Class of 2011 SF, Giancarlo Santiago signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Santiago is a big time D1 player who has yet to qualify. MGCCC has been successful in signing players from Puerto Rico including Puerto Rico National Team Players, Raymond Cintron and Angel Matias.
"Giancarlo has a bright future in front of him. He is a hard worker and has huge upside. He has the size and strength to play at a high major. Coach Weathers at MGCCC has done an exception job with both Raymond and Angel. We think this is going to be a great fit for Giancarlo, said Todd Washington. Santiago's performance coach and mentor.
A number of kids from Puerto Rico are taking a closer look at Junior College in recent years given the success of Cintron. Cintron was the #1 ranked player in Puerto Rico in 2009 and had a great career at MGCCC, where he was named a 2nd Team, All American. Matias who was redshirted this year which allowed him to focus on his academics and get in shape is getting recruited by several high major D1 schools has the opportunity to also be an All American.
Santiago should qualify with the NCAA Clearing Houuse later this summer allowing him to spend only one year at MGCCC and moving to a D1 program for the fall of 2012.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Badillo Plays Hard At Jordan Classic
Class of 2012 SF, Abidel Badillo played only 10 minutes but made the most of his time on the court at the 2011 Jordan Classic. Badillo who has been in Charlotte since Wednesday struggled a bit early in the week but never stopped working hard.
Nike Executive, Mark Bayne who manages the relatonship between Puerto Rico and Nike told IPRB," He's gotten better everyday and has been working really hard."
Badillo has been playing SF/PF for most of his basketball career in Puerto Rico. This week he has been playing his position at the next level which is SG. Badillo has the skill set to play SG at the next level but must work on his speed and quickness.
A player like Badillo would really benefit from playing in the states. As good as the system and coaching is in PR the style of play is not the same. There is a lack of size and athleticism so a player like Badillo who is 6'5 has to play in the post. This really hurts his development.
This was not lost on Badillo when we caught up with him via text after his game this evening. Badillo said, " This was an incredible experience for me. I promise myself that I am going to work harder then any other moment in my life. Even though I didnt score today, I had 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals."
Badillo showed his ability to bang with bigger players and has great court vision. Look for Badillo to end up at an elite prep school this fall. He is a 4.0 student and a wonderful young man. Look for him to do big thing in the future.
This is the second year that a player from Puerto Rico has played in the Jordan Classic International Game. Last year current Montrose Christian PG, Carmelo Betancourt played. Todd Washington, Founder of PR Playmakers an AAU program has been working with Mark Bayne from Nike to help showcase the talent from Puerto Rico and provide players with a once in a life time opportunity.
Nike Executive, Mark Bayne who manages the relatonship between Puerto Rico and Nike told IPRB," He's gotten better everyday and has been working really hard."
Badillo has been playing SF/PF for most of his basketball career in Puerto Rico. This week he has been playing his position at the next level which is SG. Badillo has the skill set to play SG at the next level but must work on his speed and quickness.
A player like Badillo would really benefit from playing in the states. As good as the system and coaching is in PR the style of play is not the same. There is a lack of size and athleticism so a player like Badillo who is 6'5 has to play in the post. This really hurts his development.
This was not lost on Badillo when we caught up with him via text after his game this evening. Badillo said, " This was an incredible experience for me. I promise myself that I am going to work harder then any other moment in my life. Even though I didnt score today, I had 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals."
Badillo showed his ability to bang with bigger players and has great court vision. Look for Badillo to end up at an elite prep school this fall. He is a 4.0 student and a wonderful young man. Look for him to do big thing in the future.
This is the second year that a player from Puerto Rico has played in the Jordan Classic International Game. Last year current Montrose Christian PG, Carmelo Betancourt played. Todd Washington, Founder of PR Playmakers an AAU program has been working with Mark Bayne from Nike to help showcase the talent from Puerto Rico and provide players with a once in a life time opportunity.
