My first time covering IHSA STATE FINALS AS MEDIA!!!!!!

 I just received my media credentials for the IHSA STATE FINALS about an hour ago. SO EXCITED COVERING THEM FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!!! Could be covering a once in a lifetime team in Glenbard West, or another team could spoil the party. Thanks to everyone who is and has supported me and my site. If you’re going down see you there.

Getting Rid Of My Slave Name!!!!!!!!!!

 I've been on this journey for about 15 years now. I'm done with honoring slave masters with the last name that I have. I've done African Ancestry Dot Com for my Father's side of the family. Some of the results were disappointing, but some others they left out I knew from talking to family members. Anyway I plan on changing my last name sometime this year. I'll put in the paperwork, new SSN, Drivers License(which is due for renewal this year anyway), and let people process into calling me my new name. The only holdup is deciding if I want a Madagascar name or a Cherokee Indigenous People's name. Indians are from India folks, Columbus was lost and never set foot on this land. Yes I am up late writing this, I find the last few years writing is threapeutic for me. I'll never get rid of my first name because my Mother gave it to me. I will not insult her by changing it, I will though use either the Madagascar or Cherokee name for Timothy. I will not stop learning, as none of us ever should stop learning, otherwise you probably should be dead. I'll keep researching my family roots because the white man of America took it away from my ancestors. I am proud of my African heritage and if that's a problem for white America, I don't give a darn. Other races are proud of their Irish, German, English, Latino, Asian heritages etc. Why not us. The Nation Of Islam has it partly right in that we are a Lost Tribe. We do not know who we are as a people. This is part of the reason why we struggle in this strange land. 

Yes I was born in America, as a lot of black people are, but this is not where we are from. I hope more of us try to discover who we really are. As a people we will not progress as we should as long as we are in bondage from who we really are. Well, I intend to not be in bondage anymore, and a name is very important. It says who you are, how strong or weak you may be as a person, as your constitution dictates. I'm writing this because I put this out on fakebook oops facebook a few years ago. I let my friends on that cowardly forum into what my plans were in this area. I made up my mind a long time ago, no one in this world would stop me from this discovery of myself and who I am. Not racists, not folks who think they are not racists but are, not other lost black people who have been so brainwashed, they have no clue who they are, or who their brothers and sisters as people are. I'm not falling for the banana in the tailpipe in people wanting to label me a racist for trying to find out who I am. Or telling the truth about the white establishment and wanting to keep black people brainwashed and in a permanent underclass. A lot of us are so blinded, we do our best to pull our own people down. We as a people have fallen for that trick for centuries and killing each other over territory that is not ours. Doing things to try to belong to groups that do more harm to our people than good. I can bet folks will treat me different with this first and last name. It's the epitome of what this country really is. I know some racist folks will say "go back to Africa". I say to them go back to where your ancestors came from, because you don't belong here either. Black people built this country into what it is with the infrastructure. Every day of my life my last name has honored slave masters who beat and forced these names on us. Kunta Kinte to Toby was real and to think a lot of folks laugh when that is talked about. Roots was a true story folks. Even the food we eat here is not what was meant for our people, our ancestors were able to bring some of our food to America, but we eat a lot of what we should not be eating. Yes I include myself because I am just as guilty as everyone else. I was raised on this food because we could not afford the good quality food that keep a lot of wealthy people alive longer than the poor. I might add Yeshua, to some of you Jesus Christ walked with the downtrodden, poor, destitute when he walked the Earth. He did not hang with the rich. 

In any event as I said the name change is coming, and I will forgive folks for using my old name till they get used to it. I'll give my friends and family a year to get used to it. After that, if you use my old name there will be problems. Of course my Mother and my Father can use my old name anytime they want. Same for my Wife, Children, and family members. I will respectfully request that you call me by my new name, which I will carry with pride. I will be rid of that slave name, which unconsciously can make you carry a slave mentality. It creeps into your mannerisms, how you look, how you act, and how you treat other people. It's mostly a psychological thing not a physical thing. To my family, I always love you. I love all ya'll, I love all ya'll. A new beginning for me and I hope my self discovery emboldens other black people to want to go find out who they really are, Themselves and where their family came from. As the Nation Of Islam said we are a lost tribe, and will continue to be lost by allowing the white establishment to dictate to us, and it starts with our names, ends with our names, and would continue with our names. Names are very important. I'll leave you as I always do with people, God Bless and Peace To The Creatures. 

Leaving Facebook

 Hi, I am leaving Facebook for good.Their admins and other people can’t deal with my raw brutal honesty. Other social media platforms are better for me and my business. I can’t see all of my friends post and they can’t see all of mine. Like Simon Phoenix in Demolition Man said, FB Admins are a bunch of robed sissies. If you want to follow my content, go to Twitter and follow @tdc200 or Big Tim. You can also follow my basketball content at bigtimshsbballrevue.com. I’m not deactivating it because some folks need to contact me through messenger. Otherwise I’m done with those clowns on Mark Zuckerburgs platform. Happy hunting everyone.

Kentucky targets at NY2LA Spring Warmup

Mequon WI: I was at the NY2LA Spring Warmup last weekend and watched a couple of Kentucky targets start the travel season off:

JAMEYN BRAKEFIELD(PHENOM U 17U)-  Class of 2020 6'9" wing that plays at Huntington Prep(WV) was dominant all weekend leading his team to the 17U Platinum Title. His jump shot from three was working, he was getting to the basket and finishing with authority. He did not show a mid range game, and his shot is a little funky coming off the side of his body, but he was knocking it down. His ball handling off the dribble was solid and his passing was on point. This lefty has Kentucky high on his list, but Louisville is trying to jump in hard. He was a reclassification candidate, but recently announced he was staying in Class of 2020. This will be an interesting recruitment to follow in the Spring and Summer.


