IPRB learned today, that the oldest professional basketball league in world, the Baloncesto Superior Nacional ("BSN") a Puerto Rico based professional basketball league and it's owners will be sued in the coming weeks for job discrimination. Information obtained by IPRB suggest that a group of foreign players has retained some of very powerful lawyers who plan to file the lawsuit in the coming weeks.
Much like the leagues in Europe and Asia, the BSN imposes a limit on the number of non-nationals who can play on a team to two. Many forget that the NBA only allowed two black players per team in the 1960's and leagues in countries outside of the USA do not have Federal laws which prohibit discrimination based on race, religion or sexual orientation.
We will share more information as it becomes available.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
UTEP VISITS CINTRON AND INTERESTED IN GARY BROWNE
IPRB confirmed earlier today that UTEP Head Coach, Tim Floyd is in Mississippi visiting Raymond Cintron. Coach Floyd, former Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls and University of Southern California has 8 scholarships available for next year and is looking for shooters. Cintron who is being recruited by severals school including UNLV who offered this summer is the type of player who every coach would want.
Says a recruiting insider, "Cintron is a big time shooter and a "high major" type of talent. He's the son of a coach and has a very high basketball IQ. He will make an immediate impact no matter where he goes."
Gary Browne, Class of 2011 SG is also getting looks from a number of schools including UTEP. IPRB confirmed that UTEP will also look at Gary Browne who is also a fantastic shooter and scorer. Browne is one of those players currently under the radar and would be a steal. A long range shooter with a unique ability to make tough shots, Browne is the type of player who will come in and make an impact immediately.
Says a recruiting insider, "Cintron is a big time shooter and a "high major" type of talent. He's the son of a coach and has a very high basketball IQ. He will make an immediate impact no matter where he goes."
Gary Browne, Class of 2011 SG is also getting looks from a number of schools including UTEP. IPRB confirmed that UTEP will also look at Gary Browne who is also a fantastic shooter and scorer. Browne is one of those players currently under the radar and would be a steal. A long range shooter with a unique ability to make tough shots, Browne is the type of player who will come in and make an impact immediately.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Should Elite Players Stay or Leave to Attend High School In States?
IPRB is a huge supporter of sending elite players to the states because from a competition standpoint Puerto Rico simply doesn't have the athletes or "bigs" which is what players will end up seeing at the next level. Players 6'3 and up are forced to play out of position because of the lack of size on the island.
From a coaching and commitment standpoint, there are very few places in the world that rival Puerto Rico. The early stage development and competition are tremendous but you begin to see the fall off around 12 and 13 years old. By 14 and 15 a lot of players who were dominant in the younger divisions don't get taller or stronger and the game changes.
On top of that there is a focus on winning over development and high level competition. For the last several years US based basketball development was criticized for not truly developing players while European development was celebrated as being the model of the future.
Proponents of the "Euro model" fail to admit that what they do is not allowed in the USA or Puerto Rico for that matter. Elite players in Europe and other places around the world are identified and then turn professional as early as 14 years old. Take the case of Kentucky Freshman, Enes Kantner. Kantner and his family received over 100K in "living expenses since his early teens from a pro team in Turkey. He trained and worked day in and day out on his future profession for the last 5 years without having to attend school. Kantner's story is not the exception but the norm in Europe yet a European born player has never led a team to an NBA title. The NBA is dominated by players who are either from the USA or spent a significant amount of time learning the game and training in the USA.
So why are we so resistant to players from Puerto Rico attending school in the USA? Some of the best players including most of the current National Team attend college and benefitted from the competition the USA offers. Take the case of 2010 18U National Team PG, Carmelo Betancourt. In his first month of prep school at Montrose Christian he has had Gary Williams, John Thompson III and Jay Wright attend his practices! For those of you who don't know the college game, that is the head coaches from Maryland, Georgetown and Villanova. That type of exposure for players is critical to creating the buzz and hype which in today's recruiting world is critical to a player getting a scholarship. Hype and Buzz are what makes coaches show up at a school to watch a player and if a player has "the goods" then the hype and buzz are good things!
