There was plenty to talk about at the High Performance Academy in Eagan last weekend. RENE PULLEY, executive director of Howard
Pulley Basketball, had arranged for the Academy to host the Nike EYBL tournament. The event showcases the top high school junior prospects in the country.
While many onlookers were mesmerized by the attendance of big-name Division I college coaches — ROY WILLIAMS (North Carolina), TUBBY SMITH (Minnesota), JOHN THOMPSON III (Georgetown) and MIKE KRZYZEWSKI (Duke) to name a few — I observed the following as the Howard Pulley 17 U Blue team compiled a 3-1 record during the event.
TYUS JONES (Apple Valley) is as good as advertised. The 6-1 guard is one of the nation’s best.
QUINTON HOOKER (Park Center) had an outstanding tournament. The 6-0 guard had a breakout season last winter and has emerged as one of the state’s top prospects.
RENARD SUGGS (Woodbury) wasn’t a household name, but some know who he is now. The 6-2 junior’s leaping ability and three-point range had coaches taking notice.
Coaches ANTWAN HARRIS (17 Blue Coach), DEDRICK JENKINS (17 Blue Assistant Coach), and MIKE WALKER (17U White Coach) are among the best in the country.
Howard Pulley 17U Blue was the only Minnesota team to play in the tournament.
Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mmcdonald@spokesman-recorder.com.
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