five-star prospects like Duke or North Carolina, their ability to land someone like Adrian Sharpe could be program-changing. Sharpe has hinted that he wanted a program where he can be the centerpiece, and Cincinnati’s pitch has been just that:“We told him this is his team from day one,” one Bearcats assistant said. “At Cincinnati, he won’t wait behind anyone.”
Last edited by JAY_D1; 09-04-2025, 06:59 PM.Comment
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Washington Huskies: Building a West Coast Power
The Huskies are quietly piecing together one of the more intriguing recruiting boards out West. They’ve fallen behind Pac-10 heavyweights UCLA and Arizona in recent years, but Coach Marv Harshman is determined to change the narrative.
Top Targets:- Ian Allen (SG, Rancho Christian, CA) – A dynamic shooting guard who lit up Sunrise Christian earlier this year. Washington has joined Illinois State and Texas A&M in pursuit, but insiders say the Huskies like their West Coast advantage.
- Rok Drobnjak (PF, Oak Hill, originally from Slovenia) – Once considered a Pac-10 lock, Drobnjak is now strongly considering going pro overseas first, with multiple European clubs circling. Washington hasn’t given up but faces long odds.
- Ricardo Edwards (SF, Homestead HS, IN) – A longshot Midwest target, but Washington’s staff has been seen at his games, showing their willingness to expand their footprint.
Washington’s pitch is simple: stay on the West Coast, get big minutes, and be part of the Huskies’ climb up the Pac-10 ladder.
Alabama Crimson Tide: Owning the South
Meanwhile, in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide are trying to position themselves as more than just a football school. The SEC has become a fierce recruiting battleground, and Alabama’s staff is pushing hard to build a team that can keep pace with LSU, Florida, and Kentucky.
Top Targets:- Darnell Kirkland (PG, Chester HS, SC) – The Tide are in hot pursuit of Kirkland, who already has six NBA scouts attending his high school games. If Alabama can land him, it could be a program-defining grab.
- Greg Armstrong (PF, Eau Claire HS, SC) – Armstrong is the nation’s top power forward, and while most expect him to go ACC or Big Ten, Alabama has made a strong pitch about being the centerpiece of their rebuild.
- Clifford Reece (SF, Glenbard West, IL) – A 1985 prospect, but the Tide have already made early inroads with his family.
“Washington wants to be Arizona. Alabama wants to be Kentucky,” one scout told ESPN. “Both have great pitches, but they’ve got to land one of these big fish to make it real.”
Both programs are betting that one breakout commitment could change their trajectory — for Washington, a West Coast star like Ian Allen; for Alabama, a Southern playmaker like Darnell Kirkland.
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High School Spotlight: Darnell Kirkland’s South Carolina Stand
By John Saunders | ESPN High School Basketball |
In an era when prep schools like Montverde Academy, Oak Hill, and Sunrise Christian are luring top talent across the country, one young guard is breaking the trend. Darnell Kirkland, the electric 6’3” point guard from Chester High School (SC), is staying put.
Many around Kirkland tried to convince him to leave Chester for a national prep powerhouse, where he’d face off against the very best daily. But Kirkland had other plans.“I want to be the best player in South Carolina first,” Kirkland told ESPN. “Then I want to be the best in the world. I don’t need to leave home to prove that.”
That mindset has elevated him to almost mythical status in South Carolina basketball circles. Crowds pack gyms across the state just to get a glimpse of him.
Scouts Watching Closely
NBA scouts are already ahead of the curve. In late 1983, San Diego Clippers representatives were spotted in the Chester gym, taking notes on the junior guard. While most believe Kirkland is bound for college before the NBA, the mere presence of pro scouts underscores just how special he is.
One Eastern Conference scout compared him to a young Norm Nixon with more physicality, praising his court vision and relentless motor.
Sylvester Madison’s Rise at Tennessee
Meanwhile, another guard from the same region is making waves on the college stage. Sylvester Madison, a sophomore point guard for the Tennessee Volunteers, has quickly grown into one of the SEC’s most promising playmakers.
Madison’s speed and toughness at the guard spot make him a natural comparison to Kirkland, and the two recently showed just how dynamic they can be when paired together in an offseason exhibition game two years ago against a Southern California squad from Chinos Hill.
The backcourt duo dominated:- Kirkland controlled the pace, dishing out assists and knocking down mid-range jumpers.