What's interesting here is the fact that no local based high school has decided to recruit outside of PR, bring in talent from around the region and then schedule the elite teams from the USA. The opportunity exists but for some reason nobody has done it. Programs in hotbeds' of talent around the USA have opened so that local talent can stay local versus having the leave to get the type of exposure and competition which is fundamental to developing elite players.
From a coaching and commitment standpoint, there are very few places in the world that rival Puerto Rico. The early stage development and competition are tremendous but you begin to see the fall off around 12 and 13 years old. By 14 and 15 a lot of players who were dominant in the younger divisions don't get taller or stronger and the game changes.
On top of that there is a focus on winning over development and high level competition. For the last several years US based basketball development was criticized for not truly developing players while European development was celebrated as being the model of the future.
Proponents of the "Euro model" fail to admit that what they do is not allowed in the USA or Puerto Rico for that matter. Elite players in Europe and other places around the world are identified and then turn professional as early as 14 years old. Take the case of Kentucky Freshman, Enes Kantner. Kantner and his family received over 100K in "living expenses since his early teens from a pro team in Turkey. He trained and worked day in and day out on his future profession for the last 5 years without having to attend school. Kantner's story is not the exception but the norm in Europe yet a European born player has never led a team to an NBA title. The NBA is dominated by players who are either from the USA or spent a significant amount of time learning the game and training in the USA.
So why are we so resistant to players from Puerto Rico attending school in the USA? Some of the best players including most of the current National Team attend college and benefitted from the competition the USA offers. Take the case of 2010 18U National Team PG, Carmelo Betancourt. In his first month of prep school at Montrose Christian he has had Gary Williams, John Thompson III and Jay Wright attend his practices! For those of you who don't know the college game, that is the head coaches from Maryland, Georgetown and Villanova. That type of exposure for players is critical to creating the buzz and hype which in today's recruiting world is critical to a player getting a scholarship. Hype and Buzz are what makes coaches show up at a school to watch a player and if a player has "the goods" then the hype and buzz are good things!
What's interesting here is the fact that no local based high school has decided to recruit outside of PR, bring in talent from around the region and then schedule the elite teams from the USA. The opportunity exists but for some reason nobody has done it. Programs in hotbeds' of talent around the USA have opened so that local talent can stay local versus having the leave to get the type of exposure and competition which is fundamental to developing elite players.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Gerogetown Coach JT3 Stops By To See Carmelo Betancourt
Georgetown Coach John Thompson III stopped by to see Montrose Christian Class of 2011 PG, Carmelo Betancourt today. This is the second visit by a Georgetown coach and clearly a sign that Georgetown is interested in Betancourt. Our sources tell us that Carmelo showed up big again practicing and playing like the 4 star general he is.
A recruiting inside said," Betancourt is Coach Thompson's type of player. His system is perfect for Carmelo. Betancourt is the type of cerebral player Coach Thompson loves to have running the show. Betancourt reminds me of former GU point guard Jonathan Wallace. Wallace was undersized, not a great athlete but had everything else you want in a player. Remember that Wallace started for 4 years at GU and I'm sure Coach Thompson has visions of Jonathan when watching Carmelo."
Betancourt is planning on taking an unofficial visit to GU as soon as this weekend and may get a chance to play with the team this weekend as well. Sources have told IPRB that St John's coach, Steve Lavin is planning to come see Betancourt next week.
A recruiting inside said," Betancourt is Coach Thompson's type of player. His system is perfect for Carmelo. Betancourt is the type of cerebral player Coach Thompson loves to have running the show. Betancourt reminds me of former GU point guard Jonathan Wallace. Wallace was undersized, not a great athlete but had everything else you want in a player. Remember that Wallace started for 4 years at GU and I'm sure Coach Thompson has visions of Jonathan when watching Carmelo."
