| 06 August 2010
While many eyes will be focused on the USA teams - now four with the addition of USA South - this weekend at the Nike Global Challenge, the four international teams bring a wealth of talent to the event.
Brazil, Canada, France, and the All-Asia teams have rosters composed of players looking to make a name for themselves, and players already on the radars of collegiate and pro scouts.
Here are just a few international players sure to impress this weekend in Hillsboro.
Raul Neto, PG, Brazil
At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, Raul is a solid, athletic young point guard who is likely to be the offensive catalyst for Brazil.
He can shoot the ball from outside, create shots for himself off the dribble, and get to the line. His penetrate-and-pass skills are strong, too, although, like many young, athletic point guards, he can be prone to turnovers.
Defensively, his quick feet and muscular frame might cause problems for opposing point guards this weekend if they sleep on Raul or get sloppy with the ball. He has good instincts and will look to push the ball off turnovers.
Raul has struggled at times against Austin Rivers and Duke's Kyrie Irving in international play. He'll be looking to show that he can compete with the best point guards in the world this weekend.
Khem Birch, PF, Canada
Birch has been playing ball at Notre Dame High in Fitchburg, Mass., but he's originally from Montreal, and the lanky big man will team up with Portland's Kyle Wiltjer to create an imposing front line for the Canadian team in Hillsboro.
Birch is rated by Rivals as the #9 overall player in the class of 2012 and the #3 power forward in his class. It's easy to see why: at 6-foot-9, 185 pounds, Birch can leap out of the gym, run the floor, and he has a knack for swatting shots on the defensive end.
Birch will be looking to polish his offensive game as he prepares to play at the collegiate level. His post moves and jump shot are still developing. Nevertheless, Birch has all the tools. He's been offered scholarships by nine schools, according to Rivals, including Arizona, Florida, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia.
Bobby "Ray" Parks Jr., PG, All-Asia
The son of former Memphis Tiger Bobby Parks, Parks might have the sweetest jumpshot in the gym this weekend (although, USA Midwest's Brad Beal will surely take issue with that). Parks was born in the Philippines and moved to Memphis to begin junior high school. He'll be one of the go-to players for Team All-Asia this weekend.
Parks' left-handed jumper is a sure thing, and so is his defensive presence on the floor. At 6-foot-5, 198 pounds , he's a physical player able to cover most point guards and shooting guards in the tournament.
On the offensive end, Parks is still working to establish that he can play the point, as he's been considered a shooting guard by scouts throughout his prep career.
Rivals ranks Parks as the 106th prospect in the nation for the class of 2011, and the 31st shooting guard. He has received a scholarship offer from UTEP, but don't be surprised if he ends up following in his father's footsteps and joining Memphis following his senior season.
To help his cause, he'll be looking to prove that he can play with the best guards in the nation this weekend at the Nike Global Challenge.
photo: canadasports
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