Hoopsfix All Star Classic 2014 Programme

OFFICIAL GAMEDAY PROGRAMME OF HOOPSFIX ALL-STAR CLASSIC

BRUNEL UNIVERSITY 15/06/14

Welcome, to the very first annual Hoopsfix All- Star Classic.

The Hoopsfix All Star Classic is a one day showcase of British basketball talent and culture which also serves to benefit the Hoopsfix Foundation, a not-for-profit whose sole purpose is to grow and raise the profile of the game.

I’d like to start by just thanking you for taking the time to come out and support this event and everything we’re trying to do with Hoopsfix and British basketball – it really wouldn’t be possible without people like yourself buying tickets and showing up!

I also would like to thank ESPN Player, 2tall.com, Molten, Amaechi Performance Systems, Reach & Teach, Sportserve, 5or6, Always Ballin’, Let Me Play and Wilkie TV; without whom none of this would have taken place. It takes a special kind of company to be willing to invest in basketball in the UK, and all of the above partners have proven their support in the growth of basketball in the UK – please, if you get the chance in the future, use their services wherever possible to show it was a worthwhile investment!

It is almost exactly four and a half years ago that I launched Hoopsfix.com, and taking things from the online into the real world has been a long term goal of mine, one that I’m incredibly proud to finally achieve through not only the Hoopsfix All Star Classic but the work of the Hoopsfix Foundation, which I have no doubt you will be hearing a lot more about in the near future.

Just short of 50 players from up and down the country will take to the floor today, some of which no-one will have seen for periods of months, if not years, whilst they have been overseas chasing their basketball dreams.

I can’t describe how absolutely delighted we are to be celebrating their success, giving them the recognition they deserve and inspiring the next generation.

Be sure to use the hashtag #HASC14 when talking about the day on social media, and follow Hoopsfix on all our social media accounts for real time updates with photos and videos from the event.

Enjoy your day and let the games begin!

Sam NeterOwner, Hoopsfix

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SCHEduLE 9.00 KIdS CLInIC 10.00 TEAMS PRACTICE 12.30 dOORS OPEn 13.00 u16 GAME 15.00 dunK COnTEST 16.00 u26 GAME 18.00 FInISH

Founded in 2014, the Hoopsfix Foundation is the charitable arm of British basketball website, Hoopsfix.com.

Left reeling after a non-existent legacy from the 2012 Olympics, Hoopsfix launched the foundation to ensure basketball has some support to reach its potential across the home nations. A not-for-profit, its sole mission is to grow and raise the profile of basketball in the United Kingdom, through taking on projects that have a long term, sustainable impact.

This includes physical work, such as renovating or improving basketball

facilities, and also research-based white papers to help form a picture of the British basketball landscape, identifying issues and providing solutions.

All proceeds from the 2014 Hoopsfix All Star Classic will go to the foundation, with funds being directed into an outdoor community basketball facility in London. Talks are currently underway with a number of borough councils to identify the ideal location and project to take on.

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Head Coach: Marc Steutel

Coach Marc Steutel is recognised as one of the top up and coming coaches in Britain and has managed to achieve an enormous amount in a short period in his coaching career to date.

Steutel started out as a community coach with Newcastle Eagles Community Foundation and was soon recruited to the Head Coach role at the newly formed Tyne Met North East Sports Academy (NESA).

From there Marc has gone on to assume the role of Team Northumbria Men’s head coach, achieving promotion in his first season in charge. In more recent time he has taken on national duties both with regional, England and GB programmes, helping the GB U20s to Division A promotion in 2013.

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U26 COACHES CORNER: BLACK

Assistant Coach: Lloyd Gardner

Current Director of Basketball Operations at the Great Britain Regional Institute, Barking Abbey, and Head Coach of Medway Park Crusaders Division 1 side this season, Lloyd Gardner is one of the brightest minds in the UK game.

A former professional player with the London Towers & Leopards, he has been a member of the GB Senior Women’s coaching staff and England U16 men’s team, as well as working with the prestigious Basketball Without Borders Camp. A number of players in the U26 game were developed by Lloyd Gardner and his team at Barking Abbey.

Photograph courtesy of Dave Moore

#HASC14 - JAMELL ANDERSON @JAMELL_uK

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Jamell Anderson #2106/07/1990 6’7”97kgLeicester Riders

Known for his dunking prowess, the 24 year old Anderson got his first call up to the GB Senior Men’s team last summer. Originally from Nottingham, the athletic forward made his BBL debut with the now-defunct Essex Pirates, before making the move to Leicester where he remains. With a number of championships under his belt, the hard-nosed former GB U20 will be looking to make his mark and come away with the win.