CAM'RON FLETCHER(BRAD BEAL ELITE 17U)- Class of 2020 6'5" wing that plays at Vashon(MO) was impressive all weekend. His team did not win the title( that went to Phenom U), but his scoring at all three levels was excellent. He's an explosive finisher off the bounce, has a nice floater, and was hitting the three pointer at a consistent rate. He was getting after it on the defensive end and had some monster blocked shots. He did do some sharing of the basketball, but this kid is a finisher extraordinarie. He will be the leader and tone setter for this team all Spring and Summer. Missouri has been the leader in this recruitment, but Kentucky is ramping up it's recruitment of him. John Calipari has said he wants a campus visit from him per 24/7 Sports.


JALEN JOHNSON(PHENOM U 17U)- Class of 2020 6'8" wing from Nicolet(WI) sat out the weekend resting an ankle and getting his body ready for the Nike EYBL Circuit. Kentucky, Duke, Kansas and others are in hot pursuit of this position less monster talent.

PATRICK BALDWIN JR(PHENOM U 17U)- Class of 2021 6'9" wing from Sussex-Hamilton(WI) was at Team USA Training Camp in Minneapolis. Duke has offered and he's the son of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Head Coach Patrick Baldwin Sr who is very much in the mix. I think Ja Morant of Murray State has shown the way of going to a Mid Major and becoming a NBA Lottery pick.


ADAM MILLER(MAC IRVIN FIRE 17U) and MAX CHRISTIE(ILLINOIS WOLVES 17U)- Miller a 6'4" Class of 2020 wing from Morgan Park(IL) and Christie 6'6" Class of 2021 wing from Rolling Meadows(IL) both were at Team USA Training Camp in Minneapolis. Both could end up Kentucky targets in the future and are Top 30 in their respective classes.

IHSA Supersectional and Sectional Matchups this week

1) 2 time defending state champ Orr(Chicago) vs Leo(Chicago) Joliet Central Supersectional.
2) Farragut(Chicago) vs DeLaSalle(Chicago) North Lawndale Charter Class 3A Sectional Semifinal.
3) DePaul College Prep(Chicago) vs Carmel(Mundelein) Grayslake Central Class 3A Sectional Semifinal.
4) Southeast(Springfield) vs Centennial(Champaign) Springfield Southeast Class 3A Sectional Semifinal.
5) Bogan(Chicago) vs St Laurence(Burbank) St Laurence Class 3A Sectional Semifinal.
6) North Lawndale Charter(Chicago) vs Westinghouse College Prep(Chicago) North Lawndale Charter Class 3A Sectional Semifinal.
7) Evanston Township vs Glenbrook South(Glenview) Class 4A Niles North Sectional Semifinal.
8) Bloom(Chicago Heights) vs Homewood Flossmoor Eisenhower(Blue Island) Class 4A Sectional Semifinal.
9) West(Belleville) vs Alton Edwardsville Class 4A Sectional Semifinal.
10) Marian Catholic(Chicago Heights) vs Simeon Eisenhower(Blue Island) Class 4A Sectional Semifinal.
11) Waukegan vs Fremd(Palatine) Waukegan Class 4A Sectional Semifinal.

Possbile IHSA Playoff Matchups

Possible Top Matchups in IHSA State Playoffs:
1) Orr(Chicago) vs Leo(Chicago). Class 2A Joliet Central Supersectional.
2) Providence St Mel(Chicago) vs Fenger(Chicago). Collins(Chicago) Class A Sectional Semifinal.
3) Bogan(Chicago) vs St Laurence(Burbank). St Laurence Class 3A Sectional Semifinal.
4) Bogan(Chicago) vs Morgan Park(Chicago). St Laurence Class 3A Sectional Final if Bogan gets by St Laurence.
5) Southeast(Springfield) vs East St Louis. Bank of Springfield Class 3A Supersectional.
6) St Viator vs Morgan Park(Chicago). Class 3A State Semfinal.
7) Morgan Park(Chicago) vs Southeast(Springfield) Class 3A Final, this would be a rematch of last years title game.
8) Evanston vs Niles North(Skokie). Niles North Class 4A Sectional Semifinal.
9) Evanston vs New Trier(Winnetka). Niles North Class 4A Sectional Final.
10) Simeon(Chicago) vs Brother Rice(Chicago). Class 4A Brother Rice Regional Final.
11) Marian Catholic(Chicago Heights) vs Simeon(Chicago). Class 4A Eisenhower(Blue Island) Sectional Semifinal.
12) Marian Catholic(Chicago Heights) vs Bloom(Chicago Heights). Class 4A Eisenhower(Blue Island) Sectional Final. This would be the toughest ticket in the Chicago Area.
13) Curie(Chicago) vs Whitney Young(Chicago). Class 4A Sectional Final.
14) Curie(Chicago) vs Bloom(Chicago Heights). Class 4A Supersectional Northwestern University(Evanston). This would be a rematch of the Pontiac Christmas Tournament Title Game.
15) Evanston vs Waukegan. Class 4A Sears Centre(Hoffman Estates). This would be a matchup of old conference rivals.
16 West(Belleville) vs Collinsville. Class 4A East Moline United Sub Sectional Final.
17 West(Belleville) vs Curie(Chicago). Class 4A State Semifnal. This would be a heavyweight matchup of Defending State Champ vs a team that has not lost a game vs Illinois opponents this season.

Evaluation of Kentucky recruit Ashton Hagans

Class of 2019 Ashton Hagans(who is probably going to reclassify to 2018) from Covington,GA is a 6'4" point guard who is the reigning Georgia Player Of The Year. I watched him play online with his Game Elite Gold team on the Adidas Gauntlet Series. I watched his game last night and his first game today. Here's my evaluation: Great passer but turnover prone, can get into the lane anytime he wants either with or without a pick, three point shot is solid though he does not shoot a lot of them. He is strong in attacking the basket and plays intense defense. He can hit his free throws and will dunk on you. He caught a body today and almost caught another one with a loud miss of a dunk. My opinion I love that he is coming to Kentucky, he is very intense without overdoing it, also does not complain to the officials even when he thinks he was hosed on a call. He just sometimes has to let the game come to him and needs to work a bit on his mid range shooting. He also has that clutch gene showed it today with two big three point makes with one being a four point play. He is fun to watch though sometimes he's out of control with some of the passes he makes. He'll unnerve some Kentucky fans with the risky passes he tries but for the most part he gets it there and the player converts it to a basket. Here's some highlights of Hagans in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DXKKv5OCdU. God Bless and Peace to the Creatures. Hope to see Ashton Hagans in a Kentucky uniform next season.

