For the first time, USA was represented by two teams at adidas Eurocamp, the “Path Team” and the “USA Select”. Both teams were really loaded with talent actually, since they included some of the best high school players in the country.
Here a look at the notable players who stood out in Treviso:
Romeo Langford (SG, 6-5, 1999) – With Zion Williamson not playing due to an injury, Langford was – on paper – the best player of the USA teams. The truth is that at first glance Langford didn’t impress, surpassing the double digit mark in just one the 3 games he played. But anyone who watched the games he played was able to understand why there is so much hype around him. Langford is a true scorer, who can drive, shoot and post up. What’s even more important though is that he didn’t force things, or try to do too much. He was letting the game come to him, displaying a good shot selection. He still needs to work on his upper body and defense though.
Darius Garland (PG, 6-2, 2000) – Garland had by far the best showing of any player on “The Path Team”. Playing at both guard positions, he showed his ability to score from everywhere on the floor, finding it easy to create his own shot. He was the top scorer of his team – and the only one who averaged more than 10 points (15.3 ppg) – and played always with his foot on the gas. With that said, it has to be noted that he only had 2 assists in 3 games, which is something he has to improve if he wants to be a point guard at the next level.
Jordan Brown (C, 6-11, 1999) – He was forced to play against guys who were as much as 4 years older than him, but he held his own. And that says a lot about Jordan Brown. He is still pretty raw and needs to work on his game, especially on the offensive end. But that doesn’t change the fact that he has excellent size, combined with great length and athleticism, things that help him to have some very good moments on offense and particularly on defense, producing some impressive blocks.
Cameron Reddish (SG, 6-8, 1999) – The talent is obvious. The upside as well. His body and skill set are undeniable. The problem is that Reddish failed to combine all of these in Treviso, putting probably the most – on paper – disappointing performance. He played most than any other teammate of his, but he was just 3/20 combined from the field (0/9 from 3-point line) though he was 10/11 from the line. It should be noted though that he showed his ability to pass the ball and he was the best passer on his team, which is a sign of a player who knows how to adjust when his shot isn’t falling.
Nazreon Reid (PF/C, 6-9, 1999) – After a bad first day, Reid was able to demonstrate his talent in the final two days of Eurocamp. He loves to play through contact, he was banging bodies and going hard for the boards, but what really stood out about him was his feel for the game. His decision making isn’t there yet and has to be improved upon as his skill set is too dependent upon his physical tools, but the upside is there, which is obvious.
Immanuel Quickley (PG, 6-2, 1999) – He was the best shooter on his team (The Path). He had two great games and one awful game. Quickley was able to show his range – although he has a low release point – and ability to find the open teammate. He had problems going to the basket, avoiding penetration and, like Garland, he only had two assists (and five turnovers). Still, his skill set and basketball IQ are making him really interesting.
Reggie Perry (PF, 6-8, 2000) – He was one of the youngest players on his team (USA Select), but that didn’t stop him from being the first scorer and rebounder. That says a lot about Perry, who was great in Treviso. He played as a power forward and had some really good moments, finishing through contact, running the floor and even finished some floaters. He was probably the most impressive player on his team.
David McCormack (C, 6-9, 1999) – First of all: The kid is huge! His size and length helped him to stand out. What’s more impressive was that he wasn’t afraid to go at full force against players even 4 years older than him. He is really physical and he was actually looking for contact on both ends of the floor. He was able to establish position in the post and show some potential in his face up game. His conditioning still needs a lot of work though and he must learn how to finish better against length. The good thing is that those flaws can be improved on.
Nassir Little (SF, 6-6, 2000) – Nassir Little had probably the most incosistent showing, since he had one really great game the first day where he scored 16 points and a forgetable game the second day, where he failed to score. Despite the big differences on his two perfomances, Little was able to show flashes of his talent and – more importantly – his great athleticism and energy, which produced some great dunks. It’s obvious that Little’s lacks polishing yet and he has to improve his shooting, but the talent is there.
Luguentz Dort (PG/SG, 6-4, 1999) – He is built like a tank and he is really long. He had probably the strongest body. And he played as physical as any player. Dort was really aggressive on both ends of the floor and at the same time he was actually playing really well as a point guard, despite the fact that he is considered a shooting guard by many. If he manages to improve his shooting (he didn’t attemp a single 3-point in the two games he played) he could become an interesting player in the future.