Devan Bailey #910/05/19896’2”89kgCheshire Phoenix

Bailey had an unorthodox ride to his professional career, leaving NCAA Division 1 school Central Connecticut State University two years early to turn pro. Having previously attended Prep school powerhouse Brewster, the solid point guard, with a number of GB Senior Men’s caps is known for his tough on ball defence. He has just signed a two year deal to remain with the Cheshire Phoenix

Dan Clark #8816/09/19886’11”95kgLaboral Kutxa

GB Senior Men starting forward, Dan Clark, has been well known as one of the country’s best since leaving Spain at 14 to sign with ACB club Estudiantes. The sharp shooting stretch 4 rose through the ranks, racking up international caps for England GB in the process, before leaving last season. He has spent the majority of this season rehabbing from injury and will be looking to prove he has not lost a step in the Hoopsfix All Star Classic.

Robert Gilchrist #1414/10/19906’9”100kgFlorida State University

Since heading abroad over 5 years ago, Rob Gilchrist is rarely seen in the UK but when he is, very few forget about him. The ridiculously athletic Londoner has been plying his trade at ACC school Florida State for the past two years and is currently looking for his first pro contract, where he can display his unique skill set. Being able to handle the ball, shoot the three, throw it down and block shots, Gilchrist will no doubt bring highlights in the #HASC14.

Will Hall #1101/06/19916’7”91kgLondon Greenhouse Pioneers

Known as a ‘glue’ guy, Will Hall is the guy every player wants on their team. A high IQ forward, Hall hails from Sheffield, where he represented England U16s, U18s and GB U20s on his way up, around spending a year at Deerfield Academy, MA. He won a playoff championship in his single season in Reading and will be looking to add more trophies to his cabinet with Greenhouse Pioneers, where he currently plays.

Orlan Jackman #1319886’7”95kgIserlohn Kangaroos

Orlan Jackman, a 6’7” gangly guard/for-ward, picked up his first GB Senior call up last summer. Born and raised in the heart of Hackney, the former Oklahoma City University player has suited up for Hack-ney White Heat, Manchester Magic, and London Lions before heading to Germany, where he won the 2014 Player of the Year for the Regionalliga West, was named to the 1st team and won the Regionalliga West title. Having a nose for the ball, Jackman will find a way to score no matter what the defence throws at him.

#HASC14 - DEVAN BAILEY @dEvAn9BAILEy8

U26 ALL-STAR ROSTER BLACK

Dan Clark Robert Gilchrist

#HASC14 - DAN CLARK @dAn00CLARK


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Joe Junior Mvuezolo #3519966’4”83kgBarking Abbey

The youngest player in the U26 game, Joe Junior Mvuezolo was a surprise cut from the England U18s this year, making him available to suit up with his older counter-parts. A freak athlete, Mvuezolo has been terrorising defenders above the rim for the past couple of seasons, and will be jumping across the pond next season to attend JUCO, Miami Dade College.

Levi Noel #4715/03/19916’5”95kgLeicester Riders

The former England u16, U18 and GB u20, Levi Noel is a taller than average point guard, a defensive stopper who loves to pass the ball but can be a potent scorer too. Noel has spent extensive time in the US, attending Notre Dame Prep before signing with NCAA Division 1 school Eastern Illinois University, transferring to Miami Dade College and then returning to England where he has now signed with Leicester Riders.

Caylin Raftopoulos #419/10/19925’870 kgWorcester Wolves

The lightning quick Raftopoulos started playing at a young age due to his father, former Surrey Heat Coach Creon, and from there, despite his diminutive stature, has made defenders pay time after time for underestimating him. Coming off his most successful season yet with three National Championships with Worcester Wolves (BUCS, BBL trophy, BBL Playoff), Raftopoulos, who has represented England U18s and Senior Men, is a crowd pleaser who will get the fans on their feet.

Alex Scotland-Williamson #2526/05/19896’9”107kgUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham

Alex Scotland Williamson has just graduated from four years of college in the US; two years at JUCO Lee College, before heading to NCAA Division 1 school University of Alabama at Birmingham. Scotland-Williamson is a strong hardnosed big man who can jump out the gym. Currently looking for his first pro contract, Scotland-Williamson will be hoping to turn heads in the Hoopsfix All Star Classic.

Zak Wells #3202/03/19937’0”115kgHemel Storm

Part of Marc Steutel’s GB U20 squad that gained promotion to Division A last summer, the 7’0” big man started playing late after an early career in boxing. Having won EBL Division 1 championships with the Leopards, Wells spent a year in Spain in LEB Silver with Girona, before returning to the UK to suit up for Hemel Storm in Division 1.

#HASC14 - ROBERT GILCHRIST @GILCHRISTRO10

Alex Scotland-Williamson

Caylin Raftopoulos


Head Coach: Junior Williams

Current assistant coach with London’s only professional team, the London Lions, Junior Williams had a successful pro career after attending Oklahoma City University for four years.

