More press for Aaron Gordon and Brandon Ashley

In Justin Young's "What To Watch For" article on the Nike Global Challenge, AG and BA receive mention

"Potential second round match-ups. Californian big men Aaron Gordon and Brandon Ashley could lock horns with the Tennessee tandem of Jarnell Stokes and Alex Poythress..."

USA West tops Puerto Rico 105-74 in Nike Global Challenge

In the Puerto Rico - USA West matchup in the Nike Global Challenge up in Oregon, Brandon Ashley went for 12 points and had three blocks in 24 minutes as a starter while Aaron Gordon came off the bench and totaled 18 points, five boards, four assists and a pair of blocks in 21 minutes. Starter Dominic Artis contributed 12 points and five rebounds in 21 minutes but also had a team-leading four TOs.

Notes on Brandon Ashley and Jabari Bird

Ian Powers wrote this after viewing Brandon Ashley/Oakland Soldiers this weekend:

"This kid has transformed his game from strictly being a low post player to one who can shoot it to three and face up and put it on the floor. He is 6'10" and still seems to be growing. He is very long and has huge, soft hands that allow him to catch and finish in traffic. He has nice form on his jump shot which bodes well for him in the future as he continues to expand his game. He is a very active shot blocker and is active on both backboards. Had some trouble staying on the floor this weekend due to foul trouble. Needs to add strength and bulk to his frame, but he his physique has gone through a good transformation already. Easily one of the top 5 players in his class and could quite possibly end up being the player with the most upside."

ESPN's Paul Biancardi also wrote about Ashley, plus Jabari Bird:

"He has always been a high-level prospect and is now becoming a high-end productive player. Ashley is a super athlete who runs the floor with long strides and blazing speed. Offensively, his developing skill level to drive the ball from the high post is smooth for his size. Defensively, he is an adept shot blocker from the weak side or in transition, where he chases down his opponent."

Here's Biancardi on Bird:

"He is an explosive athlete who thrives in the transition game or half-court set. Bird scores the basketball with grace, and his pull-up jumper and 3-point shot are legitimate weapons. He also can beat guys off the bounce and get to the rim, but he must make a greater effort to not allow dribble penetration on the defensive end. California and Arizona are his only two offers to this point, but Washington, Washington State, Louisville, Marquette, Texas and Providence are showing strong interest."

This is confounding but informative

We don't subscribe to the adage that all publicity is good publicity (Donald Trump, are you listening? Of course not) but here's an article which includes writeups on some Bay Area talents (Oakland Soldiers in particular) but something went a bit haywire in the posting. So forget the high schools listed for the players plus Dom Artis' bit is also messed up.

It's from Phil Kasiecki at the Hoopville site and about the northern CA locals he watched play in the recent Nike EYBL in Virginia:

* Dominic Artis (6’5″ Jr. SF, Vallejo (CA) Bob Jones HS) A fine wing player who flew a little under the radar on a loaded team, he attacked often and also did a nice job passing the ball as he had good assist totals. He’s athletic and got to the basket often and helped his team go 5-0 here.

* Brandon Ashley (6’8″ Jr. PF, Dublin (CA) Sumter HS) In a Saturday game, he wasn’t the biggest factor in the first half, but looked more like himself in the second as he got out in transition and was very aggressive on the boards. He scored off stickbacks and showed an improving perimeter game, and his body is maturing as well. Big-time prospect.

* Jabari Bird (6’6″ Jr. SF, Vallejo (CA) Prattville HS) Athletic wing started out well on Friday with a 20-point outing on 7-9 shooting, and he got to the free throw line a fair amount over the weekend. On Saturday, we didn’t see him have his best game, as he struggled shooting and had six turnovers. More of a scorer than a shooter, he finished well, and as his body isn’t there yet, he certainly has good potential.

* Aaron Gordon (6’9″ Jr. PF, San Jose (CA) Russellville HS) A live body, he was very active and a big factor in a Saturday win for his team. He was a big presence on the glass, as he tied for third in rebounding, and also blocked some shots. As if that’s not enough, he also led the fast break a couple of times and has above-average ball skills for his position to go with some length, and his body isn’t there yet. High-major prospect.

* Richard Longrus (6’5″ Jr. SG-SF, Fremont (CA) Central Park HS) Athletic wing has a good body and had a nice weekend here. He scored well, reaching double figures several times, and rebounded well from the wing, finishing with a nice double-double of 17 points (on 7-9 shooting) and 10 rebounds in the last game. He hit from long range, but more often from driving, and he also drew contact well when he got in the lane.

A HS and a JC note

Joe Davidson reports that Sierra College big Casey Arent has given a verbal to Oklahoma. Sam Duren covers the same territory.

+++++

ESPN RISE has named its prep players of the year, with two northern California players -- junior Brandon Ashley and sophomore Aaron Gordon -- receiving honors.

Two from NorCal as Holiday Classic all-tourney picks

The entries from northern California were slim so the pickings matched that -- here's the all-tourney selections from the Holiday Classic, including two from our area. The final game report is here.

Mitch Stephens on Brandon Ashley and BOD

LINK NOW CORRECTED: Mitch Stephens offers the latest on Brandon Ashley's status and how Bishop O'Dowd is playing -- go here.

Brandon Ashley with a knee injury

It doesn't appear to be season-threatening but Adam Gorney of Rivals is reporting (Rivals sub is required) that Bishop O'Dowd's Brandon Ashley at least tweaked a knee in a recent game. It doesn't appear to be tear of anything but official results aren't in as yet.