Trash Talking Is Part Of The Game
Larry Bird walked into a locker room before an NBA All Star Weekend 3-point contest and started looking around at other players. When other guys in the room started wondering what Bird was doing he asked," Which one of you guys is going to finish second?"
Bird, who was white and from French Lick, Indiana learned at an early age playing on "the other side of the tracks" with and against African American players that trash talking was fun and could provide an edge. Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson were known for talking trash all game. The thing about talking trash is it is an art form and there are rules to "talking trash". On the playgrounds in cities across the country trash talking is has long been a favorite past time of basketball players. Father's have used it as a way to develop mental toughness when teaching the game to their sons.
The rules to trash talking are clear. You don't talk about anything personal and never, ever do you make it a racial discussion. It doesn't matter where you are from or where you are playing the rules of the game apply. There is nothing better than playing against a player you respect and the back and forth of going at each other. Talking trash is an art and will always be part of the game.
See some clips on several Hall of Famers and how they enjoyed talking trash and having their opponents talk trash to them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vHEWOqdyTg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iFhNi9t4L4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iFhNi9t4L4&feature=related
Bird, who was white and from French Lick, Indiana learned at an early age playing on "the other side of the tracks" with and against African American players that trash talking was fun and could provide an edge. Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson were known for talking trash all game. The thing about talking trash is it is an art form and there are rules to "talking trash". On the playgrounds in cities across the country trash talking is has long been a favorite past time of basketball players. Father's have used it as a way to develop mental toughness when teaching the game to their sons.
The rules to trash talking are clear. You don't talk about anything personal and never, ever do you make it a racial discussion. It doesn't matter where you are from or where you are playing the rules of the game apply. There is nothing better than playing against a player you respect and the back and forth of going at each other. Talking trash is an art and will always be part of the game.
See some clips on several Hall of Famers and how they enjoyed talking trash and having their opponents talk trash to them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vHEWOqdyTg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iFhNi9t4L4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iFhNi9t4L4&feature=related
Betancourt Considers Prep School
Class of 2011 PG, Carmelo Betnacourt is considering enrolling in a post graduate program at an elite prep school. These programs have existed at elite New England prep schools for years allowing students to take an additional year to prepare for college after graduating. With most elite student athletes being reclassified in junior high school Betancourt is the youngest senior on his Montrose Christian team.
Betancourt decided to transfer to Montrose to play his senior season for a team that ended up being ranked as high as #2 in most nationally recognized polls. He played in the back court with Villaova commit, Tyrone Johnson. Betancourt showed flashes of greatness but failed at times to be as aggressive as he needed to be on the offensive end. Several mid major and small Division 1 colleges have expressed an interest but Betancourt knows he can play at a higher level.
A college assistant coach who tracked Betancourt this season had this to say about him," Betancourt was on many mid major recruiting boards at the start of the season and a couple of high major programs including a few Big East Schools. He failed to show night in and night out that he can compete at the highest level. The talent is there and everyone who has really watched him recognizes that. An extra year at an elite prep school will provide him with another chance to do that. Colleges want to see that he can consistently knock down an open jumper, put pressure on the ball full court for an entire game and blow by his man off the dribble. He did all of these things at different points during the season but in order for schools to take a chance on a player his size he must do it every night."
Betancourts' mentor and Founder of AAU program PR Playmakers said, "Melo's experience at Montrose allowed him to play at the highest level of high school basketball. For the first time in his career he had to fight for playing time and compete in practice against this level of talent. We suggested to him that he consider taking an additional year at an elite New England Prep School. I think Carmelo is the perfect candidate to play at an Ivy League School. Northfield Mt Hermon currently has 30 players playing D1 and will have 7 playing at Ivy League Schools next year. Carmelo, his mom and I spoke at length to Northfields' Coach, John Carroll yesterday. If we can get him admitted it would be the perfect place for him."