He coached the Westminster Warriors, the first club he started playing for aged 9, from D3 to D1 in four years, earning a Coach of the Year award in the process, and was at the helm of the London Regional team for 7 years, winning multiple titles.

He’s also been an assistant coach wit h the GB U20s, and coached at the Jordan Brand Classic International Tour.

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U26 COACHES CORNER: WHITE

Assistant Coach: Gary Maitland

Passionate about developing British talent, Coach Maitland has a rich experience in working with all ages and abilities ranging from young beginners to seasoned professionals.

Maitland, who coached Hoopsfix’s Summer League team last year, runs Harrow High School’s Basketball Academy in North West London, was a 2012 Powerade Sports Academy and DS8 Clinic coach, as well as the London RPC Coach from 2011-2014.

He currently coaches for the London Greenhouse Pioneers. Find more info at coachmaitland.com.

#HASC14 - ORLAN JACKMAN @n4ORLAnJ

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Bode Adeluola #5503/05/19895’10”83kgHemel Storm

Shifty guard Bode Adeluola is coming off one of his most successful seasons to date, being named the runner up Division 1 men’s Player of the Year. Originally a part of the well decorated East London Royals Under-18 team, Adeluola also a part of now GB Regional Institute, Barking Abbey. Since joining Hemel in the 2011-12 season he has picked up a Patron’s Cup title, while helping them gain promotion to Division 1.

Matthew Bryan-Amaning #1109/05/886’9”109kgOlympique Antibes

Bryan-Amaning, or ‘MBA’ as he is known, is well known for being one of the most electrifying players in the UK game. With guard like handle, and NBA athleticism, MBA played four years at University of Washington, before beginning his pro career which has seen him play in Turkey, Serbia, Korea, London and France. An EB and GB junior international regular, MBA made his GB Senior Men’s debut in 2010.

Lewis Champion #9303/01/19936’1”90kgReading Rockets

Another member of the Division A pro-motion winning GB U20 squad from last summer, Champion has played for the Reading Rockets his entire career, working his way through the ranks from a 9 year old beginning to being the Division 1 Men’s final MVP in 2013. A back to back Division 1 playoff champion, as well as a trophy and cup title winner this season with the Rock-ets, Champion will be taking his winning mentality to Northumbria University next season.

Elvisi Dusha #915/07/19946’2”80kgSurrey United

Dusha is the second youngest player in the Hoopsfix All Star Classic U26 game and the youngest captain in the history of the BBL, as he led the Surrey United franchise this season. A surprise omission from the GB U20 squad this summer after being involved last year a year young, the 2013 Future Stars tournament MVP will have a chip on his shoulder and looking to make a point to GB’s selectors.

Alhaji-Allie Fullah #1507/06/19896’8”109kgCharleston Southern University

Big Allie Fullah has just graduated as a four year starter from both his JUCO, and NCAA D1 school, Charleston Southern University. Looking to pick up his first pro contract, the workhorse in the post is a beast on the glass, a ferocious finisher and intimidating shot blocker. He won the Big South Regular Season championship twice, and also the Mid Florid Conference title while at College of Central Florida.

Leigh Greenan #3214/03/19907’0”117kgIpswich Basketball

Big man Leigh Greenan is a former England Under-18 and Great Britain Under-20, currently suiting up for Ipswich where he has played for the past two seasons helping them gain promotion to Division 3 to Division 2. He also has experience abroad, playing one year in France with N2 side Saint Dizier where he helped them win the league and gain promotion. One of the best big men still in the country, Greenan has a soft touch for a 7 footer but isn’t afraid to bang in the post.


U26 ALL-STAR ROSTER WHITE

Matthew Bryan-Amaning Alhaji-Allie Fullah

#HASC14 - LEVI NOEL @LEvInOEL


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Myles Hesson #505/06/19906’6”100kgGiessen 46ers

Hesson, a Birmingham native, is one of the only players in recent years to have stayed in England his entire career before leaving to play at a higher level overseas. A former GB U20, Hesson started his pro career with the Essex Pirates and the Mersey Tigers in the BBL, before leaving for Ger-many in 2012, playing both Pro B and BBL in his first season. He received his first call up to the GB Senior Squad in 2012, but it wasn’t until last year he made the final cut, where he ended up starting at Eurobasket. Coming off a successful season in Ger-many’s Pro A with Giessen 46ers, Hesson plays above the rim and regularly puts defenders on a poster.

Kalil Irving #1204/03/19926’6”99kgWorcester Wolves

Irving is one of the up and coming talents in the BBL, having won the BBL Trophy and Playoff Championship this season, as well as being a back to back BUCS Champion. Originally from Kent, where he started playing with Medway Park Crusaders, Irving has spent a year in the US playing at The Masters School in Connecticut, before returning to Medway and then Worcester where he will remain the coming season.