- Madison attacked relentlessly, using his size to overpower smaller defenders.
The result was a decisive win that had scouts buzzing on both coasts.
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FIBA Champions Exhibition: Bahçeşehir vs. Brazil Showcases Rising International Talent
By Jack McCallum | ESPN Global Basketball | March 1984
The globalization of basketball took another step forward this week in Istanbul, as Turkish club Bahçeşehir Koleji hosted the Brazilian National Team in the inaugural “FIBA Champions” exhibition game. The contest wasn’t just about the final score — it was about showcasing how former American college stars and international prospects are shaping the future of the sport.
Bahçeşehir’s American Core
Two familiar names powered the Turkish side:- Tory Norville, a bruising power forward who starred at Villanova, brought his trademark grit to the floor. Once a glue guy in the Big East, Norville has reinvented himself overseas, becoming Bahçeşehir’s emotional leader and top rebounder. His physical play in the paint neutralized Brazil’s athleticism for long stretches.
- CJ Porter, a former Florida standout, showed why patience pays off. Porter stayed all four years with the Gators, and though he never cracked NBA draft boards, his well-rounded game has flourished in Turkey. Against Brazil, he poured in 18 points and 6 assists, controlling the pace and flashing the high-IQ style that SEC fans remember.
The Brazilian side leaned heavily on its deep pool of international talent:- Cristiano Conti, the shooting guard from São Paulo who turned heads in France, dazzled with his perimeter scoring and fearless drives.
- Cleverson Gabriel, a versatile small forward now playing in Greece, thrived in transition and added strong wing defense.
- Carlos Alberto, a seasoned small forward who has played for both PAOK (Greece) and domestic Brazilian clubs, brought a veteran edge. His length and international experience helped him slow down Bahçeşehir’s scoring bursts.
- Reinaldo Carlos, a bruising power forward out of Washington University, added size and muscle to Brazil’s frontcourt. His energy on the boards gave Brazil second-chance opportunities that proved critical in the second half.
With this quartet leading the way, Brazil pulled out a 91–84 victory, showing just how competitive they can be on the international stage.
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Germany: A New Era with Naturalization and Homegrown Talent
The German Basketball Federation has extended its naturalization process, opening the door for long-time club players and NCAA alumni to represent the national team. The results are immediate:- Tim Northern, a versatile small forward out of Xavier, remains a steady veteran at Ulm.
- Andre Luis, originally from England, gained citizenship after multiple years in Germany, giving the squad an athletic forward with European seasoning.
- Matthew Bush, who starred at Florida, has also naturalized after carving out a role at Ulm, adding scoring punch to the backcourt.
- Pierre Kameni, the Bayern Munich center, is the team’s backbone. Known for his rebounding and rim protection, Kameni has openly embraced the influx of talent.
- Nate Hayward, a rising point guard at Alba Berlin and Kenwood Academy (Chicago) alumnus, is a cerebral floor general. Hayward’s ability to read and dissect defenses sets him apart, allowing teammates like Bush and Northern to thrive in motion offense. Scouts believe his inclusion could dramatically improve Germany’s perimeter execution and transition game.
Kameni spoke to ESPN about the mix of talent:“We have guys like Nate who grew up in America and chose Germany as their basketball home. That balance of styles makes us harder to prepare for.”
The Bigger Picture
Germany’s embrace of naturalization, alongside players like Hayward and Kameni anchoring the future, reflects a broader global trend. From Brazil to Australia, and even in Slovenia, national teams are reshaping themselves with international and dual-national stars.
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From CBA to Maccabi: Jair Pineda Turns NBA Scouts’ Heads
The Continental Basketball Association (CBA) was founded to give fringe prospects and overlooked talents another chance to play their way into the NBA spotlight. Few stories embody that mission better than Jair Pineda.
Pineda, a dynamic shooting guard, spent the past year starring for the New York Basketball Club of the CBA, where his aggressive slashing and defensive instincts made him a fan favorite. While most CBA players grind in obscurity, Pineda’s hustle earned him a contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv, one of Europe’s premier clubs.
That move paid off in a big way this week. In an international exhibition against France, Pineda lit up the court — scoring at all three levels, pestering France’s guards, and proving he could control the tempo in crunch time.“The kid looks like he belongs in the NBA,” one scout from the Cleveland Cavaliers remarked. “If he can do this in Europe, after coming from the CBA, you have to take notice.”