Northfield Mt Hermon is considered to be one of the elite prep schools which also has a nationally recognized basketball program. They return a team that has 5 players over 6'6 but don't have a PG to run the show. Betancourt could be the perfect fit.
Betancourt decided to transfer to Montrose to play his senior season for a team that ended up being ranked as high as #2 in most nationally recognized polls. He played in the back court with Villaova commit, Tyrone Johnson. Betancourt showed flashes of greatness but failed at times to be as aggressive as he needed to be on the offensive end. Several mid major and small Division 1 colleges have expressed an interest but Betancourt knows he can play at a higher level.
A college assistant coach who tracked Betancourt this season had this to say about him," Betancourt was on many mid major recruiting boards at the start of the season and a couple of high major programs including a few Big East Schools. He failed to show night in and night out that he can compete at the highest level. The talent is there and everyone who has really watched him recognizes that. An extra year at an elite prep school will provide him with another chance to do that. Colleges want to see that he can consistently knock down an open jumper, put pressure on the ball full court for an entire game and blow by his man off the dribble. He did all of these things at different points during the season but in order for schools to take a chance on a player his size he must do it every night."
Betancourts' mentor and Founder of AAU program PR Playmakers said, "Melo's experience at Montrose allowed him to play at the highest level of high school basketball. For the first time in his career he had to fight for playing time and compete in practice against this level of talent. We suggested to him that he consider taking an additional year at an elite New England Prep School. I think Carmelo is the perfect candidate to play at an Ivy League School. Northfield Mt Hermon currently has 30 players playing D1 and will have 7 playing at Ivy League Schools next year. Carmelo, his mom and I spoke at length to Northfields' Coach, John Carroll yesterday. If we can get him admitted it would be the perfect place for him."
Northfield Mt Hermon is considered to be one of the elite prep schools which also has a nationally recognized basketball program. They return a team that has 5 players over 6'6 but don't have a PG to run the show. Betancourt could be the perfect fit.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Raymond Cintron Selected to NJCAA All American Team
One of the top prospects for the National Team in 2016 and current Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Sophomore, Raymond Cintron, received multiple honors this week including Mississippi Junior College Player of the year and NJCAA 2nd Team All American. The former Carmen Dol Sol star and nephew of former National Team Coach Manolo Cintron will attending Middle Tennessee State University "MTSU" in the fall.
Giancarlo Santiago Considering MIssissippi Gulf Coast Community College
Class of 2011 SF Giancarlo Santiago is considering accepting a scholarship to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, "MGCCC". Both Raymond Cintron and Angel Matias attend MGCCC with Raymond on track to graduate next month and attend Middle Tennessee State University "MTSU" in the fall. Matias was redshirted so that he could focus on his academics. Matias has done really well academically and based on reports from the coaching staff at MGCCC has high major talent.
Santiago has improved tremendously over the last year working with the coaches from Friagomar and UPR coaching staffs. They have done a great job developing him into a mid major talent with high major potential. Santiago and his father spoke with Cintron and Coach Wendell Weathers yesterday. IPRB confirmed that MGCCC has offered Santiago a full scholarship.
"Giancarlo is another example of a young man who will benefit greatly from attending Junior College. Not only will he get a chance to grow and develop as a player but his off the court experience at MGCCC and being part of that community will assist in his development as a person. Raymond Cintron is as good a player to come out of PR in the last 10 years and his success there has opened the door for others from Puerto Rico. Angel Matias is pretty darn good himself and the way we have set it up there will always be a guy there to welcome the next guy. So, Angel will do for Giancarlo what Raymond did for Angel. Coach Weathers has been there for 25 years and is more than just a coach to his players. He is like a father figure and has done such a great job with Raymond and Angel, said Todd Washington, Founder of PR Playmakers.
Giancarlo is expected to make a decision as early as next week.
