From John Varlas on August 10, 2011 3:29 PM....
Quote:It's Wednesday afternoon as I sit down to write this--three days into the Memphis city school calendar--and so far no word on where Memphis-area standout Jarnell Stokes plans to play this season.
My main man Jason Smith--doing his usual excellent job--had the details in Wednesday morning's paper. Stokes said that his much-ballyhooed transfer to national powerhouse Oak Hill Academy in Virginia may be on hold, citing financial reasons. Stokes said if the move to Oak Hill falls through, he will return to Central--where he's starred for the last three seasons--or attempt a transfer to Southwind.
Naturally, I would hope that Jarnell and his family make the best decision for himself and his future. But for purely selfish reasons, it would be nice to see him stay in the Bluff City. Central has been his home, and with some very capable support from Andre Applewhite II and Joshua Jones, the Warriors would have a great shot in 16-AAA with Stokes back in the fold.
The Southwind situation is intriguing too. Adding Stokes would make the Jaguars a heavy state championship favorite--without question. Southwind is already blessed with one of the nation's top prospects for the class of 2013--Johnathan Williams III. Adding Stokes would give the Jaguars a frontline that could potentially go 6-8, 6-8 and 6-10 (with raw but skilled senior Charles Smith the third component). Then on top of that, throw in the ultra-explosive athleticism of junior Jajuan Johnson. Whew--the mind reels at how good that team could possibly be.
But of course it's all speculation at this point. Until we hear from Stokes, everything is up in the air. But his decision will have a major impact on the local high school basketball scene this season.
One player who's already made a major decision though is Booker T. Washington standout Martavious Newby, who announced a verbal commitment to attend Ole Miss within the last few days.
Congrats to Newby--followers of The Commercial Appeal's print and online coverage will know how impressive he was last month in the Nike Peach Jam tournament. Jason and I talked to him a good bit during that week in Augusta and he really wanted to go to the University of Memphis.
I've seen posters who were very disappointed in Josh Pastner for passing over Newby but you have to respect the coach's decision. If Pastner doesn't think Newby's the guy to take the U of M to the next level, then he has to focus his attention on those that he thinks can. On the other hand, Andy Kennedy absolutely loves Newby and in turn, I'm sure Newby will run through a wall if it helps make the Rebels better. Newby is extremely hungry--and the Rebels are hungry to do better in the always tough SEC. It's a good match and a good fit for player and school.
http://blogs.commercialappeal.com/the_me...newby.html
I still cant figure out why he isnt in school.....
I read that earlier. Still trying to figure out how a player can be raw but skilled...raw but skilled senior Charles Smith.
(08-10-2011 09:10 PM)mairving Wrote: [ -> ]I read that earlier. Still trying to figure out how a player can be raw but skilled...raw but skilled senior Charles Smith.
I noticed that same thing!
(08-10-2011 09:10 PM)mairving Wrote: [ -> ]I read that earlier. Still trying to figure out how a player can be raw but skilled...raw but skilled senior Charles Smith.
"raw skills" sounds better to me.. It's possible to have a nice skill-set, but raw in terms of not reaching potential.. makes sense to me, hopefully he develops and we take a look at a potential big guy..
I'm sure it will, but I really hope the 2012 signing class makes it worth passing over Newby. Kid sounds like he would run through a wall to be a Tiger.
I just hope CJP is making the right decision in passing on Newby. I don't care what kind of offensive skills other guys have, when you have a defensive stopper that Newby is reported to be, then that brings a whole lot to the table in terms of winning championships. e.g. Antonio Anderson.
Why was Newby so quick to commit when he has till next spring?
Kennedy knows what to say
Stay away from cab drivers.
Anything can happen between now and signing day.
(08-11-2011 12:56 AM)68Tiger Wrote: [ -> ]Why was Newby so quick to commit when he has till next spring?
Possibly to put pressure on Josh and forcing him to finally show interest?
(08-11-2011 06:53 AM)MeMpHisBlUe61 Wrote: [ -> ] (08-11-2011 12:56 AM)68Tiger Wrote: [ -> ]Why was Newby so quick to commit when he has till next spring?
Possibly to put pressure on Josh and forcing him to finally show interest?
"Commitment" doesn't seem to be the right word these days.
(08-11-2011 07:20 AM)dan o Wrote: [ -> ] (08-11-2011 06:53 AM)MeMpHisBlUe61 Wrote: [ -> ] (08-11-2011 12:56 AM)68Tiger Wrote: [ -> ]Why was Newby so quick to commit when he has till next spring?
Possibly to put pressure on Josh and forcing him to finally show interest?
"Commitment" doesn't seem to be the right word these days.
Yea you're right. Instead of a kid saying I'm commited to a certain school. What they should say is I might go to a certain school if the school I really want to go to doesn't offer me.
(08-10-2011 08:57 PM)memphissince86 Wrote: [ -> ]I still cant figure out why he isnt in school.....
...because he plays basketball, and deciding where he is going to play basketball is far more important than sitting in a Geometry class.
Just having bad flashbacks to letting Buckner leave the city.
Reginald Bucker next to Tarik Black...egads.
If Stokes is not in school, isn't he truant?
Be a 7th man role player on the hometown team that wasn't really interested in you until things fell through with everyone else
Be a potential star on an SEC team with a newfound dedication to basketball, while remaining close enough to home allowing family and friends to still be able to see you play.
When Kennedy puts it like that, what would you say?
Sure...Pastner could counter that by offering "hometown hero" status and hopes of a Final Four which is enticing, but Kennedy has shown he can take a 3 star kid from Memphis and put him in the NBA (Terrico White) and that's the ultimate goal here.
(08-11-2011 01:26 PM)HometownTiger Wrote: [ -> ]Be a 7th man role player on the hometown team that wasn't really interested in you until things fell through with everyone else
Be a potential star on an SEC team with a newfound dedication to basketball, while remaining close enough to home allowing family and friends to still be able to see you play.
When Kennedy puts it like that, what would you say?
Sure...Pastner could counter that by offering "hometown hero" status and hopes of a Final Four which is enticing, but Kennedy has shown he can take a 3 star kid from Memphis and put him in the NBA (Terrico White) and that's the ultimate goal here.
They're cutting Kennedy loose?