Colin Kaepernick is the Greatest Patriot In My Lifetime.

I was in the United States Army for 8 years. I fought in the Gulf War(Operation Provide Comfort One). I received an honorable discharge from the Military. I say this because of Colin Kaepernick's protest. Most racist white folks(and some Black folks), have tried to change the narrative of his protest in a huge whisper campaign. They tried to say he was disrespecting the military and the flag. How can you disrespect a thing, a piece of cloth? Yes I swore to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign AND domestic. I pledged to defend the Flag. My service(and all other Veterans) should not be defined by a piece of cloth. We have and are fighting for freedom of Americans( and for oil interests that's another conversation). Colin Kaepernick's protest embodies what I joined the Military and fought for his right to do. I was 1 year old when Muhammad Ali made his stand against Vietnam so I don't remember it. I am sure I would be on his side with that issue. Colin Kaepernick said from the beginning his protest was about police brutality and racism against Black's in America. White folks in general do not want to talk about race. They want to sweep it under the rug but use it in every walk of life in America. Colin Kaepernick has opened up an issue white folks do not want to talk about or acknowledge. He has lost his livelihood( he knew it could happen so he was not blind), and has shown his courage ever since this happened. He is putting his money where his mouth is, he's giving to charities to help minorities and doing speaking engagements to help others in need. The biggest example I can give for my support of Kaepernick is this: I fought for those idiot alt right people in Charlottesville to march with a permit. Do I like what they are doing? Of course not but I served for them just the same. We as Americans cannot have it both ways in what US Soldiers fought for. Americans need to be better in every way and support guys like Colin Kaepernick. White people in general need to support Kaepernick because he's trying to make it better for everyone, not just Black folks, but EVERYONE. Police stop shooting unarmed black men and killing them makes America a better place to live for everyone. I say try thinking beyond yourselves and help all people. I'm challenging white folks(and some blacks), along with other races to fight for rights of ALL people not just folks that look like you. Also stop being brainwashed by a piece of cloth that has no feelings whatsoever. For you so called Christian white folks this is worshipping an idol which God frowns upon. It is not country first then God, it's the other way around. Colin Kaepernick has shown courage, strength, and a willingness to make this country better. I challenge all people that claim to not like Colin Kaepernick to do what he has done, try to make things better for everyone. He has used his sports platform to bring about change for the better. He is not perfect, I would tell him if I met him he needs to vote even if it's a write in vote. He explained the Pig Socks and the Castro shirt very well. Last thing: white folks(along with blacks) need to demand that he gets back into the NFL to play Quarterback. Money talks and protesting him being blackballed(which it is obvious by now he is), the NFL Owners would bend and sign him to an NFL contract. This is a test to see if America is indeed, Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.

Super Tuesday!!!!!! Supersectionals in Class 3A and 4A

Super Tuesday in Illinois!!!!! Supersectional Time!!!!! This is the round in Illinois that is the big game in the playoffs if you make it this far. 32 minutes(or more) from State Finals, 32 minutes(or more) from "Going Downstate" as we call it here.  Downstate is Peoria the State Semifinals. Most exciting day of the basketball year(Sectional Finals a close 2nd to me) in Illinois. Games are now in college gyms from here on in which could make a difference on who wins the games. My breakdown of some of the games will be Class 4A starting with: CHICAGO STATE- Evanston Township vs Whitney Young: Both teams have won all their playoff games by double digits. Both team have been on a tear the last two weeks. Evanston has All-Area Nojel Eastern, Chris Hamil, Elijah Williams, and Whitney Young transfer Malcolm Townsel all seniors. They also have who I call the triple sophomore monsters in Lance Jones, Jaheim Holden,and Ryan Bost all small, quick, and active guards especially on defense. Whitney Young has Lucas Williamson a senior, Xavier Castaneda, Seton Academy transfer Javon Freeman and Justin Boyd juniors. Jake Kosowalski is a three point shooter coming off the bench. Eastern is a do it all player who can play outside or inside for Evanston. Eastern and Williams will have to rule the inside for Evanston to win. Chris Hamil has been lights out from three point range the last three weeks. Townsel will have to stay within himself and not try to do too much against his former teammates. The sophomores will have to put pressure on Castaneda and keep him from dribble penetration. Evanston will also have to keep Freeman from slashing to the basket and finishing. Whitney Young has an advantage of having played at Chicago State this year in the CPS Semifinals. It is also a disadvantage because they could not hit the broad side of a barn that day, and Simeon pounded them on the glass. Evanston will have to do the same and I predict will do the same. Evanston by 7. SEARS CENTRE- Fremd(Palatine) vs Jacobs(Algonquin): These teams are a combined 60-1 this season with Fremd being undefeated. Fremd does not have a lot of size but plays very well as a unit. Kyle Sliwa hit another buzzer beater to beat Conant in the Sectional Final. I think Loyola(IL) signee Cam Krutwig will be the big difference inside to turn this game to Jacobs. Fremd loses it's first game of the year. Jacobs by 8. NORTHERN ILLINOIS-Bolingbrook vs North(Naperville): Bolingbrook has lost only one game this year and that was without big man Malik Binns. Nebraska signee Nana Akenten is their star but they go 10 deep and keep up a brisk pace on the court. Naperville North has the size inside with Mitch Lewis(6'6"), Chris Johnson(6'7"). I think Bolingbrook is too deep for North and will win this game by double digits. Bolingbrook by 12. ILLINOIS STATE- Simeon vs Edwardsville: Some say this is for the defacto State Title. I disagree I think Evanston,Whitney Young, and Bolingbrook are close to their equals. For Simeon UTEP signee Evan Gillard and junior Kezo Brown will be key on the perimeter. Talen Horton-Tucker is a 6'5" big body versatile player who will be a hard matchup for Edwardsville. Iowa football commit AJ Epenesa(6'6") averages a double/double and Mr Basketball favorite Mark Smith(6'4") point guard can do it all, run a team, shoot the three, and invert him to post up in the low post. He also has shooters on the wing Oliver Stephen and junior Jack Marinko. This team plays very well together better than the sum of it's parts. Kezo Brown will be assigned to try and slow Mark Smith down. He'll make it hard for Smith but the Chicago representative has had a hard time over the years advancing out of this Supersectional. Very close game but I have Edwardsville winning....just barely and continuing the problems the city champ has winning a state title per my article written a couple of weeks ago. http://www.clutchsportsofficial.com/is-chicago-public-league-champ-jinxed-in-state-playoffs/  EDWARDSVILLE by 2. THERE YOU HAVE IT: MY PREDICTIONS FOR TONIGHT'S GAMES. HAVE FUN I PLAN ON HAVING FUN MYSELF. GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!

