| 14 February 2011
Update: Portland's own Kyle Wiltjer and Oregon bound Jabari Brown are two of a number of marquee high school seniors who will make their way to North Carolina to play in the 10th annual Brand Jordan Classic, it was announced Tuesday.
This year’s Jordan Brand Classic will also include a Regional Game, showcasing the top prep players from the state of North Carolina in an East vs. West showdown. Teaming up to represent the West, this is the fourth year of the regional event.
This Brand Jordan Classic will take place at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte on Saturday, April 16 at 8:00 PM ET and will be nationally televised live on ESPN2.
At 6'3, 220 pounds, Brown chose the Oregon Ducks over Washington, Arizona State, Georgia Tech and UConn, and is one of the strongest and more physical shooting guard's in the nation according to various scouting reports - easily a welcomed addition to Dana Altman's program.
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As college hoop programs around the country churn through the dregs of a long basketball season on their way to March Madness, high school teams’ seasons are quickly coming to a close, but not before taking care of some business first.
Several recruits out of Oregon are making a splash on the national recruiting stage and have signed letters of intent with schools around the Nation.
Among those top recruits are Kyle Wiltjer out of Jesuit High School, Austin Kuemper from Westview, and Central Catholic’s David Carr. Here's an inside look at what is next for these three after high school, as they prepare for the jump to college ball:
Kyle Wiltjer - Power Forward - Jesuit High School
The 2011 top Oregon basketball recruit, 6’9” power forward out of Portland, Oregon has committed to University of Kentucky . Prior to signing with Kentucky, Wiltjer (pictured above) strongly considered Gonzaga, the University of California Golden Bears, and Wake Forest.
Ranked nationally at number 25 and 6th at his position, Wiltjer will ad superb shooting both close to the basket and from outside as well as a solid knack for rebounding. Wiltjer has proven to be a particularly talented passer for a young man of his size .
At 220 pounds , Witljer will add another big body to Kentucky’s front line. His skills away from the basket and aggression in the paint both serve Kentucky’s offense well. While his weaknesses are considered is poor ball handling skills and quickness will require immediate attention , but his basketball intelligence, reputation and ability to run the court and superb court vision (especially for a recruit his size), more than compensate.
Plus it never hurts playing alongside another Portland product, Terrence Jones, who is proving to be all-everything for the John Calipari and the Wildcats.
Austin Kuemper - Center/Power Forward - Westview High School
At 6’9” and 215 pounds, Austin Kuemper will stay close to home and has committed to the University of Oregon. Touted as one of the best post players to come out of the West in some time, Kuemper’s strengths include solid mid range shooting and rebounding. Among his weaknesses, many consider his post moves to leave the most to be desired. Yet, his ball handling and sheer strength while barely quantifiable on the stat sheet, make him a solid option for Oregon next season.
With Dana Altman and the Ducks shocking many around the Pac-10 with their gritty play this season, Kuemper's game is the perfect fit for Oregon.
David Carr - Shooting Guard - Central Catholic High School
The sharpshooter out of Portland, Oregon decided to stay local and has committed to the University of Portland after considering the University of Montana, Bucknell, and Portland State University .
Carr's outside shooting remains his most important strength and will enable him to make an immediate impact at the University of Portland. He moves very well off the ball and possesses superb basketball intelligence, which help make up for te lack of athleticism normally seen in off guards.
Carr’s weaknesses include his lack of athleticism and his troubles defending stronger guards, particularly in the perimeter.
With head coach Eric Reveno graduating two power scorers in Jared Stohl and Luke Sikma, Carr will be a welcomed addition for the Pilots in the West Coast Conference.
photo: oregonlive
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