Raheem May-Thompson #1306/02/19916’6”98kgLiverpool

The athletic Raheem May-Thompson has been terrorising defenders all year and is coming off an undefeated championship winning Division 4 season with Liverpool; his first out of college. His first two years were at NCAA Division 1 school Quin-nipiac, before transferring to D2 Stone-hill College. Before attending college, May-Thompson also spent time at high school powerhouse DeMatha in Mary-land, before grading in 2009 from Towson Catholic. The former GB U20 has dropped off many people’s radars but remains one of the best of his generation.

Louis Sayers #2212/05/19926’6”95kgPlymouth Raiders

One of the smoothest players in the country, Sayers is known for his picture perfect shooting form and deadly range. A former England Under-18 and GB Un-der-20, Sayers has been a key contributor for the Plymouth Raiders this season after originally coming up through the Reading Rockets programme followed by a season in Hemel. The Hoopsfix All Star Classic will be a coming home of sorts for Louis, who attended Brunel University for 3 years.

John Stewart #619/08/19936’5”91.6kgHull Wasps

Hailing from Sheffield, Stewart has rep-resented junior national teams since the England U15s, working his way through the U16s, U18s and for the past two years the GB U20s, where he was a key part of the squad that gained promotion to Division A last year. With multiple titles in the UK, as well as an U15 and U18 MVP, plus England’s U18 Player of the Year in 2010. Stewart spent the last season with Hull Wasps while on placement year from Loughborough University.

#HASC14 - CAYLIN RAFTOPOULOS @CAyRAF16

Myles Hesson

Louis Sayers



Reach & Teach, the official development partner of the Hoopsfix All Star Classic, was founded by Nhamo Shire in 2005.

Shire had started Midnight Madness, a community basketball initiative to keep kids off the street in 1999 in Harlesden, West London, and experienced overwhelming success.

Midnight Madness grew from strength to strength, but at the same time Nhamo felt it was losing what it had originally set out to do which was engage with at-risk youth using basketball as a tool to develop life skills. This is where Reach & Teach evolved from.

Since its inception, Reach & Teach has grown to become the leading grassroots basketball provider in the country, with its primary programme being the London School of Basketball.

Within a year of the London School of Basketball launching, it had become the largest membership basketball club in the UK, engaging over 7,000 young people from across the nation’s capital, while being supported by the London Mayor’s Office, Nike, and now, Sport England.

The overarching umbrella is the Community Basketball League (CBL), which provides weekly organised competitions for all of the satellite clubs and developing players that have been produced the London School of Basketball, from under-12s through to under-25s, boys and girls.

A number of players in the Hoopsfix All

Star Classic Under-16 game have come through the CBL, including Samuel Japhet-Mathias, Kemar Hawes and Thai Lodge.

“We’re incredibly proud of what Reach & Teach has achieved in its short existence,” said Shire, who will be overseeing the kids clinic taking place in the morning of the Hoopsfix All Star Classic.

“We’ve always believed in partnering up with like-minded organizations and individuals and the Hoopsfix All Star Classic is a natural fit for what we are trying to do.

“I know this will be the beginning of a long lasting relationship which I hope will continue to blossom over the years.”

Using the LSB model, Reach & Teach, are looking to expand nationwide, working in key cities across the country, providing more opportunities for kids to play basketball and removing the numerous barriers to entry that exist for any young aspiring basketball player.

For more information on Reach & Teach and its programmes, visit www.reachandteach.co.uk.

REACH & TEACH

BLACK Head Coach: Simon Fisher

Simon has recently completed a 13 year stint with English National Teams, starting from a role as a Team Manager with the 1983 born generation, that included Richard Midgley, finishing with being Head Coach for the 1995 born generation that achieved the first promotion for England teams to the A Division, a team which included Luke Nelson, Mo Soluade and Kingsley Okoroh. During Simon’s involvement he achieved 120 caps, with 40 caps as Head Coach of England at European Championships over 5 tournaments win a 27-13 overall record (67.5% winning record). Simon started his coaching career with Stoke (whilst at University), then moving ontoBirmingham Bullets, following in the footsteps of his dad, Dave Fisher. Simon progressed into coaching regional teams with West Midlands for 6 years after building a strong reputation for identifying and developing talent, Simon maintains a connection with the region as he is now the Regional Chair and Performance Coaching Coordinator.

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WHITEHead Coach: Alan Keane

Current England Under-16 Head Coach Alan Keane will head up the White team. In his first year as national team head coach after five years with various programmes (2 year assistant with U16s, 1 year assistant with U18s, 2 years with U15s as associate assitant), Keane is also the London Greenhouse Pioneers U18 Head Coach and runs Lampton School Basketball Academy,

Having completed an MSc in Basketball Coaching Science, and being the 2014 recipient of the Dave Fisher coaching aware, Keane is a rising star on the UK coaching circuit and is expected to continue to progress.