Class 4A Waukegan Sectional Final!!!!!!

Evanston vs Waukegan. Sectional Final. The Dog Pound. That's all that really needs to be said but I'll say more. These long time Central Suburban South rivals used to play twice a year when Waukegan was in the conference. Waukegan was in their 1st season in the North Suburban Conference this season. It was a much needed move by them for money purposes. I do miss the one time a year I used to drive up there for this game. It was always a great atmosphere no matter the records of either team. Most prefer Evanston/New Trier which is intense. I always thought this one was better though a lot in Evanston might disagree with me. The only two teams in the Division that were predominately African American dominated on both rosters. Evanston ruled this rivalry for many years. Folks said Waukegan didn't beat Evanston for like 25 years straight. Then Jereme Richmond(Evanston kid) showed up at Waukegan his sophomore year. Waukegan dominated this rivalry while he was there winning every time. When Richmond left Evanston went back to dominating the series. Waukegan leaves the conference, becomes a six seed in this years playoffs and makes a great run to the Sectional Final. I am one of the few that saw this game coming as I predicted Waukegan to be here when the playoffs started. To the game now: The stars for Evanston Seniors Nojel Eastern(All-Area, Purdue signee) is a jack of all trades player and can play all over the court. Chris Hamil is a knockdown three point shooter, Whitney Young transfer Malcolm Townsel has been a revelation late in the year. Waukegan has star seniors Carson Newsome(Wisconsin Milwaukee) signee and DeShawn Davidson who is a double figure scorer and great ball handler. I think though this game will come down to the sophomores: Lance Jones, Jaheim Holden, and Ryan Bost for Evanston, Ja'Dyn Brown, Bryant Brown and Jordan Brown for Waukegan. Evanston's sophomores provide timely offense, great defense and pressure on the ball and that something extra that most other teams do not have. The Brown's for Waukegan do a little bit of everything also offense, rebounding(Ja'Dyn Brown), blocked shots(Bryant Brown). I have thought of this and to me how these youngsters play will decide the outcome. I believe the defense of Evanston's sophomores will put their stamp on the game and turn it Evanston's way. I did not forget Elijah Williams who's rebounding could blow the game wide open. I predict a double digit win for Evanston and the Wildkits advance to the Chicago State Supersectional. See everyone tomorrow night at the Dog Pound. God Bless and Peace to the creatures.

Class 2A Sectional Guerin Sectional

This sectional final will be a great matchup. This should be the defacto State Title game in Class 2A. I know the winner will have to win 3 more games for the title, but I don't see another team beating either one of these squads. A couple of things: 1) Will freshman sensation Eliot Sieger be able to handle Orr's pressure defense in his first Sectional Final. 2) How will Dannie Smith of Orr affect the game with his versatility? 3) Can DePaul Prep keep Orr off the boards? The key players for both teams: ORR- Class of 2018 Dannie Smith(6'6"), Class of 2018 Raekwon Drake(6'5"), Class of 2017 Alex Flute(6'0"). As I mentioned Dannie Smith and his versatility has transformed this Orr team. The Lincoln Park transfer has brought a steadiness to Orr's backcourt play. He also hits the glass very hard and very well. Drake is relentless on the glass and has an improved 15 foot jumper. He also clogs the lane on defense with blocked shots. Flute is the three point shooting extraordinaire for this team. If he's open you might as well count it. Class of 2018 Brian Hernandez is key off the thin Orr bench with his three point shooting. He has to be careful with turnovers though. DEPAUL PREP-Class of 2019 Perry Cowan(6'4"), Class of 2019 Pavie Pantovic(6'6"), Class of 2020 Eliot Sieger(6'0"). Cowan is a great slasher to the basket that puts pressure on the defense, good mid range shooter, and developing three point shot. He will be key on the defensive glass for DePaul Prep tonight. Pantovic will have to keep Drake off the offensive glass tonight for DePaul Prep to have a chance to win. Sieger has been a great scorer and distributor as a freshman for DePaul Prep. He will have to handle Orr's relentless full court pressure tonight for his team to have a chance. He scores 18 a game on three pointers, drives to the basket. He's also good at drawing fouls and hitting his free throws. It is imperative that he stays out of foul trouble tonight. Also to keep a cool head as he fouled out in Catholic League Quarterfinal against St Joseph because of an unsportsmanlike technical foul. Once he fouled out DePaul Prep could not get the ball past half court vs St Joseph. This gets me to: BENCH PLAY- Neither team has a bench to speak of, Orr has the aforementioned Brian Hernandez but that's really it for both teams. This could derail State title hopes for whichever team wins this game and moves on. CONCLUSION: Both teams are young, Orr is junior laden and DePaul Prep is sophomore and freshman driven. Orr has a little more experience as they won Sectional last year with sophomore laden team. Key for tonight for Orr Drake has to stay out of foul trouble as they have no one else that plays on the interior like he does. Sieger has to stay on the floor for DePaul Prep as they can't get the ball over half court without him on the floor. As it is I predict Orr moves on, wins their Supersectional this year, gets Downstate(Peoria) and wins the Class 2A State Title. God Bless everyone and Peace to the Creatures.

