Nike EYBL Peach Jam Preview: All the Marbles

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NORTH AUGUSTA, SC–It’s the busiest time in the basketball world if you’re on the AAU circuit and with various Canadian teams scattered all over America, player are looking to either make a name for themselves or to be solidified among the finest prospects that Canada has to offer.

NPH is back at it, once again providing you coverage on the Nike EYBL, the top AAU league in North America. If you’ve been following along, by now you would know that CIA BOUNCE is a team loaded with Canadians in addition to, Junior Lomomba, (Detroit the Family) Jonathan Tshibuy (Team Takeover DC and Olivier Hanlan (Albany City Rock) representing the Nation.

The following will be a breakdown on EVERY Canadian prospect at the event:

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Anthony Bennett – CIA BOUNCE

Bennett will be fresh of the Lebron James Skills Academy and is Canada’s top 2012 recruit on the market. Bennett has a load of high-major offers and programs that have been following his progress. Once again, he will be a main attraction at the Peach Jam.

Dyshawn Pierre – CIA BOUNCE

Pierre has to be the fastest rising Canadian star who is also finishing off an event; the U19 World championships in Latvia. Pierre has lef the Junior National team in both categories, averaging 15.7 PPG & 7.6 RPG. He has recently drawn new interest from Marquette and Iona. Expect this list to grow rapidly by the time the month of July is complete.

Andrew Wiggins  – CIA BOUNCE

Like Bennett, Wiggins will be entering the Peach Jam after a trip from the Lebron James Skills Academy. Wiggins is the hottest commodity in North America that is still yet to announce which prep school he will attend in the fall. He will be a program changer to any school he chooses. As for the EYBL circuit, Wiggins has had his ups and his downs. After attaining a load of high level experience through various camps in the past few weeks, Wiggins could have a little pep to his step in South Carolina.

Xavier Rathan-Mayes – CIA BOUNCE

Since EYBL in Los Angeles, X has reclassified to 2013 and found a new home at Findlay Prep in Nevada. Rathan-Mayes has been one of the most consistent offensive weapons for CIA BOUNCE through EYBL play and he will be instrumental to the success of his team, as they are on the hunt for gold at Peach Jam.

Olivier Hanlan – ALBANY CITY ROCK

In EYBL LA, Hanlan displayed poise and a clutch performance securing one of his team’s victories, courtesy of a buzzer beater! Coaches have been raving about Hanlan’s game and hee has already established his name on the circuit. However, if Albany City expects to make any noise in South Carolina, Hanlan must be at his best through every game. – currently in Latvia finishing up FIBA World Championships.

Junior Lomomba – DETROIT THE FAMILY

Lomomba is another Junior National team member who plans on bringing his international experience back with him on the flight back to South Carolina. The Family isn’t one of the strongest teams in the field, but is a fiesty pack of guards that play hard and keep pressure on opponents.

Sim Bhullar – CIA BOUNCE

To my understanding, the big man has suffered an injury as he was inactive in the second last game at the World Championships against Latvia. It’s either that, or Bhullar is resting up for Peach Jam. It would be a HUGE loss to Bounce, both literally and figuratively if he remains inactive through EYBL play. The team will certainly need him to provide his interior presence, especially against the big teams with athleticism.

Jonathan Tshibuy – TEAM TAKEOVER DC

Tshibuy is the glue guy for the best team in the EYBL, Team Takeove DC. He provides everything that the team needs from high level perimeter defence to crashing the boards for second chance buckets.

Stefan Jankovic – CIA BOUNCE

Jankovic could be riding a wave, especially after posterizing the Toronto Raptors’ #5 Lottery Pick in the NBA draft. From the highlights I’ve seen, he looked confident and comfortable in an international setting. Let’s hope he translates this comfort over to the EYBL.

Kevin Zabo – CIA BOUNCE

Zabo was unavailable for EYBL LA, but is expected to be in action for the grand finale. He recently finished from a trip with the Cadet National team in Mexico where the team secured a bronze medal at the FIBA Americas. Zabo is not expected to play a major role on this Bounce squad due to his youth, being one of the youngest on the squad; however any type of high level experience such as the EYBL will play a pivotal role in his development and for his future years

Jarryn Skeete– CIA BOUNCE

Skeete should look to create plays at will with multiple scoring options to choose from. He has great passing ability and will rack up the assists if assertive. He can also connect from long range at a good rate and will definitely launch when in position.

Naz Long -CIA BOUNCE

I am expecting a big performance out of Long as he has been relatively quiet through the previous sessions. He should really look to be agressive offensively while controlling the pace of the game.

Richard Peters -CIA BOUNCE

Peters is at his best when he brings his energy and sustains it throughout a full game. In previous sessions, he has struggled with finishing plays on the interior after solid offensive moves. If “Richy” stays focused, he will be fine!

Negus Webster-Chan – CIA BOUNCE

NWC injured his foot in international play in Latvia and will more than likely be on the injured list at Peach Jam.

Nick Lewis – CIA BOUNCE

Lewis must be confident when he steps on to the floor and understand that he has the talent to be solid for this squad. This explosive guard has been riddled with injuries in the past and is still shaking off the rust; this could be a great opportunity to turn things around.