THE US PREP ELITE EXPOSOURE CAMP ISSUE FEATURING TOP ATHLETES FROM THE 2016 US PREP ELITE CAMPS
MR. BASKETBALL BLAKE WILSON
RISES ABOVE THE FRAY
AT THE 2016 US PREP ELITE EXPOSURE CAMP
SOCIAL MEDIA
NEXTUS RANKINGS 2016 Composite Rankings Top 5
NEXTUP SENIORS RISING SENIORS WHO ARE OUT TO PROVE ITS THEIR TURN *HOW A RETIRED NBA PLAYER MADE HIS MILLIONS March 2017
The Council Brothers Focused On Game 4A And PUBLIC Books, BOYS Family Not Latest Tweet 3AYour PRIVATE SCHOOLS
TOP CAMP ATHLETES 2016 BOYS HIGHLIGHTS
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US Prep Athletes The Magazine Special Edition Of The Fall 2016 US Prep Elite Exposure Camp March 2017
NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER These are great yet conscientious times for athletes to play the sport they love and live out their dreams. This time of the year also brings a bit of excitement for all of the trainers, coaches and volunteers who help out with the US Prep Elite Exposure camps each year. It’s indeed a gift to be able to share some words of wisdom with these dedicated athletes that can help them take their game to the next level, become better teammates and student-athletes. For many of us, basketball, football and/or baseball was our first love, and as the old saying goes “you never forget your first love.” Just like many of these athletes I remember attending similar Exposure camps while coming up through the ranks and I also remember the anticipation at the start of each sport season. In looking back what stands out just as equal as the team comradery and competition are the positive messages shared by many of my coaches and mentors along the way. Their efforts didn’t land on deaf ears and help contribute to me becoming a better person, son, father, brother, citizen and business owner. Our US Prep team brings a similar philosophy into each camp we conduct. We look forward to seeing you this fall. Yours Truly,
Tony Pearl
CONTRIBUTORS
Ambassador Interactive Media Publisher Shamika Stokes Design Editor Bucky Rushing Photography Jori Benton Photography The Maven Contributing Article Tony Pearl Editor
US Prep Athletes are standout leaders on the field and/or court and they strive for excellence within the classroom. They often demonstrate a strong yearning and keen interest towards their favorite sport by practicing longer and working much harder on their game than their peers and competition. As an organization we have built many age-specific programs that will help promote and cultivate their unique sports and academic talents and skill sets. Several of these top athletes will be featured in US Prep Athletes The Magazine. US Prep Athletes The Magazine is your areas premier print and digital magazine. We feature highlights and in depth stories of high school athletes who have risen to higher levels within their playing abilities and inside the classroom. In addition, US Prep Athletes The Magazine covers local business and volunteers who have dedicated themselves to a worthy cause.
CollegeMajors
B
allers are known for running the school yard but can you run the city?
We take a broad look at some of the career options that will help you become a mover and shaker in the city one day. Career: Politics (Mayor) Major: Political Science / Business Management (Masters Degree a bonus) Experience: Many Mayors started out in city council and often come from a private sector of business. Role: As the head of the city, the mayor officially speaks for both the government and the community as a whole. The mayor is the presiding officer and a regular member of the city council. The mayor has all the powers and duties for the office of council member in addition to those of mayor. Career: Commercial Corporate Real Estate Agent / Broker Major: Business Finance / Management (MBA a bonus) - Real Estate License Required Experience: Many commercial agents get their start in residential and hit the ground running before the ink is dry on passing their real estate exams. Experience is the best teacher and a true mover and shaker can start to see major results in five years or less. Role: At a high level you could be responsible for brokering deals that result in bringing major corporations to the city. Corporate agents are responsible for managing the assets of their perspective corporation. Income: $100K plus Career: Investment Banker / Securities Broker Major: Business / MBA Finance Experience: Careers typically start to hit stride around the 10 year mark. Most brokers start out as interns. Role: Manage the assets and finances of major corporations and investors. Income: $100K plus
Business
A
retired NBA player made a wise investment that made millions