Chicago Elite Classic takeaways

I was at the event for two days and this is what I saw:  DAY 1 1)Fenwick/Oak Park River Forest rivalry was off the chains the Battle of Oak Park. These student sections were wild and had chants back and forth at each other. Greatest example was OPRF fans chanting to Fenwick's fans "Please don't sue us" repeatedly. This is in reference to the controversial finish in the Class 7A football semifinal between Fenwick and Plainfield North which can be read here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-fenwick-football-lawsuit-met-20161122-story.html Fenwick by the way won the basketball game in overtime with three Nixon brothers in the starting lineup. 2) Loyola(Willmette)/Notre Dame(Niles) Game was a knock down drag out slug fest won in overtimeby Notre Dame with Malik Jenkins making the winning layup in overtime. 3) Curie(Chicago) beat up on East St Louis with the Martin twins outplaying Illinois signee Jeremiah Tillmon. A big issue is the East St Louis guards do not know how to feed the post. Tillmon had 12 points and 6 rebounds before fouling out. His 4th foul was not a smart one, hanging on the rim.  DAY 2 1) My day started with watching the second half of Uplift vs Chaminade(St Louis). This game was about bigger skilled players beating smaller skilled players. Chaminade had 3 kids 6'5" and over hitting three pointers at a high rate while Uplift had no one over 6'3". The Jacobs brothers both showed well. 2) Sunrise Christian(Kansas) has Malek Hall Class of 2019 player on the team who played his freshman year at Metea Valley in Aurora and Michael Johnson Class of 2017. Both played well in a win for Sunrise Christian. Gray Collegiate Academy(South Carolina) had a top Class of 2019 player nationally Juwan Gray(6'6") who is strong and can score on all three levels. One to watch out for. 3) Yale commit Jameel Alausa of UHigh(Chicago) had a double/double and looks like he'll be All-Ivy League in his college career. He plays hard and has skills in the paint and enough ball handling to be able to slash to the basket. They surprised Hyde Park(Chicago) who has a good point guard in Class of 2018 Andrew Anderson. Also be on the look out for Alausa's younger brother Mohammed Alausa Class of 2019. 4) Joliet West is for real and a contender for the Class 4A crown. They were very impressive in a win over North Lawndale(Chicago). Drake signee Teyvion Kirk was the best player in the game. He missed only one shot in doing everything for Joliet West. Wisconsin-Green Bay signee Trevian Bell was equally impressive in complementing Kirk. I was just as impressed with Tabyous Casrerberry who was an absolute monster on the glass and running the floor. Carlos Hines of North Lawndale continues to prove he is a true sleeper. Why doesn't he have more scholarship offers this 4.0 student? 5) Evanston got hammered by Montverde Academy(Florida) as expected. Montverde recruits players from all over the world so considering that I thought Evanston accounted itself pretty well. Nojel Eastern had a solid game 17 points and 7 rebounds, the three headed sophomore guard line of Jaheim Holden, Lance Jones, and Ryan Bost did not look ready for prime time. This was a game they needed though as I would bet they will be ready for the next prime time game; which Evanston will have plenty of Showcase games this winter. 6) Simeon(Chicago) looked impressive beating USA Today's #5 team Gonzaga of Washington DC. UTEP signee Evan Gillard, Class of 2018 Talen Horton-Tucker(26 and 14), and Class of 2018 Kezo Brown all had big games for Simeon.  7) Whitney Young(Chicago) and Kenwood(Chicago) game was entertaining with Kenwood coming out on top. Kenwood Class of 2017 Octavius Parker and  Young Class of 2018 Justin Boyd had a can you top this moment in the first half. Both were raining three pointers all over the place back and forth at each other. Parker ended the first half with a 33 foot there pointer at the buzzer. Young's  Lucas Williamson joined the proceedings with a great game as did Kenwood's Manny Patterson. I heard a lot of talk about how they matched up the teams for this. Some folks suggested that Simeon and Whitney Young should have played Chaminade and Montverde Academy. I asked those folks who's hosting this event? Enough said.

RJ Barrett At Chicago Elite Classic.

The Chicago Elite Classic is in it's 5th year of existence. It has had a lot of great players play in the event, from Jabari Parker,Jahlil Okafor,Tyler Ulis,Stanley Johnson who are all current NBA players. The latest to play in it this past weekend is Class of 2019 wing RJ Barrett(6'7" #1 ESPN, #2 24/7 Sports) of Montverde Academy(FL). In my opinion barring injury he is a future NBA player. He was MVP in the game he played vs Evanston(IL) with 23 points. I spoke to him after the game and this is what he had to say: Q: Hi, RJ I'm Tim Coleman Sr of A Sea Of Blue(Kentucky Publication) how are you doing? RJ: I'm doing great. Q: What schools are on your short list? RJ: I'm only a sophomore in high school my Dad(Rowan Barrett) is handling all of my recruiting right now. Q: Ok, how do you think you played today? RJ: I think I played well except I could have gathered more rebounds. Q: Has Kentucky shown any interest in you? RJ: Yes I have talked to John Calipari so yes they have shown some interest in me. Q: What are your strengths and weaknesses as a basketball player? RJ: My strength is taking it to the rim but I'm working on everything right now. Q: Ok thanks for taking the time to do this interview( I shake his hand) RJ: No problem thank you. My assessment of RJ Barrett as a player is he showed he can score on all three levels, has great vision passing the ball and a great lefty stroke. This game it looked like he could score with ease and has a lot of growth and potential in his game. Kentucky will be in his recruitment until the end. I as a Kentucky fan will look forward to watching him the next three years of his high school career.