U16 COACHES CORNER

#HASC14 - ZAK WELLS @zAKWELLS93

Kemar Hawes #66/7/1998 (15)5’10 67kgPeckham Pride

The lightning quick Kemar Hawes already has a number of championships under his belt, winning the U15 National title last year, and the U16 National Cup this year, picking up the MVP on both occasions with his career-long club, Peckham Pride. Hawes has been involved with the England national team programmes since U14 level.

Denny Burling #3010/3/1998 (16)6’279kgWorthing Thunder

Burling, a 6’2” sharp shooter from the South East Coast, first started playing at 11 years old and has remained with Worthing Thunder ever since. Part of the England Under-15 development that came third in Copenhagen over Easter, Burling also sat on the bench for Worthing’s Division 1 men’s side this season for a game as well.

Rayell (RJ) Eytle-Rock #2326/11/1998 (15)6’292kgLondon Greenhouse Pioneers

‘RJ’ as he is more familiarly known, has played for London Greenhouse Pioneers in all his three national league seasons, which culminated in his first international cap in Slovakia with the England U16s earlier this year. A 6’2” wing with a great feel for the game, RJ was the MVP of the Luol Deng Camp in 2013.

Carl Wheatle #2424/3/1998 (16) 6’595kgAngelico Biella

Widely considered the most talented player of the 1998 born generation, 6’5” Carl Wheatle is back in the country for the Hoopsfix All Star Classic after his first season at professional Italian club Angelico Biella. The former London Greenhouse Pioneer has been one of England’s top performers since he first put on the red and white as an U14, and most recently, was named to the All Star Team for the tournament in Slovakia the England U16s competed in.



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Henri Langton #553/3/1998 (16)6’10”99.7kgLeicester Dynamite

The tallest player in the under-16 game at 6’10”, Langton sent ripples through the UK hoops community when he broke a backboard on a putback dunk earlier this season. First picking up a ball at 11, Leicester Dynamite is the only he club has played for and he made his national team debut with the U16s this year in Slovakia.

Jelani Watson-Gayle #119/9/1998 (15)5’11 74.3kgNewham Youngbloods Extreme

Originally a very good football player who was selected to play for the Leyton Orient Centre of Excellence, it was his older brother, who currently plays in the US on a scholarship, that got him involved with basketball. He started hooping for Newham Youngbloods at 12, played for the London Regional team at U13s (coming second) and U15s (coming first), and this year led the Youngbloods to a second place finish in U16 National League.

Dominic Scott Robinson #401/01/1998 (16) 6’4”80kgHertfordshire Warriors

Scott-Robinson is a fast and athletic wing, who started playing after a holiday to the US. Receiving an invite to his first England U15 camp aged just 13, he didn’t make the cut, but made the U14s the year after, before the U15s and now the U16s. A National Schools Champion with Queens School, Scott-Robinson is an exciting prospect with a bright future.

Theo Cohen #985/4/98 (16)6’579kg Leicester Dynamite

Theo Cohen started playing aged 11, and joined Leicester Dynamite as an U13, where he has remained ever since. Cohen won back to back national schools championships with The Lancaster School, picking up the MVP in the 2014 U16s competition, and also helped the East Midlands to the inter-regional tournament title in 2011.

#HASC14 - MATTHEW BRYAN-AMANING @MBALIvE11

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Freddie Ratliff #7717/7/98 (15)6’8 90kgIpswich Basketball

First spotted while playing rugby because of his stature, the 6’8” Ratliff has been a long time member of the England National Team programme.

Ratliff was first called up to an England U15 camp at the age of just 12, and since then has played for his country as an U14, U15 and U16; last year being the youngest member of the U16 squad.

He now has 36 caps and has also had success domestically, leading his school, Holbrook Academy to two consecutive Elite 8 appearances, and his U16 Ipswich Nationl League side to a third place national finish, and runners up in the Sure Shot National Cup.

Ayo Nuwe #228/3/1998 (16)6’380kgManchester Magic

The 2014 Under-16 MVP, Manchester’s Ayo Nuwe, already has two national titles under his belt having only played basketball for 3 years.

The athletic forward was born in Nigeria but has been brought up in England, coming up through the junior powerhouse, Manchester Magic.

Christopher Jack #3326/6/1998 (15)6’476kgBC Mess

Christopher Jack, a native of Luxembourg, who has a British passport, was discovered by the England National team programme in 2014.

He has played for the same club his entire career, BC Mess, where he suits up for the U16s and U18s, whilst also practicing with the men.

He averaged 29 points and 18 rebounds for his U16 side this past season.

#HASC14 - LEWIS CHAMPION @LJC0826


#HASC14 - ELVISI DUSHA @ELvISIduSHA28

Luke Mitchell #823/1/1998 (16)5’11”78.4kg Notts Nova

Luke Mitchell has been a long recognised name on the British hoops scene since leading the East Midlands to a surprise win in the U13 inter-regional tournament in 2011.