For NBA executives, Pineda represents more than just a hidden gem. His journey underscores the growing pipeline from the CBA to international clubs, and now back to the NBA radar. With the 1984 Draft shaping up to be one of the deepest in league history, Pineda might not sneak into the early rounds, but his name is officially on boards
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USA Olympic Team Tops AS Monaco, but International Duo Fredriksson & Ware Shine
Monaco — Team USA’s 94–72 exhibition victory over AS Monaco was expected. Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing dazzled, and role players like Jesse Moor (Butler) and Robin Heyward (UConn) showed the Americans’ depth.
But the real intrigue came from Monaco’s side, where two international prospects stood out: Henri Fredriksson, the teenage Swedish power forward from Oak Hill Academy, and Marcus Ware, a versatile forward who starred at Dutch Fork High School before playing three years at USC. Henri Fredriksson: Sweden’s Hard-Hitting Teen
At just 17, Fredriksson impressed scouts with his toughness against USA’s frontline, finishing with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Already capped by Sweden internationally, Fredriksson is being circled as part of the next wave of European bigs. Marcus Ware: Dutch Fork to Monaco
Ware, meanwhile, was a known commodity. After three seasons at USC, the 6’8” forward opted for Europe, signing a three-year deal with AS Monaco. Against Team USA, he contributed 10 points and steady defense, showing the polish of a player who has been tested at both NCAA and international levels.
USA’s Steady Hands
For the Americans, Jesse Moor (Butler/Grayson HS) provided another strong outing with 14 points and 11 boards, while stars like Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing set the tone early before giving way to the bench. Gregor Irving (DePaul)orchestrated the offense well in stretches, and Robin Heyward (UConn) continued to be a defensive anchor inside.
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Lakers Balancing Finals Push with 1984 Draft Decisions
Los Angeles — The Showtime Lakers are once again barreling toward the NBA Finals, with Magic Johnson orchestrating, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar anchoring, and James Worthy blossoming into a two-way force. At 31–9, they look every bit the juggernaut of the Western Conference.
But behind the flashbulbs and Forum glitz, Lakers GM Jerry West and the front office are weighing what to do with their 1984 NBA Draft pick — and whether it should even stay in Los Angeles. Keep It or Trade It?
The Lakers’ core is stacked with veterans and budding stars, so some around the league believe the franchise may flip its first-rounder for immediate help.- Rumored Trade Packages: Rival executives say the Lakers have sniffed around frontcourt depth, especially rebounding bigs who could lighten Kareem’s load.
- Scouts’ View: “They don’t need a rookie, they need another piece to win now,” one Eastern Conference scout said.
New York Knicks (17–21, retooling around Bernard King)
The Knicks have the league’s most dynamic scorer in Bernard King, fresh off his 57-point masterpiece against the Bulls. But New York needs a true running mate — badly.
Screen Shot 2025-09-05 at 9.17.35 PM.png- Backcourt Needs: A long-term point guard to pair with King. College names like Sam Vincent (Michigan State)and international option Henri Fredriksson (Sweden/Monaco, Oak Hill) are in consideration.
- Wing Scorers: Scouts say the Knicks are intrigued by Rob Love (Syracuse/Chicago), should he declare, and even Shaun Peters (UCLA) if he enters early.
- International Buzz: Knicks scouts have tracked Cristiano Conti, impressed after he lit up France in exhibition play. A King-Conti wing duo has some dreaming big.
“New York has to swing for upside,” one Eastern Conference scout noted. “They’re not catching Boston or Philly by playing it safe.”
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Scouts Notebook: Arizona’s Tandem Dream — Ryan Bolton & Walter Anthony
Tucson, AZ — The Arizona Wildcats are quietly building something special in the desert, and NBA scouts are already circling. Ryan Bolton Holding Steady
Current freshman Ryan Bolton, a 6’3” point guard who starred at Irmo High in South Carolina, has been everything the Wildcats hoped for. He’s averaging solid numbers, showing poise, and most importantly, giving Arizona the kind of floor general presence they’ve lacked.
Bolton has been projected as a mid-to-late first-rounder in early 1984 mocks, but insiders believe he’ll stay another season.“He’s still maturing, still learning the pace of the college game,” one Pac-10 coach said. “He could jump, but one more year might make him a lottery guy.”
Walter Anthony to Arizona?