Illinois Mr Basketball Candidates 2017

These are my top candidates for Mr Basketball this season. There will be a lot of names as it is wide open this season. The players are Class of 2017 unless otherwise mentioned. Here we go: JORDAN GOODWIN 6'3"SWINGMAN (BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF)- This young man is intensity personified, junk yard dog mentality. A killer instinct and a high motor. The St Louis commit is a do it all swingman who has improved his three point shooting, strong finisher inside and a great rebounder for his size. Plays for a team that is defending state champ in 3A and was runner-up the year before so he's a winner. What gives me pause?  They lost some good players, how far in the playoffs can he take them this season? Team results do matter in the voting for this award. Also he's signing with St Louis which is not a Power 5 school. This is looked at also. JEREMIAH TILLMON 6'10" CENTER (EAST ST LOUIS)- HE'S BAACCCCKKKKK!!!!!! He left the state for a year to play at La Lumierre in Indiana presumably to get his grades in order. The Illinois commit has improved his game leaps and bounds and is now the state's best prospect. He has jump hook over either shoulder, can run the floor very well, rebounds and defends at a high level. He is coming off a shoulder injury from the Spring which dropped his ranking. He still is a candidate for McDonald's All-American honors and will sign with Illinois. These things will enhance his candidacy. What gives me pause? East St Louis lost 10 seniors from last years team and Tillmon is the only guy they have. Yes he will get big numbers but how will his team do and how far will they get in the playoffs? ALONZO VERGE JR 6'3" POINT GUARD (THORNTON)- He will be the most exciting player to watch since "The Boat Show" in East Aurora a few years ago. He's a big time scorer who can also get other players involved. He can score on all three levels and is a two end player who can electrify a crowd with his speed and ability to score in bunches. His recruitment is not known at this time and has been quiet for such a big time player. What gives me pause? Will he be eligible to play at Thornton? If he is eligible to play how far can he take his team in the playoffs? Will there be an adjustment period with his new teammates? Also since this will be his 4th school in 4 years(did not play at Proviso West but attended a semester there) could have an effect on the voters. NOJEL EASTERN 6'6" SWINGMAN (EVANSTON TOWNSHIP)- This versatile offensive performer can play 4 positions on the high school level. He has had some injury issues( bone bruise, ankle) in his high school career. He can shoot with either hand and is a devastating offensive weapon at all three levels. He is very unselfish, too unselfish at times and will be playing on a highly ranked team who will be playing in a lot of showcase games this season. What gives me pause? He may not get big time stats because of his unselfishness and he has some good teammates around him. Also will he finally win a Sectional Title? His candidacy will depend on how far his team gets. If they get downstate he has an excellent chance at the award as he is an honor roll student. JUSTIN SMITH 6'7" SWINGMAN (STEVENSON)- This explosive wing who is an Indiana commit has improved leaps and bounds over his 4 years. He is a serviceable outside shooter from three point range now and can get to the rim and finish. He will have to show that he can be "The man" on his team and has a chance to have an explosive season. What gives me pause? His team may not give him much help this year. Just like Tillmon not much around him to help get him deep in the playoffs. He should get big numbers also but will that be enough? ELIJAH JOINER 6'3" GUARD (CURIE)- This swingman is a scorer who has shown the ability to slash to the basket, his three point shot will have to get more consistent. He is the unquestioned leader of the defending state champ in 4A and will need him to be aggressive takeover mode for them to get further again. What give me pause? He has a great nucleus coming back will his numbers match up to a typical Mr Basketball candidate? Will he have enough opportunities to put big numbers up? JIMMY SOTOS 6'3" POINT GUARD (CONANT)- I know some folks are saying who? Well the Bucknell commit can PLAY, he can shoot the three, run a team like a general, good passer and will rebound at a high rate. He does it all for his team and if he can carry them downstate as they did win a Sectional last year he will be in the running. What gives me pause? How much do the downstate voters know about him? He'll have to get to the state finals to have any kind of chance. I would not put that past him though. AYO DOSUMNU 6'3" COMBO GUARD (MORGAN PARK)- The #1 player in the state in the Class of 2018 he can do it all for a guard, run a team, get to the basket at will, a good three point shooter, and a good passer. HE will also defend you all over the court. He's trying to give Morgan Park back to back Mr Basketball's as Charlie Moore won last year. What gives me pause? Only one other junior has won this award(Jabari Parker) and it may be a case of voters telling him to wait his turn. He has the ability to be the second but his team would have to get back downstate in 3A for him to have a chance. MARQUISE WALKER 5'11" POINT GUARD (ST JOSEPH)- This is a dark horse candidate as he is the #1 player in Class of 2019 in a loaded class. He can score from all three levels, is a consummate floor general, and is improving defensively. He made it downstate in 3A last season, they will be moving up to 4A this season. What gives me pause? A sophomore has NEVER won Mr Basketball for Boys and it will be hard to see it happening this year with all the candidates for the award. Hence if he takes them to the State Finals in 4A and wins a title he will get a lot of votes. THERE YOU HAVE IT: MY CANDIDATES FOR MR BASKETBALL. I'M SURE I FORGOT SOME CANDIDATES OTHER PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE ON THEIR LIST. IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE WHO WINS IT BECAUSE IT'S WIDE OPEN. GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!! 

Timothy's Rants: Illinois Class of 2019 Guards Evaluation!!!!

Timothy's Rants: Illinois Class of 2019 Guards Evaluation!!!!: I personally feel the Class of 2019 guards in the State of Illinois will be a special class. I see a lot of them will end up in the Top 100 ...

Illinois Class of 2019 Guards Evaluation!!!!

