Guards are the lifeblood of elite level basketball period but even more so
at the elite middle school level – without a good perimeter attack, you're not
going anywhere fast and you certainly are not winning the on the biggest stages.
That's why it's normal to see most teams rolling with a three-guard attack
these days; but no one in the country does it better than the defending back to
back national champions the CP3 All Stars.
Making an appearance recently in the Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City
Showcase where they went 4-0 on the weekend; the 4-headed monster of the Kobe
and Keyshawn Langley, coupled with the tandem of Mike Green and Myles Pierre are
clearly and without question the best perimeter unit in the country at the age
group.
Here’s The Top 10 Reasons Why:
1)
Conditioning:
One of the most well condition units as a whole the backcourt provides
pressure and deal with it with poise – consistently taking what the defense
give them and playing with a pace and structure that is determine by one of the
best basketball minds in Keyford Langley.
2) Basketball IQ: How many times have you seen players with
immense levels of talent that never translate to a structured environment? Not with this group – all 4 players are extensions
of the coaching staff which is also one of the most sophisticated in the
country. Without a shot clock if CP3 has
a lead of 3-points or more at the 3 minute mark or less with the ball the
chances of winning is slim and none and slim is usually headed for the door.
3) 3) They have a little bit of everything:
ball-handling, scoring, shooting – Mike Green is a knock down light out shooter
and has clearly been working on his game off the bounce showing a very impressive
in between pull-up and mid-range game to add the impressive catch and shoot
game he already possessed.
Kobe and
Keyshawn who not only look the same but they also both have the ball on a
string and use clever/crafty moves to space, find teammates, and draw
fouls.
Myles Pierre who remains one of the
best scorers from the 2-Guard position has sacrificed this prolific aspect of
this game to become the complete player that will allow his high level success
at the next level.
But do not think for
one second that Pierre has forgotten to put the rock in the hole as he can do
it from all three levels and also showed in AC increased efficiency working off
the block – a scary aspect for opponents to deal with.
4) Defense:
The Langley twins have to be considered two of the best perimeter
defenders in the country as they able guard the full 94-feet or in the half
court. You can put either on an island
or use them within the team concept of forcing to specific areas of the
floor. They buy in and are coachable and
understand the value of being dedicated to this aspect of the game and/floor. Pierre has the strength, body make up, and
lateral movement to guard all 3 perimeter positions anywhere on the floor –
there isn’t a second thought about defending on the block or 20-feet from the
hoop he is vested and effective is both situations. Green has clearly been in the gym and we don’t
mean just getting up shots – he is quicker, stronger, and clearly much more
confident stepping out and challenging on the outside. Collectively they overwhelm opposing guards
with their relentless pressure.
5)
3-Point Range: The
best way to guard this crew is to sag off and hope their jumpers are off that
day – but unfortunately on most day they are not. All can space and are effective 20 feet and
out. The mechanics and stroke of each
must be admired from a pure basketball perspective and the shooting percentage
off a series of situations can only be respected. They knock down the long ball off the catch,
one and two dribble pull up, in transition, off screens – basically however you
want it is how they will gladly deliver it to you.
6)
They are winners:
Regardless of the score these guys play the game the same way; no lead
is too big to over comer and they treat every lead they have with value by taking
advantage of the possessions as need be.
They understand situation, time, and score and respect the game as winners. Not hotdogs or show boaters; as a good as they
are they are more committed to winning than individual accolades which is one
of the biggest things deteriorating youth basketball ball today – these guys just
get it. They respect the game and each
other; the only points per game they are concerned about is the team total. They have lost less than 10 games in the last
3 years as a team playing in the toughest events and circuits – this includes
two national championships.
7) Experience: This is an aspect that will pay big dividends
for the group at the next level and is one of the most undervalued aspects of
player development to non-basketball minds in the game. They have been tested over and over and in a
close game they have seen everything before.
If they need to extend a game or run the clock they do it with equal
effectiveness. They do not rattle and
they are able to meet the mental challenges just as they would the
physical. They play tip to buzzer and
you wouldn’t be able to tell the score by their demeanor or style of play. They respect the game and each other
exhibiting a calming presence that is contagious.
8) 8) Clutch Play: In
the clutch moments of the game, you know when you send them to the line they will
knock down the free throw, they hit the
big shots from the perimeter, they will outmuscle you on the boards for a
needed rebound and will notch a steal to clinch the win or give them an extra
possession. This is something that you
cannot teach, but at this juncture it has been seen and proven so often that it
has come to be expected. Beating CP3 you
need to 5 points better – because if it is close they will find a way to win
the game. So many people focus on the
margin of victory another ignorant theory in basketball period – CP3 plays to
win the game and the proof is in the pudding.
9) Respect for the
Game: They always play hard, they pick
up teammates when they are down, and they remain positive during crucial time
and operate with a family like atmosphere on the court. They make sure the bigs get touches and know
how to feed the hot hand. They are
coachable and execute instructions without question and with precision. They understand that having elite level
intangibles is just as important as having an elite level skill set.
10) Good
Citizens: At the end of the day with all
the positive aspects we talk about on the basketball court; these kids operate
with class and respect off the court.
They are better people than they are players and the type of player
teammates want on their team and coaches want in their program.
With one of the best talent pool of teams in one event the
Basketball Spotlight AC Showcase provided a forum for the best of the best to
prove it on the floor – Team CP3 did just that and it’s no surprise as what
they did this weekend they have been doing for years finishing 4-0, throwing
down the mic and walking off the stage…championship? Nah, that’s ok we playing
for something bigger we don’t have anything to prove. Wow, many need to take note.
No comments:
Post a Comment