for him years after his time spent in the NBA. Ulysses Lee “Junior” Bridgeman has demonstrated smart wealth building tactics that built his personal net worth to $400 million. He was born in Chicago where he played basketball all through his high school years. He continued playing basketball throughout college at the University of Louisville, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree. Bridgeman was drafted by the Lakers in 1975, and he ended up being traded soon after to the Milwaukee Bucks. During his NBA career players didn’t have multi-million dollar NBA player contracts. Most of the players that made a lot of money received fortunes from endorsement deals. In 1985 Bridgeman’s peak salary was $350,000 during the time he played for the Clippers. During the off seasons, Bridgeman started to plan for his future by learning the Wendy’s franchise business. He spent a lot of his time working at a local Wendy’s to learn the true culture of the company. At the end of his NBA career, Bridgeman owned three Wendy’s, and now he has over 160 locations. He also invested in the Chili’s franchise, owning more than 120 in America today. Bridgeman is now the second largest Wendy’s franchise owner in the world. His contribution to his family started with his passion for basketball that transformed smart investments to immense wealth. Brickman has been married for 35 years showing his commitment to family and success. All three of his children have MBAs and are contributors to the family business. His success is measurable and proactively engaging to all that has seen his progressive growth. He took the hand that was dealt to him and made good choices that resulted in major accomplishments. Career: Restaurant Franchise Owner Major: Business / Accounting / Marketing / Finance / Education / Sociology Experience: Knowledge of running a business, restaurant management experience a plus Investment: Depending on the franchise, initial investment start around $25K up to $150K along with monthly fees
COUNCIL BROTHERS BRING TRADITIONAL VALUES TO THE GAME-BOOKS-FAMILY Freeze…selfie time...pause…type…post to internet - repeat. In today’s world you will find most teenagers snap chatting about eating their favorite foods, current location, and thoughts of the day while trying to keep their snap streaks alive. Move over to twitter and you will find your normal up and coming baller posting their daily workout routine, latest college offer and reposting athletic videos of their favorite NBA players. Those are several innocent examples of the types of information that graze kids eyes these days, but the harsh reality is a great portion of the content across social media is intrusive, offensive and at times downright indecent. According to a Pew Internet Research Survey, “One-in-three parents say they have had concerns or questions about their child’s technology use in the last year.” For Ricky and Ruth Council, parents of Ricky Council III (The Third) and Ricky Council IV (The Fourth), have chosen to keep their children away from the trappings and temptations of all out 24/7 social media. Instead they focus on family, academics and of course basketball. The formula is paying off, older brother Ricky Council II is a Division I basketball scholarship athlete at the University Of Maryland Baltimore County and sister Rhianna Council is on basketball scholarship at St. Bonaventure. With their family serving as role models, Ricky Council III and The Fourth are on path to create a lane for themselves in academics and on the court. Last season as a junior for the Northern Durham Knights, The Third garnered All-State third team district honors while his teammate brother earned a spot on varsity as a ninth grader. This summer both young men played for Coach Nathan Faulk’s Flight 22 travel team program. “They’re a great family to work with, and the values they’ve instilled in those boys are good values. Their boys are always yes sir no sir…they’re the epitome of what you want kids to be on the court and off the court.” Coach Faulk
Tony Pearl
Est. 2010
UPNEXT
Each year some elite players and underclassment are faced with the challenge of playng behind super star talent at their position. As a result they must wait their turn before it’s their time. These senior student- athletes have put in the work and have waited their turn, now its their time to shine.
Jalen Bynum
Arlo Washington Jr.
*Cox Mill High
*Vance High School
PG
Wing/Forward
c/o 2018
c/o 2018
“Jalen is a pure point guard in the truest sense of the word and he’s one of the toughest guards in the city. His basketball IQ is college level.”
“Arlo has good size and length and is starting to use his gifts at the right time. He had a great summer and will be one the players to watch out for in the 2018 basketball season.”