I personally feel the Class of 2019 guards in the State of Illinois will be a special class. I see a lot of them will end up in the Top 100 in the country. The scramble for the top spot will be fierce and since Kahalil Whitney left the state(Roselle Catholic in New Jersey),  it's wide open. These evaluations are in no particular order on who I feel is the best to worst. Here we go: MARQUISE WALKER 5'11" POINT GUARD ST JOSEPH(WESTCHESTER)- So far in high school he's been the most productive guard on the varsity level leading St Joes to a third place finish in Class 3A last season. He also led his travel team Nike Team Florida to the 16 and under Peach Jam title. He will be expected to be the leader in their move up to 4A. He's the consummate floor general, gets good penetration to the basket, is strong enough to finish, has an excellent midrange game and serviceable three point shot. He plays solid defense and is strong enough to keep opposing guards out of the paint. He also has improved athletically. Improvements will need to be made on the defensive end and more fine tuning the three point shot. MARKESE JACOBS 5'11" POINT GUARD UPLIFT(CHICAGO)- Very explosive point guard who still has to learn the intricacies of the position. He can jump out of the gym, finishes well in the paint with contact. He also is a very good defender that can shut down the opposing point guard. His upside is tremendous enough that Kansas has offered him a scholarship. He also has jumped ahead of the aforementioned Walker in some National Rankings. He has to improve his mid range and three point shoot to maximize his potential. Sometimes he is loose with his ball handling he will have to tighten that up. He could be the key to Uplift contending for the Class 2A Title. MIKE SALTER 6'4" POINT GUARD ROMEOVILLE- To me he may have the biggest upside of the guards in this class. He has the versatility to move to the wing and can shoot well enough to do so. He moved travel teams earlier in the Spring from Meanstreets to splitting time between Chicago Raptors and Wisconsin Playground Elite. This could be why he has been a little lost on some National and local rankings. He is very good passer setting teammates up, good three point shooter, good middle game with the floater. He's an up and coming defender as he can guard 4 positions on the high school level. He's the opposite of Markese Jacobs in that he has to get more aggressive with his game. He also needs to work more on finishing at the rim. This is the year he should take over the reins at Romeoville to bring a Regional Title to the school. KEJUAN CLEMENTS 6'1" POINT GUARD SIMEON(CHICAGO)- A very talented guard as some call him a combo guard. He's good at getting to the basket, distributing, and has a good midrange game. He's okay defensively will have to work on being more committed to that end like his teammate Kezo Brown. He also has to learn how to run a team but not sure he'll get the opportunity at Simeon as they are loaded at the guard positions. This could be a case of having to wait his turn at the Chicago Public League Powerhouse. He will have opportunities on his Mac Irvin Fire travel team. LJ JOHNSON 6'2" COMBO GUARD MORGAN PARK(CHICAGO)- Very athletic and can jump out the gym, he has improved his jumper to where it is serviceable out to three point range. He has shown good vision passing the ball to his teammates, is a good defender with a lot of potential there with his athleticism. He'll have to get in where to fit in at Morgan Park as they are loaded at the guard position also. If he improves his ball handling and develops his midrange game the sky is the limit for this kid. Another one who might have to wait his turn a little bit. JAHEIM HOLDEN 5'9" POINT GUARD EVANSTON TOWNSHIP- He is like a thief in the night on defense will pick your pocket in an instant. He can get to the basket and has a nice floater, also has become more athletic as he is dunking the ball now. He still has a lot to learn about running an offense,  a little more work on his three point jumper, and finishing around the rim. The finishing around the rim could be a result of his lack of size. He will have some opportunities to run the offense at Evanston this year though the backcourt is loaded. He plays very hard the effort is always there with this kid. We will see how he does on his first true year on the Varsity level. LANCE JONES 6'1" COMBO GUARD EVANSTON TOWNSHIP- This young man is a stone cold scorer. You look in the dictionary for scorer he is it. He has range out to 25 feet, has a good middle game, and is a good finisher at the cup. His defense is serviceable as he has to pay more attention to this area. He has the mentality to take over games scoring. He has to learn how to run a team which may be hard to do at Evanston in the present with their loaded backcourt, and the future with Holden and Ryan Bost as point guards in the same class. My hope is he will get plenty of run at the point guard position with his Meanstreets travel team. One thing that is helpful is the game of basketball is going more to combo guards at the point guard position. PERRY COWAN 6'4" SWINGMAN DEPAUL PREP(CHICAGO)- This young man is a slasher extraordinaire as he can get to the basket and finish well. He has a serviceable three point shot though it could use more work. He's very good on the defensive end as he can guard multiple positions. He has to work on his ball handling and passing to be a productive guard down the line. He will have every opportunity this year to be the man at DePaul Prep to be able to work on his weaknesses for his future. That is it: if I missed someone let me know, I think this could be a historic class in the State of Illinois for the guard position. It will be fun to see how these guys develop over the next three years.