Betancourt is planning on taking an unofficial visit to GU as soon as this weekend and may get a chance to play with the team this weekend as well. Sources have told IPRB that St John's coach, Steve Lavin is planning to come see Betancourt next week.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Francisco "Furro" Lopez Is On A Mission
First it was Abreu, then Betancourt and now another little guard from Puerto Rico is on a mission.Meet Francisco "Furro" Lopez, the 5'10 Class of 2011 SG, who transfered last year to La Salle HIgh School (Miami) is on a mission. The former Bucaplaa Club SG has been working on making the switch to PG and is now working with PR Playmakers to help him get to the next level.
IPRB spoke with a recruiting insider who had this to say about Lopez," He's got the ability to play at the next level and can flat out score. Like a lot of the guards coming out of Puerto Rico he is small and will need to show recruiters and coaches that he can play against bigger and stronger guards. The size issue is always there when you talk about a 5'10 SG.
He had a solid summer playing AAU for Gold Coast AAU Program and showed glimpses of a guy who could be really really good. The question a lot of coaches will ask is if he can play the PG position. He's in a perfect position playing at La Salle and simply put he must prove he can play."
IPRB spoke with "Furro's" father, Frankie Lopez, who is very confident that his son can play at the next level. "I've been taking my son to play all around Puerto Rico since he was 4 years old. I know he has the ability and desire to play. This has been a dream of his for as long as I can remember. I know he can do it and all we need is for a coach to take a chance. He is not only a very good player but is an even better person."
Lopez should also benefit from the fact that he is a very good student who has a 3.5 GPA. PR Playmakers Founder Todd Washington said, "Furro has the whole package. He can play, has good grades, is fluent in English and most importantly he is focused and working hard to reach his goals. He has some challenges in front of him to include, taking the SAT, completing the transition from SG to PG and showing he can compete against bigger players. We are excited to have him in our program and he understands the ball is in his hands. His work ethic and performance both on and off the court will determine if he plays at the next level. Based on what I have heard from both he and his father, Furro will get the job done."
IPRB plans to keep our eye on Furro and see if he has what it takes to get to the next level.
IPRB spoke with a recruiting insider who had this to say about Lopez," He's got the ability to play at the next level and can flat out score. Like a lot of the guards coming out of Puerto Rico he is small and will need to show recruiters and coaches that he can play against bigger and stronger guards. The size issue is always there when you talk about a 5'10 SG.
He had a solid summer playing AAU for Gold Coast AAU Program and showed glimpses of a guy who could be really really good. The question a lot of coaches will ask is if he can play the PG position. He's in a perfect position playing at La Salle and simply put he must prove he can play."
IPRB spoke with "Furro's" father, Frankie Lopez, who is very confident that his son can play at the next level. "I've been taking my son to play all around Puerto Rico since he was 4 years old. I know he has the ability and desire to play. This has been a dream of his for as long as I can remember. I know he can do it and all we need is for a coach to take a chance. He is not only a very good player but is an even better person."
Lopez should also benefit from the fact that he is a very good student who has a 3.5 GPA. PR Playmakers Founder Todd Washington said, "Furro has the whole package. He can play, has good grades, is fluent in English and most importantly he is focused and working hard to reach his goals. He has some challenges in front of him to include, taking the SAT, completing the transition from SG to PG and showing he can compete against bigger players. We are excited to have him in our program and he understands the ball is in his hands. His work ethic and performance both on and off the court will determine if he plays at the next level. Based on what I have heard from both he and his father, Furro will get the job done."
IPRB plans to keep our eye on Furro and see if he has what it takes to get to the next level.
Friday, September 24, 2010
UCLA To Watch Betancourt (Updated)
IPRB has confirmed that UCLA Assistant Coach Scott Duncan went this afternoon to Montrose Christian Academy to watch Carmelo Betancourt. Betancourt continues to increase interest at the highest level of Division 1 basketball. UCLA is also recruiting Preseason All American, Quinn Cook and both Coach Duncan and UCLA Head Coach, Ben Howland are in DC meeting with Quinn Cook. "With Georgetown, UCLA and other major programs looking at Betancourt so early in the season it has really helped increase interest, said a recruiting expert. He went from being a total unknown less than 6 months ago to now being someone coaches want to see in person."