The buzz only grew louder when word leaked that Walter Anthony, the 6’10” center from Whitney Young (Chicago), is leaning toward committing to Arizona. Anthony has been one of the most discussed high school bigs of the last two years, praised for his touch around the rim and rebounding instincts.
NBA Eyes Already Watching
It’s no secret that scouts from the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz have been watching Arizona games closely. Dallas sees Bolton as a potential long-term backcourt fit, while Utah has shown more interest in the Wildcats’ developing frontcourt.
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St. John’s 1983–84: Louie’s Kids on the Rise
New York, NY — The buzz around Madison Square Garden is back. After years of knocking on the door, Lou Carnesecca’s St. John’s Redmen have a squad in 1983–84 that looks built for March. The Heartbeat: Chris Mullin
There’s no mistaking who the star is. Chris Mullin, the sharpshooting lefty from Brooklyn, is putting up nearly 23 points per game and proving himself one of the most lethal scorers in the nation. His smooth jumper, basketball IQ, and ability to control tempo have NBA scouts whispering lottery pick.“Mullin doesn’t just score, he makes everyone around him better,” one Big East assistant told ESPN.
Backcourt Shifts: Losses & New Faces
The backcourt hasn’t been without change. The Redmen absorbed the unexpected departure of Courtney Mobley, who transferred to Ohio State after two seasons in Queens. Mobley’s athleticism and streaky scoring left a hole, but it has opened the door for new rotation pieces.
One of those is Mark Jeff, a junior guard out of Montverde Academy, who has carved a role with his defensive toughness and ability to attack the rim. While not a star like Mullin, Jeff’s energy has been vital in Louie’s system.
The Frontcourt & Fresh Foundation
Mark Jackson, just a freshman, is already establishing himself as the floor general, orchestrating the offense with poise beyond his years. Senior Bill Wennington anchors the paint, providing much-needed size and rim protection in a Big East filled with bruisers. The Big East Gauntlet
The Redmen’s fight isn’t just about themselves—it’s about surviving the brutal Big East. Facing Patrick Ewing’s Georgetown, Pearl Washington’s Syracuse, and Villanova, every game is a prize fight.
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UIC Struggles to Land Big Recruits, But Chicago Pipeline Still in Play
ESPN Recruiting Report
Chicago, IL — The atmosphere was electric at the UIC Pavilion when Illinois came to town, but for the Flames, the battle off the court may be tougher than the one on it: winning over recruits.
UIC’s Recruiting Challenge
While UIC has the facilities and homegrown energy, most blue-chip recruits aren’t feeling the program right now. Sources told ESPN that out-of-town stars, like Jones Live of Sunrise Christian, are far more intrigued by Illinois, DePaul, and Big Ten powerhouses than by the up-and-coming Horizon squad.
“UIC is still seen as the third or fourth option in Chicago,” one scout said. “They’ll get looks, but the top-tier kids want big arenas, TV exposure, and March Madness runs.”
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Kentucky Keeps Raiding Illinois: Stapleton Today, Simeon Tomorrow?
ESPN Recruiting Desk – March 1984
Lexington, KY — If you thought Kentucky’s recruitment of Raymond Stapleton was the end of their Illinois pipeline, think again. The Wildcats are doubling down in Chicago, targeting some of the city’s biggest names as they look to keep their program stacked well into the mid-80s.
Bryan Cook & David Karl – Simeon’s Stars
At powerhouse Simeon, Kentucky has zeroed in on two game-changers:- Bryan Cook (PF, Sophomore) – Already one of the most polished big men in his class, Cook is drawing offers from Miami (FL) and Georgia Tech, but Kentucky’s presence in his recruitment is growing fast. Coaches see him as the kind of forward who could dominate the SEC with his physical style.
- David Karl (C, Senior) – A 6’11 center, Karl has been one of the most heavily scouted bigs in the country, with even NBA eyes watching him closely. While he’s still weighing the pros vs. college decision, Kentucky is doing everything possible to lure him to Lexington.
One scout told ESPN: “If Kentucky lands Karl and pairs him with Cook down the line, that’s frontcourt dominance for years.”
Kentucky’s Strategy: Own the Midwest
With Stapleton heading to the NBA Draft and Kentucky looking for its next wave of stars, the Wildcats are making it clear that Illinois — particularly Chicago — is their primary target.
“They’re not just recruiting players,” one local coach said. “They’re recruiting entire programs. Simeon, Crane, Morgan Park — Kentucky wants them all.”
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