Nike Global Challenge: Day 1By: ipowers

By Ian Powers
NBADraft.net

Portland, OR – The 2009 Nike Global Challenge got underway today with USA Midwest squaring off against Team Senegal.

The U.S. team jumped out to an early lead behind the strong play of 6’8"
wing Harrison Barnes. Barnes finished with
a game high 20 points and really kept the U.S. In the game throughout, despite
less than stellar guard play. Phil Pressey ( Episcopal School/ Dallas,TX) committed
far too many turnovers in crucial situations and seemed to never settle down and
play under control.

Ray
McCallum (Detroit Country Day/Beverly Hills, Mi) was the steadier of the two
and helped bring some semblance of continuity to the Americans offense. Senegal
outscored the U.S. 26-11 in the second quarter and held an 8 point lead at the
break.

The second half saw the U.S. play with a sense of urgency behind the steady play
of Barnes. Based on his play today and over the course of the entire summer, he
is making a strong case for # 1 overall ranking in the class and # 1 overall pick
in the 2011 NBA draft. Barnes has been criticized for being too nice, but today
he showed a drive and a hunger to compete that nobody else on his team matched.
His main competition for that # 1 pick would appear to be teammate 6’10"
Perry Jones of Duncanville (TX).

There is no denying Jones’ talent, few players his size move with the grace and fluidity that he displays on a regular basis. The main question with him is will he ever maximize the enormous amount of talent he has been blessed with. His motor seems to run hot and cold and it can become quite frustrating to watch.

The chatter among some NBA people that I spoke with was how to get the most out of Jones’ ability. One scout said to me "It doesn’t matter if his team is up by 20 or down by 20, his demeanor never changes and it makes you wonder what’s missing?".

The numerous times that I have seen Jones play, it has been rare to see him show any emotion on the floor, seemingly going through the motions. I am a big believer in his talent, you could make the case that on natural ability he may be one of the most gifted players to come out of high school over the last 5 years or so, but in order to achieve the success that he is capable of, he must learn to give a super effort night in and night out.

Cameron Clark of Sherman (TX) also made his
presence felt on both ends of the floor. He has a nice frame and good length and
more than enough bounce to get things done in traffic. His handle needs to be
polished and he has a funky release on his jumper. He was accurate today from
long distance and it will be interesting to see if his mechanics get tweaked at
all at the college level. If his form can be successfully upgraded, he has a chance
to be a pro.

Tony Mitchell (Living Faith Christian/Grand
Prairie,TX) was the only other U.S. Midwest player (Barnes) in double figures
today. He is an athletic and long player who oozes with potential but is extremely
raw. He has a pro frame and athleticism. Under the right tutelage he can be a
prototypical 3 man at the highest level.

The midwest team went down in defeat thanks to a last second 3pt field goal by
Gorgui Sy Dieng. In the nightcap, USA East faced of against All- Asia. This game
was a blowout from the tip. The East were led by the dynamic duo of Will
Barton (Brewster Academy/NH) and Josh Selby
(Lake Clifton/Baltimore).

Barton did most of his damage on the baseline and in the open floor. For a player of his slight build, he attacks the rim like a man much bigger and plays stronger than he looks. He has a very nice feel for the game and can be a very good pro prospect with added size and strength.

Size and strength are the least of Selby’s concerns. There may not be another guard on the high school with his physical makeup. He uses his body well, but has a skill package to compliment his tremendous physical advantages. He is a consistent jumpshot away from being a sure fire lottery pick and outstanding lead guard in the Chauncey Billups mold.

Kyrie Irving out of New Jersey was outstanding
as well. He doesn’t possess the size and strength of Selby, but he more than makes
up for it with a steady floor game and a very high IQ. He always seems to be in
the right place at the right time and makes plays that don’t always show up in
the stat book, but helps you win ballgames. In my opinion he is the 2nd best point
guard in the class and will have an excellent college career.