US Prep Elite
US Prep Elite
UPNEXT
Elijah Sidbury
Jalen Gibson
Trey Barnhardt
Corey Goddard
*Rocky River High
*Butler High School
*Mt. Pleasant
*Sunvalley
PG
Forward
Point/Forward
c/o 2018
c/o 2018
c/o 2018
c/o 2018
““Corey has a very good understanding “Elijah is a natural “Great kid and can score “During the 2016 /17 Trey of the game. He has leader and does a very the ball, inside played more on the wing length and statue good job of and on the than he did with his back with a keen sense to controlling the perimeter, very to the basket. manage the floor. He offense. He’s one of coachable and has a lot of This experience along is an extension of my all time favorites untapped with his 6’5 frame should the Coach by for his leadership and potential - has college help him take over more directing players where he was voted most potential” games down the stretch. they should go.” improved last year.” Coach Ray Coach Kerry US Prep Elite Coach Walker Charlotte Nets
The King of The Court
Blake Wilson C/O 2018 Wing/Forward
Hunter Huss HS Team Loaded US Prep Elite Exposure
On October 16, 2016 – close to 70 athletes was on hand to showcase their basketball skills, compete and learn life lessons from the camp speakers. Blake Wilson of Hunter Huss High School was named Mr. Basketball of the Camp. US Prep caught up with Blake on a few quick thoughts about his growth as a basketball player as well as expectations for the season (playoffs.) US Prep: We first saw you in 2013 at our US Prep Future Elite Middle School camp and now your game has blossomed, what are some of the biggest changes you’ve made since middle school? Blake: I remember being in the eighth grade I wasn’t all that good, I was getting cut from teams and I was losing a little bit and feeling like I wasn’t good enough and I was a little bit down on myself. So what I did I had a long talk with my parents and they said put in some work. We had a Y membership and my mom told me make sure you push yourself all the time run on the treadmill, put up 100 to 150 shots – even a thousand shots, do whatever it takes. US Prep: What game do you try to emulate Blake: Lebron James US Prep: What are your expectations for the season (playoffs?) Blake: Main goal is to win a state championship, get better and do this as a team not as a self thing, lets win this championship as a team.
“Blake can do it all he can handle the ball, shoot the three and can get in the post” Steve Crawford, Prep To Pros – ESPN Radio Charlotte
TOP ATHLETE HIGHLIGHTS Meet The Standouts 2016 Fall US Prep Elite Camp
#1 RaQuan Brown
Class Of 2019 Butler / Team Charlotte
In certain circles across the state RaQuan is ranked in the top 10 for his class. As soon as he hits the floor it’s easy to see why. One of the greatest attributes to RaQuan’s game is that he often out-smarts defenders. He has mastered the art of misdirection on the court and what you grow to like most is that he’s very poised. The main thing we noticed about RaQuan from last year’s camp and throughout the prep season is that his teammates feed off his energy, this is a mark of a true leader from trust earned. To perfect his all around game RaQuan will need to grow just as confident in shooting from behind the arc as he does in finishing at the rim.
TOP ATHLETE HIGHLIGHTS Meet The Standouts 2016 Fall US Prep Elite Camp Zane Haglan
Class Of 2019 Lake Norman / Mooresville Magic
While some athletes excel with their natural leadership abilities, Zane leads by being a fierce competitor. Having started on varsity since the ninth grade, this rising junior lives for the “BIG PLAY.” He can light it up from the “3” and he’s very exceptional at finishing around the rim. He earned MVP honors of the R&L Holiday Tournament last season, he’s an All Conference and All County selection and his travel team won the National AAU tournament in Florida (2016). One of Zane’s best attributes is he doesn’t shy away when the game is on the line and he’ll get plenty of opportunity to showcase his talents against tough competition during league play.
TOP ATHLETE HIGHLIGHTS Meet The Standouts 2016 Fall US Prep Elite Camp Ricky Council IV
Class Of 2020 Northern Durham / Flight 22
Ask anyone after seeing Ricky Council IV for the first time and their initial thoughts are typically “he’s a high major caliber athlete right now.” Ricky IV can score from anywhere on the court. He defends, blocks shots, rebounds, finishes at the basket and what’s most impressive is he can get scorching hot and rattle off 20pts before you can bat an eyelid. But here’s the thing, you see him in his essence and selfishly you want him to score 40, you really want him to Michael Jordan the game. You really see all that potential ready to let loose. But then you remember he’s just a rising sophomore - playing up in his age bracket.
TOP ATHLETE HIGHLIGHTS Meet The Standouts 2016 Fall US Prep Elite Camp Josh Banks
Class Of 2020 Olympic High / Team United
What happens when a freshman starts varsity for a legendary State Championship winning coach, when that same freshman drops 19 and 14 points in his first two games on varsity, when he propels to a top 10 state ranking for the 2020 class? You simply watch all of that great potential unfold before your eyes over the next three years. We’re talking - Josh Banks - who has natural basketball instincts and abilities that’s simply hard to teach. If he pushes himself to work through the finer details of his game and overcome certain areas of improvement he has all of the potential to go to unimaginable levels.