Santiago has improved tremendously over the last year working with the coaches from Friagomar and UPR coaching staffs. They have done a great job developing him into a mid major talent with high major potential. Santiago and his father spoke with Cintron and Coach Wendell Weathers yesterday. IPRB confirmed that MGCCC has offered Santiago a full scholarship.
"Giancarlo is another example of a young man who will benefit greatly from attending Junior College. Not only will he get a chance to grow and develop as a player but his off the court experience at MGCCC and being part of that community will assist in his development as a person. Raymond Cintron is as good a player to come out of PR in the last 10 years and his success there has opened the door for others from Puerto Rico. Angel Matias is pretty darn good himself and the way we have set it up there will always be a guy there to welcome the next guy. So, Angel will do for Giancarlo what Raymond did for Angel. Coach Weathers has been there for 25 years and is more than just a coach to his players. He is like a father figure and has done such a great job with Raymond and Angel, said Todd Washington, Founder of PR Playmakers.
Giancarlo is expected to make a decision as early as next week.
Friday, April 8, 2011
PR Playmakers To Host "Unsigned Class of 2011/2012 Showcase"
With Joey Rodriguez becoming a household name basically overnight and Gary Browne signing with West Virginia there has never been more interest in recruiting Puerto Rico. The talent has always been here and programs like the Miami Tropics and Puerto Rico Pump and Run have been placing local kids at both prep schools and colleges for years. Those two programs laid the foundation and put Puerto Rico on "Summer Circuit" map. With over 30 Division I players of Puerto Rican descent currently enrolled, coaches at all levels are looking for players to sign for the Fall Semester.
"I think Puerto Rico may finally be getting the recognition it deserves as being one of the real hotbeds for talent. There are some great clubs and fantastic coaches in PR. They are doing a great job developing players on the court. With the Rodriguez kid at VCU having such a great season it has really helped to peak interest. This is most especially true at the Junior College level which for a lot of kids from Puerto Rico is the most realistic option, said Todd Washington, Founder of PR Playmakers.
Most of Puerto Rico's best recruits often do not speak fluent English and have done very little to prepare for the SAT and ACT. Many coaches and parents are not familiar with the NCAA Clearinghouse and the core requirements to qualify academically for a scholarship. Thus, Junior College is a real option as it allows players to spend two years at a Junior College working on the academics and getting accustomed to the style of play on the mainland. Upon graduating with an Associate Degree, players can then transfer to play Division 1,2 or 3 and have two years left of eligibility.
"There are still lots of scholarships available at all levels (D1,D2,D3 and Junior College). We will be announcing the date of the Showcase early next week. This will give players graduating in 2011 and those graduating in 2012 a chance to get a scholarship", said Washington.
For more information send an email to unsignedseniors@AT&T.blackberry.net
"I think Puerto Rico may finally be getting the recognition it deserves as being one of the real hotbeds for talent. There are some great clubs and fantastic coaches in PR. They are doing a great job developing players on the court. With the Rodriguez kid at VCU having such a great season it has really helped to peak interest. This is most especially true at the Junior College level which for a lot of kids from Puerto Rico is the most realistic option, said Todd Washington, Founder of PR Playmakers.
Most of Puerto Rico's best recruits often do not speak fluent English and have done very little to prepare for the SAT and ACT. Many coaches and parents are not familiar with the NCAA Clearinghouse and the core requirements to qualify academically for a scholarship. Thus, Junior College is a real option as it allows players to spend two years at a Junior College working on the academics and getting accustomed to the style of play on the mainland. Upon graduating with an Associate Degree, players can then transfer to play Division 1,2 or 3 and have two years left of eligibility.
"There are still lots of scholarships available at all levels (D1,D2,D3 and Junior College). We will be announcing the date of the Showcase early next week. This will give players graduating in 2011 and those graduating in 2012 a chance to get a scholarship", said Washington.
For more information send an email to unsignedseniors@AT&T.blackberry.net
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