The 5’11” point guard watched his first game at 2 months old and his career has gone from strength to strength since then, winning numerous honours and awards, and once scoring 83 points in a game in 2012! He has represented his country 36 times.

Thai Lodge #715/1/1998 (16) 5’1069kgPeckham PrideThai, a 5’10” point guard, is one of the most exciting players in the country to watch but a winner too; having picked up back to back under-15 national championships, with 1 MVP, and an under-16 cup title.

Lodge will no doubt electrify the crowd as he matches up with Peckham counterpart Kemar Hawes.

George Pool #1527/01/1998 (16)6’4”85kg City of Birmingham

The 6’4” George Pool had his first exposure to the England national team programme as an U14, and been involved with them ever since, most recently heading to Slovakia to play with the England U16s.

Recently making the switch from a centre to a forward, the West Midlands player is hoping to make England’s final 12 heading to the Euros this summer.

Tolu Babalola #3125/4/1998 (16)6’692kgHemel Storm

Babalola was spotted because of his height while playing football when he was 12. He soon started playing basketball, and quickly joined Haringey Hawks where he went to four Final Fours over 3 and a half seasons before joining Hemel Storm.

The long armed athletic big will be looking to stamp his mark on the game with some poster dunks.

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Sam Japhet Mathias #1424/3/1998 (16)6’9”113kgPeckham PrideThe 6’9” Japhet-Mathias stumbled into the game basketball after playing as a favour for a nagging friend. He still has only been playing for two seasons, but won an U15 National Title last year and an U16 Cup title this season.

Japhet-Mathias attended the prestigious Jordan Brand Classic International Tour camp in Barcelona in March, for the top 40 under-16 players in Europe, and represented England Under-16s a year young last season.

Evan Walshe #05/4/1998 (16)6’374kgBucks Hornets

6’3” Evan Walshe has been playing for Bucks Hornets in all four years since he started playing, helping lead them to an Elite 8 appearance this year in U16 National League.

He got his first taste of National Team duty this year with the England Under-16s, and will look to build upon it in the future.

Gedi Juozapaitis #1313/9/1998 (15)6’477kgPeckham Pride

Gedi, originally from Lithuania, one of the most basketball crazy nations on the planet, moved to England aged 10 and after a search found current club Peckham Pride where he has become one of the best Under-15s in the country.

He has won back to back U15 national titles, as well as the U16 National Cup in 2014. A versatile wing, Juozapaitis can play both inside and out and has range on his jumpshot out to the three point line.

Sam Kato #1210/10/1999 (14)6’379kgPeckham Pride

Peckham Pride’s Sam Kato is the youngest player suiting up in the Hoopsfix All Star Classic, at just 14 years and 8 months.

Having played for NASSA the past 3 seasons, Kato joined Peckham this year and found instant success, winning his first national title with the U15s.

#HASC14 - LEIGH GREENAN @15LEIGH


#HASC14 - MYLES HESSON @MyLESOnTWIT30

Jacob Iwowo #1026/8/1999 (14)6’364kgLewisham Thunder

Iwowo is the second youngest player competing in the inaugural Hoopsfix All Star Classic, at just 14 years old.

Iwowo, who has played for Lewisham Thunder in each of the three years he has been playing, is considered one of the best 1999 born prospects in the country, and last season led the Thunder to a second place finish nationally at Under-14 level, hitting a number of clutch shots at the final fours.

John Okafor #278/10/1998 (15)6’495kgWestminster Warriors

Having only started playing basketball at 13, Okafor’s had a quick rise to the upper echelons, having just picked up his first international cap, in Slovakia with the England U16s, less than two years later.

Emmanuel Odunsi #3531/3/1998 (16)6’373.8kgNewham Youngbloods Extreme

Odunsi was another multi-sport athlete, who chose to drop football and pursue basketball which fast became his favourite.

Having got his first experiences playing for NASSA from Under-12 through to Under-15, he has made three Final Fours appearances at National League level, and an additional three with St Bonaventure’s in National Schools competitions.

Having flown under the radar of the National Team programmes so far, Odunsi is an underdog looking to prove himself

31#HASC14 - KALIL IRVING @KALILIRvInG

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u26 ALL-STARS WHITEJunior Williams & Gary Maitland

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u16 ALL-STARS BLACKSimon Fisher

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u16 ALL-STARS WHITEAlan Keane

HOOPSFIX ALL-STAR CLASSIC 2014 ROSTERS

BRITS & THE nBADespite the emergence of elite leagues across the globe, the NBA remains the Promised Land for every kid that picks up a ball. Players with varying levels of links to the UK have made the jump over the years, with different degrees of success…. His name may have been missed by many accounts of hoops history but Southampton-born guard Chris Harris was the first Brit to ball in the big league – although it was made up of just eight teams at the time. After moving to the States at a young age, he played 41 games for the Rochester Royals and St. Louis Hawks in 1955-56, averaging 2.5 points-per-game, before leaving the sport to run his own business. Not too long ago Londoner Steve Bucknall was believed by many to have been the first Brit to breach the NBA when he turned out for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1989-90.

