By Jerina Madayag, Nothing But Net Magazine Contributor
Steph Curry held his SC30 Select Camp in historic Kezar Pavilion in San Francisco (CA) on Aug. 8, and the camp component held earlier in the week, hosted 30 of the top players in the country in an instructional setting directed by ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla.
The yearly event is a great way for Curry, a two-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, to give back to the community. He also had the opportunity to share his skills and teach many of the nation’s top high school players from all over the country.
City Mayor Ed Lee, along with prominent NBA players and future stars, were present. Phoenix Suns’ Josh Jackson and Sacramento Kings’ Seth Curry were among the professionals that sat on the benches to coach. Here are a few of the event’s standouts.
Bryan Antoine, 6’4″, 2019, Ranney School (Tinton Falls, NJ): Co-MVP of the showcase, Antoine exhibited why he is definitely one of the top guards in the country for his class. Antoine was a dominant scorer, has a quick first step and is explosive to the basket. Showed his ability to shoot a mid-range jumper and go deep with the three as well. He was a pleasure to watch.
Cassius Stanley, 6’5″, 2019 Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, CA): He wowed the crowds of the Bay Area and was a favorite. The “oohs and aahhs” lit up the gym as he displayed his great athleticism and bounce. A showman, Stanley has a bright future ahead of him.
Scottie Lewis, 6’6″, 2019, Ranney School (Tinton Falls, NJ): When Lewis is, he’s on. Fun to watch, Lewis continues to grow his game. A leader on the floor, Lewis has ability to shoot and be a team player. That first step is lightning quick, which enables him to blow by his defenders and finish strong at the basket.
Joey Baker, 6’7″, 2019, Trinity Christian (Fayetville, NC): He can go and is moving quickly to secure his position as one of the top small forwards in the country. Baker has a high hoop IQ, a knack for scoring and is also showing more signs of intensity and athleticism. A stock-riser for his class, he can shoot the three and has a solid mid-range game as well. Currently holds offers from schools such as Louisville, North Carolina State, St. John’s, UCLA, Charlotte, Clemson, DePaul, Hofstra, Tennessee, Texas and Western Carolina.
Anfernee Simons, 6’2″, IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL): He is a dynamic scorer with great upside. Simons is quick and has a great feel for the game. With the ability to change the pace, he can change the direction of a game. Simons can easily be identified as a game-changer. A Louisville commit, this will a year and opportunity for him to get better prepared working on his physique and skills for college. The bottom line is that Simons can get to the basket and can score on many levels.
Keldon Johnson, 6’5″, 2018, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, VA): He was a sleeper for the night. Johnson is a machine, has an impressive all around game (scores, rebounds and passes) and displayed why he is top recruit. He just recently picked up an offer from Kentucky on his unofficial visit there. Look forward to seeing, and hearing, more of Johnson and his journey. He’s a must-follow.
Silvio De Sousa, 6’8″, 2018, IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL): He displayed that he is a force to be reckoned with on the court. De Sousa, recently committed to Kansas, exemplifies the athletic ability that elite high-major programs crave. His high-powered dunks and ability to see the floor at his size shows us that he can go far in this game. I would like to see De Sousa expand his game by extending his range beyond more than 15-to-18 feet.
(Photo credit: Kelly Kline)