PR Playmakers' Founder Todd Washington told IPRB," Carmelo and his mother and father are really excited! I just finished a call with them and it's kind of surreal. First Georgetown and now UCLA. It couldn't happen to better people. The good thing about Carmelo and his parents is that they understand that this is the first step in the recruiting process and at this point neither school has made an offer. Carmelo is the the type of kid who will use this as motivation to continue to work hard and prove to people that he can play at this level. I'm really proud of what he has done!"
Betancourt's USA debut was at the 2009 Jordan Classic (International Game). He played well there and went back to PR and hit the gym for 5 months before coming to Montrose. He and Tyrone Johnson, a Class of 2011 PG who has already committed to Villanova have been going at it in practice everyday.
A source confirmed late this evening that Coach Duncan plans to come back and see Betancourt practice again in the next two weeks.
PR Playmakers' Founder Todd Washington told IPRB," Carmelo and his mother and father are really excited! I just finished a call with them and it's kind of surreal. First Georgetown and now UCLA. It couldn't happen to better people. The good thing about Carmelo and his parents is that they understand that this is the first step in the recruiting process and at this point neither school has made an offer. Carmelo is the the type of kid who will use this as motivation to continue to work hard and prove to people that he can play at this level. I'm really proud of what he has done!"
Betancourt's USA debut was at the 2009 Jordan Classic (International Game). He played well there and went back to PR and hit the gym for 5 months before coming to Montrose. He and Tyrone Johnson, a Class of 2011 PG who has already committed to Villanova have been going at it in practice everyday.
A source confirmed late this evening that Coach Duncan plans to come back and see Betancourt practice again in the next two weeks.
Harvard University Interested in Gabriel Anglero
IPRB confirmed today the former Adianez guard and current St Benedicts (NJ) guard Gabriel Anglero may have a chance to attend the prestigious Harvard University. Sources close to the Anglero family confirmed that Gabriel's father spoke to Harvard University Men's Basketball Assistant Coach, Kenny Blakeney earlier today. Blakeney was a McDonald's All American at famed Dematha High School and went on to play on the 2 National Championship teams at Duke in the early 1990's. Former Duke University guard and assistant Coach Tommy Amaker is now the Head Coach at Harvard.
Anglero, a class of 2011 SG, transferred to St Benedicts this year and has become a hot commodity in recruiting circles. IPRB spoke to a mid major Division 1 college assistant coach who said, " Anglero is one of those kids every team must have. He is a "glue guy", someone who can do a number of things well and loves to play defense. The strength and conditioning coach calls him,"Hercules" as he is the strongest kid on the team and plays with a chip on his shoulder."
Said a recruiting insider," Anglero is a solid mid major player with great upside. He is a little on the short side for a shooting guard at the top 20 level but has shown great growth since arriving at St Benedicts this summer."
It should not be a surprise that Harvard is interested Anglero as St Benedicts Head Coach, Roshown Mcleod and Harvard Assistant Coach, Kenny Blakeney played together at Duke. Blakeney and PR Playmakers Founder Todd Washington grew up together in DC so the connections run deep. Whether or not Anglero ends up at Harvard or not what is clear is that he has officially arrived!
Anglero, a class of 2011 SG, transferred to St Benedicts this year and has become a hot commodity in recruiting circles. IPRB spoke to a mid major Division 1 college assistant coach who said, " Anglero is one of those kids every team must have. He is a "glue guy", someone who can do a number of things well and loves to play defense. The strength and conditioning coach calls him,"Hercules" as he is the strongest kid on the team and plays with a chip on his shoulder."
Said a recruiting insider," Anglero is a solid mid major player with great upside. He is a little on the short side for a shooting guard at the top 20 level but has shown great growth since arriving at St Benedicts this summer."
It should not be a surprise that Harvard is interested Anglero as St Benedicts Head Coach, Roshown Mcleod and Harvard Assistant Coach, Kenny Blakeney played together at Duke. Blakeney and PR Playmakers Founder Todd Washington grew up together in DC so the connections run deep. Whether or not Anglero ends up at Harvard or not what is clear is that he has officially arrived!
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