Harris beat him to the punch, however, and after a spell in LA, which followed court time with the North Carolina Tar Heels, ‘Buck’ played in various European leagues, including back home, and won a Commonwealth Games bronze medal in 2006. Another member of that 2006 England team was John Amaechi. Boston-born but Stockport-raised, Amaechi made it to the league having started in the game relatively late and enjoyed productive spells with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets between 1995 and 2003. He also played in Greece, France, Italy and the UK, and famously turned down the Lakers at one stage too. Amaechi continues to have a huge impact on the sport in this country with his state-of-the-art Amaechi Centre in the North-West as well as involvement with countless initiatives to benefit young people in and outside of basketball – including today’s event.

#HASC14 - RAHEEM MAY-THOMPSON @HEEMAGLOBIn32

During Amaechi’s NBA career, Nigeria-born Michael Olowokandi was taken with the first pick of the 1998 NBA draft, having spent part of his childhood in England. But he failed to make the expected impact, despite playing 500 games. Scot Robert Archibald was on the books of the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns and Orland Magic between 2002 and 2004 before plying his trade with several European clubs and closing a fine career at London 2012. Explosive forward, and 2012 team-mate, Pops Mensah-Bonsu has also had short stints in several NBA spots, starring regularly in highlight reels, and most recently catching the eye with Euroleague club Galatasary. But the star of that 2012 team Luol Deng needs no introduction to hoops fans here or in the States. Without doubt the most successful UK export to the NBA, he is a two-time NBA All-Star and has as big an impact off the court, in the UK and Africa, as he does on it. Joel Freeland is currently looking to follow Deng’s example, as he begins to establish himself with an improving Portland Trail

Blazers team, having been drafted after progressing through Gran Canaria’s famed development programme. Andy Betts, Ryan Richards and 7ft 4in Alan Bannister are three British big men who made it one step short of Freeland, having been picked up in the draft but not stepping on an NBA floor. A host of other NBA players past and present harbour UK links too. Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash is the most prominent to hold a British passport, but there was never much chance of the proud Canadian turning out for GB. The likes of Byron Mullens, Ben Gordon, Kelenna Azubuike have come closer to representing us Brits without suiting up while Ndudi Ebi and James Donaldson hold an affiliation to this isle too, by virtue of having been born here.

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By Joe Hewison

#HASC14 - LOUIS SAYERS @LSAyERS1992

BRITISH BASKETBALL OnES TO WATCHAcross the world there are a number of young Brits looking to make their mark on the future of British basketball and we’ve handpicked five players, all 21 or younger that you should keep an eye on for the future.

1 dEvOn vAn OOSTRuM

6’3” – Point Guard – 1993 Born

Having just declared for the 2014 NBA Draft, Devon van Oostrum should be a familiar name to any hardcore British hoops fan. The electrifying guard is the youngest player to earn a Great Britain Senior Men’s cap, when he was just 17 years old, and has been honing his game in Spain after signing with ACB and Euroleague side Laboral Kutxa when he was aged 15. Though all signs point to him withdrawing from the draft this year,

next year he becomes auto-eligible, and so could be the first Brit since Ryan Richards in 2010 to get drafted.

2

LuKE nELSOn


Unlike many of our top players, Nelson took the unorthodox route of remaining in the country his entire junior career (becoming the youngest player to pick up the EBL Division 1 Men’s Player of the Year award at 17), before crossing the pond at the beginning of last season for his freshman year at UC Irvine. A whirlwind year saw him garner West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year honours, while leading his team in scoring and turning a lot of heads in the process. The best player from the 1995 born ‘golden generation’, Nelson is a born winner and will be suiting up for GB U20s this summer.

#HASC14 - JOHN STEWART @JOHnSTEWART9334

3

JuLES dAnG AKOdO


A former London Greenhouse Pioneers guard, Akodo left the streets of London for the outback of Slovenia more than two years ago where he signed with Union Olimpija in 2010? From there he has developed into one of the top prospects in his age group on the continent, while returning every summer for national team duty with England. He will be playing for the U18s at the Division A European Championships this summer.

4 JOSH STEEL 6’4” – Guard – 1997 Born

Steel has slowly but surely taken the mantle from the aforementioned Nelson as the best Under-18 player still in the country. Developed at the GB Regional Institute of Basketball, Barking Abbey, Steel has garnered international attention over the past two years, making the Jordan Brand Classic International Game in

Brooklyn in 2013, and more recently being named an all star at the NBA’s prestigious Basketball Without Borders camp in Rome. Playing for England U18s this summer, he has one more year in the country before making a decision on where he will go, already sitting on a number of offers from NCAA Division 1 schools as well as interest from European clubs.