Kentucky recruiting update

Nike EYBL Indianapolis 2016

Hello, I attended the Nike EYBL Indianapolis this past weekend, saw a lot of players, was checking out the Kentucky targets mostly but saw some great basketball. Let's start out with stuff I heard about recruiting: I met a young man who runs Hoops DFW, the subject of Marques Bolden came up, he said he's still undecided but thinks Kentucky has a great shot at getting him. There was a lot of rumors flooding around about DeAndre Ayton and why Kentucky and Duke have backed off his recruiting. Kansas is still recruiting him but I've heard that he was not going to class out at Hillcrest Prep, hence they don't think he'll be eligible for college basketball. The buzz is he will play professional basketball somewhere, D-League or Overseas before going to the NBA. Ayton himself said he will not have eligibility problems. We will see soon enough stay tuned on this one. I also heard Wendell Carter is earmarked for Duke, he will visit Big Blue Madness but that is just to enjoy the Show, he is very focused on academics hence he will also take a visit to Harvard so don't get your hopes up Big Blue fans on this recruitment. Now for the Kentucky targets I watched over the weekend here we go: MICHAEL PORTER JR(MOKAN ELITE)- The 6'9" small forward gets up and down the floor very well, was not hitting his three pointer this weekend but was hitting everything in between. He can bring the ball coast to coast and finish strong, also is not bad on the defensive end of the court. Showed well in the Showdown vs PSA Cardinals and Expressions Elite. TRAE YOUNG(MOKAN ELITE)- The 6'2" point guard did not shoot well most of the weekend but did show his change of pace speed and was getting to the basket. He did have trouble with pressure vs PSA Cardinals and was ripped twice in open court by Tremont Waters of Expressions Elite which was a great point guard showdown, speaking of: TREMONT WATERS(EXPRESSIONS ELITE)- The 5'11" point guard who just received an offer from Kentucky this week showed his quickness vs Trae Young in getting into the lane but was dishing off to open guys right into their shooting motion. He did not shoot many three pointers so don't know about his outside shooting. I will check out more of him in future sessions. NICK RICHARDS(EXPRESSIONS ELITE)- The 6'10" power forward is just that, power was average in the first half vs MoKan Elite but picked it up in every phase in the 2nd half, rebounding, blocked shots, finishing around the rim, running the floor, everything a big man should do. He has a lot of upside in his game. JOHN PETTY(WE ALL CAN GO)- I was very disappointed in his performances this weekend, a lot of turnovers trying to force the action into the lane and getting ball stolen, did not shoot well from the outside nor finish well inside. He did rebound well on the defensive end, his troubles could be the product of a new team, freshman point guard etc. I will see if he picks it up in other sessions. KEVIN KNOX(E1T1)-The 6'9" forward is a slasher extraordinaire great finisher going to the basket, did not see much of a perimeter game when I watch ed him but plays well on both ends of the floor. Kentucky just offered him over the past week.  He played well the game I saw vs Houston Hoops. JARED VANDERBILT(HOUSTON HOOPS)- The 6'9" point forward was back to slashing to the basket at every opportunity was a little sloppy with the ball this weekend but showed his versatility with his great vision and passing. He also hits the boards well for his position not a lot of perimeter shooting in the two games I saw him. BILLY PRESTON(HOUSTON HOOPS)- This was his 1st week playing with Houston Hoops, still adjusting to playing with new teammates, he still took a lot of shots and did a lot of perimeter ball handling. Lots of ability but not sure of his upside because he will be 20 years old by the time he starts college. He hopes Kentucky offers him at some point, we will see. MOHAMED BAMBA(PSA CARDINALS)- He's 6'11" with a 7'8" wingspan and used it this weekend to block shots and hit the glass though he does not get the ball enough in the low post for my taste. When he did get it he showed he had a nice jump hook and turnaround jumper. He did the little things in a high profile overtime win over MoKan Elite. He runs the floor very well and probably has the highest upside of any player in the EYBL as he is young to the game of basketball. BRIAN BOWEN(MEANSTREETS)- He's a 6'6" swingman who handles the ball pretty well and can get his shot anytime, the problem is he was missing a lot of shots vs Houston Hoops he just could not buy a basket, you could still see his athleticism in hitting the glass and running the floor, good pickup for Meanstreets. HAMIDOU DIALLO(NEW YORK RENS)- I did not get to see much of this new Kentucky offeree but I can say two things: 1) He has a better three point shot than folks think great form on his shot and 2) He's a great straight line driver and finisher at the rim, in saying this he has to improve his breakdown skills off the dribble to take his game to the next level. He does play very good lockdown defense for his 6'5" swingman position. DEANDRE AYTON(CALIFORNIA SUPREME)- As I said earlier it looks like Kentucky has laid off him for eligibility concerns but......WHAT A PLAYER!!!!!!! He can do everything on the floor(hit 4 threes vs Mac Irvin Fire), he scores just about anytime he wants in the low post and also has a great midrange shot. The only issues is he has to give a better effort at all times because when he decides to he's unstoppable. It would be a shame if we don't see him at the college level. MARVIN BAGLEY III(PHOENIX PFAMILY)- He's a Class of 2018 player the 6'10" forward/center is a very versatile player, he can bring it up the court, has great touch out to 3 point range, he hits the glass, hits his free throws and gets his shot in the low post whenever he wants(though he missed some shots in there). He was very impressive and if someone said he is the best in Class of 2018 I would not dispute it at all. GARY TRENT JR(HOWARD PULLEY)- This is the only prospect I did not get to see this weekend that is a Kentucky target, I have seen him in other settings though and I'll check him out in the other sessions online.  There you go, a great weekend and I will see more as their games are online but it was great to get to see these guys live and up close. I hope to see a lot of them again at the Nike Peach Jam. Well check out my online radio show on Wednesday nights 7pm EST call 516-595-8069. GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!!!!

Chicago Police Superintendent Firing Will Not Change Much!!!!!!!!!

Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy was fired today by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel. Folks called for his firing after the Laquan McDonald murder took folks over the edge about the Police Department. This will not change anything it will be status quo. Why? Because these things have been in place for decades in Chicago. Martin L King said of Chicago once paraphrasing: the segregation here in Chicago is more than anyplace in the South. I have lived in the Chicago Area for 20 years now, I have observed that he is right even now. There has been for a long time a systematic plan in place for white folks to leave the Suburbs and head back to the city of Chicago. The city has been hounding my Mother In Law( I'm divorced from her daughter but I still consider her that), to buy her properties on the West Side of Chicago. She keeps telling them she is not selling her properties. The plan is for black folks to kill each other in large numbers in the city. When the property values go down because of these killings in the city the white folks will come and scarf up the properties for little to nothing. Once this is done the city will fix up the neighborhoods, the schools(which is already being done, charter schools anyone?) and infrastructure. Once this is done black folks that want those properties will either be priced out, run out by threats,violence, or any other means necessary to keep us out. This is not saying we cannot afford the properties, a lot of us can but it won't matter by that time. The white flight is going reverse not from city to suburbs but suburbs to city. What happens to the so called black folks that lived in these communities you ask? Well they will be sent out to the suburbs (Section 8 amongst other things), cut off bus and train services so the working blacks that don't have cars can't get to work. The plan is these black folks will just kill each other out in the Suburbs. Anyone that lives in the Chicago Area knows this is happening already (look at Aurora and the gangs out there!!!!), you can also check out some of the South Suburbs and what is happening to the schools, Dolton,South Holland, Harvey to name a few. Hence the "gang problem" which is not just a black problem, whites are killing whites, Latinos are killing Latinos and so on will not go away anytime soon. Guns will be poured into the communities, more folks will get killed because some of us are not smart enough to see what is going on. The gun violence issues in Chicago and other big cities will not be fixed anytime soon, this is the plan of the White Establishment all along. So in conclusion if folks thing firing McCarthy will solve the problem have another thing coming. The problem is deeper and more systematic than one man with a badge. Try looking deeper into why these things are going on: one good thing is the protests but the only problem with that is nothing has ever been solved in this country without violence. Violence and empty pockets are the only thing the White Establishment will understand that will affect change. The Civil Rights Movement no attention was paid to it until the violence was broadcast on television. Open up your mind folks and let other things in besides what the slovenly slob media feeds you on television. This is my rant for today, God Bless and Peace to the Creatures.

It's a Kentucky Basketball Recruiting World 10/07 by Its A UK B-Ball Recruiting World | Basketball Podcasts

It's a Kentucky Basketball Recruiting World 10/07 by Its A UK B-Ball Recruiting World | Basketball Podcasts