Day 1 Eddie Ford Tennessee Hoopfest

Photo by Davide De Pas

Franklin, TN– On Tuesday the Eddie Ford Tennessee Hoopfest tipped off in Franklin, TN at the A Game Sportsplex. The field was weaker than expected but, Chane Behanan, Cornelius Elder, Andre Brown and Mekale Mckay were among the standouts that were stronger than ever. Here are some notes from day 1.

STANDOUT

Chane Behanan (Bowling Green, KY / Bowling Green)

6’7″ 2011 WF – Kentucky Blazers

Behanan was the best prospect in the building. Fresh off a recent MVP performance at the esteemed NBPA Top 100 Camp, Behanan, dominated the play for his Kentucky Blazers U17 squad. He displayed great athleticism, a high motor, versatility as a defender, perimeter skills and just brute strength. He played like a top 10-type talent.

The schools in the mix right now are Louisville, Cincinnatti, Texas, Kansas, OK State, Florida, Ohio State, Seton Hall, Arkansas, Indiana, Marquette, Stanford, Mississippi State, Southern Illinois, WKU, UCONN, UNC, Purdue, UK, UCLA and West Virginia. He made special mention that UK was on him “heavy” of late. At this point, it sounds like Louisville is in good position. He plans on visiting Purdue, UNC, Texas, Indiana and Louisville this fall and said he will make a decision next spring.

 SURPRISE PLAYER

Cornelius Elder (Nashville, TN / Ensworth)

5’9″ 2013 PG / Team Nashville

Elder was one of the better players in the tournament regardless of class. Playing with both the U17 and U16 squads, “Corn” is a super quick point guard with great court awareness, quick hands, suffocating defense, heads up passing ability, and a compete “til the end” mentality. He said Clemson has came callling recently and he would like to play in the ACC one day.

NOTES

• It looks like it will be a battle of the Tennessee schools for 2011 Team Nashville U17 prospect — Andre Brown’s – services. Coaches from Belmont, Lipscomb (offer), and Austin Peay (offer) were all courtside for his games. Brown is a 6’5″ wing with a high level shooting stroke and solid frame. At times he settles for the jumpshot but, he will be a great pick up for any mid major. Last week at the KY Hoopfest he had a few 30-point games and has been playing well this summer.

• The Spiece Select-Irwin team was one of the better U16 teams in the field. Based out of Ft. Wayne, Indiana they were led by class of 2012 prospects–Logan Irwin (6’0″ CG Whitko HS), Logan Jaehnen (6’8″ C East Central HS), AJ Schmidt (6’1″ PG Providence HS) Kyle Fillman (6’5″ WF Norwell HS) and Tyler Arrowsmith (6’7″ C Churubusco HS). Irwin is receiving interest from Northern Iowa, Ball State, Evansville and SIU Edwardsville. He gets the award for toughest player in the camp. Despite having a broken hand he was still going hard and got plenty of hustle stats. Jaehnen is very strong rebounder and is a mid major + type talent. Although he has moments where he isnt effective, long 4/5 man, Arrowsmith, has good footwork in the post, developing post moves, great hands, a nice touch, good mobility and is a good defender in the post. He showed spurts of being a nice prospect. Schmidt will be a great pick up for a D2 school.

• Class of 2012 Next Level Sports U16 prospect Mekale Mckay (6’4″ W Moore HS) out of Louisville, Ky is a mid-major sleeper. Originally from Houston, Texas, Mckay, has only been playing organized basketball since his freshmen year of high school. A sensational athlete with a quick first step, he gets to the rim at will. His perimeter stroke needs more consistency but he can catch fire. Right now only Tennessee Tech, EKU and IUPUI are involved but, look for others to join the club following a good summer showing.

• He wasnt at this event with his U17 Eric Gordon All Stars team, but we were told by his AAU coach that top 100 prospect Michael Chandler is down to UK and UCONN but is leaning towards UK.

Eddie Ford has to be the best in the business of operating these summer tournaments. His KY Hoopfest is the oldest standing AAU tournament in the country. You can watch the action from the Tennessee Hoopfest at http://www.ihigh.com/eddiefordhoops/

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