5 CARL WHEATLE 6’5” – Guard/Forward – 1998 Born

Wheatle, suiting up in the Hoopsfix All Star Classic Under-16 game, right now is considered the best player of his 1998 born generation. Having made the choice to leave the UK at the beginning of this season, he signed with Italian club Angelico Biella on a four year junior contract. Known for being a quick learner, his high IQ, along with good frame and athleticism has a number of scouts keeping an eye on him for the future.

35HOOPSFIX ALL-STAR CLASSIC - HOOPSFIX.COM #HASC14

2014Myerscough Basketball Academy is a joint venture in partnership withManchester Giants - one of the UK’s top Basketball Teams, andsupported by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), MLPAcademics Heidelberg (German Pro A), England Basketball (AASE)and a host of top American Colleges.

Designed to provide students with the unique opportunity to live andtrain as professional athletes, Myerscough Basketball Academy willhelp you develop a comprehensive understanding of the game, whilststudying towards academic qualifications that are designed toprovide the ideal pathway into Higher Education or the professionalworld of Basketball.

Myerscough Basketball Academy will offer the highest qualitybasketball Coaching and development for players aged 16 and over.As well as competitive basketball in multiple competitions, Academyplayers will benefit from the 1st class facilities and specialist staff.

What the Myerscough Basketball Academy can offer:• Opportunity for some to be a part of England Basketballs AASE

programme (advanced apprenticeship into Sporting Excellence)

• Direct links and progressions to the BBL - The Manchester Giants

• Scholarship opportunities to UK Universities for some students

• Professional coaching in a Professional environment

• National Centre for Sporting Excellence - the best coaches,facilities and support

• Bursary Funds - up to £1200 to support your studies

• Full accommodation available on campus

• In the top 10% for academic success

To find out more about the Academy, please visit: www.myerscough.ac.uk

Alternatively, for an informal chat please contact the programmeleader, Neal Hopkins, on: [email protected]

Keep up to date with the latest developments on ourdedicated Twitter feed: @My_Sport @My_bball

BRITISH BASKETBALL SuMMER CALEndARJunE 2014 21st National U11 Tournament Finals19th-22nd England U16 Boys Series vs Sweden in St Albans.Quai 54, the top streetball tournament in the world, in Paris (featuring Midnight Madness).19th-23rd England U16 Girls Series vs Sweden in St Albans.26th-30th England U18 Women Tournament in Portugal28th Hoods Nova 3v3 tournament at the Nottingham Wildcats Arena – www.nottsbasketball.co.uk28th West Midlands All Star Charity Day (U14, U16, U18, Senior games), Doug Ellis Sports Centre, Birmingham.

JuLy 20143rd-13th FIBA Europe U20 Women European Championship, B Division, Sofia, Bulgaria5th & 6th Boys U13 Regional Development Tournament – Lilleshall, Shropshire10th-13th England U18 Women Series vs Finland in Helsinki12th-13th Girls U13 Regional Development Tournament – Lilleshall, Shropshire8th-20th FIBA Europe U20 Men European Championship, A Division, Crete8th-11th England U16 girls vs France in Le Temple Sur Lot10th-14th England U18 Men Tournament in Italy17th -27th FIBA Europe U18 Women European Championship, B Division, Romania17th-21st England U18 Men Tournament in Spain20th-23rd England U16 girls vs Bulgaria in Bulgaria.21st –24th England U16 boys vs Germany (Venue TBC)

24th-3rd August FIBA Europe U18 Men European Championship, A Division, Turkey26th Famfest – Battle of 4 Generations of Players – fam-fest.com

AuGuST 2014

8th-10th England U16 Boys vs Netherlands (Venue TBC)10th GB Senior Men vs Iceland Eurobasket Qualifier, Iceland12th-15th England U16s vs Hungary - Nyiregyhaza 13th GB Senior Men vs Bosnia & Herzegovina Eurobasket Qualifier, UK20th GB Senior Men vs Iceland Eurobasket Qualifier, UK20th–30th FIBA Europe U16 Men European Championship, B Division, FYR Macedonia24th GB Senior Men vs Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bosnia & Herzegovina

SEPTEMBER 2014 6th-7th Girls U17 Regional Development Tournament, Nottingham Wildcats Arena, Nottingham13th & 14th Boys U17 Regional Development Tournament – Nottingham Wildcats Arena, Nottingham.20th-21st Girls U15 Regional Development Tournament – Nottingham Wildcats Arena, Nottingham27th & 28th Boys U15 Regional Development Tournament – Leeds Metropolitan University


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Date post:	14-Jan-2015
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