Braxton Ogbueze, Rare Footage of this Elite High School Prospect

Scout.com ranks Braxton Ogbueze in the top 40 high school prospects overall in the nation. While this is a high ranking, Ogbueze would be a top 5 or 10 prospect if he was 6'3." On a YouTube video I posted, I expressed my thoughts that Ogbueze was not quite six foot. A family member of Ogbueze posted a comment in response to my estimation of his height,

"Braxton is actually measured at 6'1 (shoes) and 175"

KOgbueze22

The "6'1(shoes)" comment proves my point Ogbueze is not a big guard, but that is his only glaring weakness. Ogbueze is a player and has everything you want in a guard except for height. Ogbueze is quick, strong, athletic, and aggressive. You can see from the footage that Ogbueze is impressively build from head to toe, the 175 lbs. is most likely accurate. He seems to be a leader on and off the floor, as well. I wasn't blown away by Ogbueze court vision, but Ogbueze seems to be more of a scoring point guard. He also, can make good things happen for others and himself with his ability penetration. So, Ogbueze has the talent and the intangibles to match. The question that puzzled me about Ogbueze was why did he choose Florida when #3 PG, Kasey Hill(Class of 2013) is committed to the Gators. So, I asked his family member that very question,

"Thanks for the update, Scout.com must not be up to date, they have Braxton listed at 6-0 & 160 lbs. I saw Braxton play and was very impressed! I felt Braxton should have been a McDs' All-American, instead of Tyler Lewis who is going to State. Plus, I saw how well Braxton played head to head against the bigger Rodney Purvis who is a McDs' All-American. I was wondering if you could shed some light on why Braxton picked Florida when Kasey Hill who is #3 PG of 2013 has committed to Flordia, as well?"
NCSportsGenius1 ("Middle Class" Matt)

So, Ogbueze family member wrote me back. This comment from a family member shows me Ogbueze is one of these young athletes who is being bred for success. This could be a really good thing, which could mean Ogbueze will be mature beyond his years. It also, could backfire and cause problems, like we have seen so many times in sports. Here is the response they sent me, it reads like a press release and never mentions Hill,

"Braxton committed first but there are no worries. As you have seen Braxton will compete with anyone and will earn everything that is given to him. We appreciate your support."

KOgbueze22

In these highlights Braxton Ogbueze(red jersey #3) is many times, going one on one with Rodney Purvis(white jersey #5). Purvis is a McDonalds All-American, who is a 6'4" 205 pound guard, who is committed to N.C. State. Ogbueze not only has no problem with the bigger Purvis, he destroys Purvis on the offense and defensive side of the ball. Even though Obgueze is four inches shorter(at least) and gives up 30 pounds, he outduels Purvis head to head and gets the win on Purvis' home court.

For more video highlights and in depth comments on Braxton Ogbueze, Rodney Purvis, and others go to http://www.youtube.com/user/NCSportsGenius1?feature=watch and follow on Twitter @NCSportsGenius1

Rare Footage of 7 foot Peter Jurkin Indiana Basketball Commit "Could Jurkin be a Steal?"

Peter Jurkin is a true seven footer with a 7'6" wingspan and tons of upside. Jurkin is high school prospect in the Class of 2012, who is committed to Indiana University to play basketball in the up coming season. Jurkin is currently ranked as only a three star recruit, and it seems that Jurkin is underrated. Jurkin is raw and his post moves are lacking, at best, but for a prospect with his size and length, he does have skills.

Indiana fans should be excited about Jurkin. He might be able to add depth at the center position next year. The Indiana Hoosiers may be the favorite to win the NCAA National Championship next year and will have the best true center in the country in Cody Zeller. Jurkin could serve to help Indiana with their depth in the post. Jurkin may be able to give Indiana some help as a backup center who can play limited minutes, next season.

Peter Jurkin is a very long prospect who has better than average athleticism for his size. It seems that, Jurkin has the frame to add on some weight over time. Jurkin has a really good stroke from the outside and the free throw line, as you will see from the footage. Jurkin, also runs the floor pretty well for his size, and is an amazing shot blocker, who forces other players to change their shots.  Best of all, Jurkin is most likely a four year guy. Having even a serviceable seven footer, for four years, in the age of one and done, would be a big advantage for the Hoosiers. Peter Jurkin may never be a superstar(but who knows with work), but he is really undervalued as a high school recruit. When we look back at the high school class, Jurkin could be a real steal for the Indiana Hoosiers.





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UNC's Top Verbal Commit Isaiah Hicks in Action Class of 2013

Here are some videos taken at J.F. Webb High School of UNC's top verbal commit Isaiah Hicks, who is the number eight overall prospect of the class of 2013. Hicks is listed at 6'8" and 210 lbs., in reality Hicks might be 6'8" maybe 6'7", and only about 195 or 200 lbs.. Hicks is very slender, but does have a more developed lower body. Hicks' body is more of a prototypical swing forward. Hicks is listed as a power foward and may have to play PF at the college level. Still, Hicks is just a junior in high school, so he has time to develop his game and body. You can already see Hicks has some guard skills and could one day, with work develop into a nice three forward. Hicks physically reminds me a little bit of another high ranked recruit from the Tar Heels' past, Marvin Williams.

Hicks has long arms and big hands. Hicks moves efforstlessly down the court and has pretty good body control. Hicks can also shoot and handle the ball well for a player his size. Hicks has tons of potenital, but doesn't seem to be the guy who would come to UNC and dominate, imediately. Sorry, UNC fans Hicks may need sometime to develope. Another negative about Hicks, is that his high school doesn't play the top level competition all the time. In these clips below you will see Hicks(#4) is head and shoulders taller than everyone one the court. Still, Hicks has NBA level athletism and that you can't teach, the other stuff can be learned with hard work and practice.

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"Girls should not be in the Dunk Contest?" High School McDonalds' All-American Basketball

"Middle Class" Matt discusses why it is a bad idea for sports' fans when they allow girls to take part in the dunk contest and McDonalds' High School All-American Basketball. CLICK THE VIDEO ABOVE FOR THE WHOLE STORY!

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