TOP ATHLETE HIGHLIGHTS Meet The Standouts 2016 Fall Future Elite Middle Glen Bynum Jr.
Class Of 2021 Northside Christ / Team Wall
Glenn Bynum Jr. was voted the MVP of our fall US Prep Future Elite 2016 middle school camp. He already boasts some college offers including Middle Tennessee State. Glenn Jr. was the second leading scorer on John Walls 15U sponsored team and he’ll be attending Northside Christian Academy this fall where he should see some playing time on varsity. Glenn Jr, like many standout athletes has a lot of the basketball intangibles that make good players great. Its going to be fun to watch him grow in the sport over the next four years.
US Prep Future Elite Middle School 2016 Camp - Stand Outs
Athletes On The Rise Glen Bynum Jr.
8th Grade
Concord 1st Academy
Glenn Bynum Jr. won the MVP award of the fall 2016 US Prep Future Elite Middle School Camp. Glenn plays the game with poise and confidence and has a high IQ for a young man of his age. With a soft touch around the rim and strength when attacking the basket. We look forward to watching his continued growth and maturity and all the things the future has in store for this young man.
Elijah Metcalf
8th Grade
Hickory Ridge Middle
Elijah Metcalf won the award for the Most Outstanding Player of the fall 2016 US Prep Future Elite Middle School Camp. When Elijah Metcalf hits the floor simply put he turn heads. His presence, court vision, awareness and IQ is at this moment light years ahead of most of his peers within his age group. Just like his peers around him we’re anticipating a very bright future for this young man in the years to come.
Tony Waters
8th Grade
Morehead Stem Academy
Tony Waters won the Most Spectacular Player award of the fall 2016 US Prep Future Elite Middle School Camp. Tony dazzled us with his camp performance and it didn’t take us long to discover why some of his past accolades have included MVP of his middle school team and MVP of the Rick Lewis Phenom Camp. We are looking forward to Tony becoming one of the top athletes in the Mecklenburg County area and possibly beyond someday.
Malachy McGuirt
8th Grade
Castle Heights Middle
Malachy McGuirt received several bids for MVP of the fall 2016 US Prep Future Elite Middle School Camp. Malachy excells with catching passes off the break and finishing with ease as well as with put-backs and he soaks up the boards on both ends of the floor. Keep your eye out on Malachy he is a special young man who has tremendous upside. We’re looking forward to watching him grow in the sport in the years to come.
Amare Hayne
8th Grade
Kannapolis Middle
Amari Hayne garnered recognition from many of his peers as one of the most outstanding players at the US Prep Future Elite Middle school camp. Amari has incredible bounce and does a tremendous job of creating space to get his shot up over taller defenders. We’re all going to be keeping an eye out on this young man and we’re looking forward to his growth and development in the years to come. FEBRUARY 2017 • US Prep Athletes 1
NEXTUS
U S P R E P E L I T E
Class Of 2018
Ricky Council III
Jalen Harris
Northern Durham
Olympic High
Flight 22
PSB Select
Jalen Gibson
MyLiek Wilcox
Butler High
South Pointe
Charlotte Nets
Upward Stars
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NextUS Composite
NEXTUS
U S P R E P E L I T E
Marcus Henderson
Class Of 2019
Shaman Alston
Statesville Christ
Indian Land
PSB Select
UpWard Stars
Jackson Grace Philip O. Berry
Monarchs
www.usprepelite.com
Brandon Franklin
Northwood Temple
Team Wall
NextUS Composite
NEXTUS
U S P R E P E L I T E
Class Of 2020
Tristan Maxwell
Travon Jackson
NorthMeck
Northwood Temple
CP3
CB Hoops
Zach Bassette
Tyrell Dawson
Central Cabarrus
Cuthbertson High
Charlotte Nets
Char. Aces
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NextUS Composite
NEXTUS
U S P R E P E L I T E
Tony Waters
Class Of 2021
Elijah Metcalf
North Meck
Hickory Ridge
Team Charlotte
NC Elite
Malachy MCGuirt York Prep
Palmetto City
www.usprepelite.com
Amare Hayne A.L. Brown
NC Elite
NextUS Composite
NEXTUS RANKINGS TOP 5
2018 #1
US Prep Elite Camp
Blake Wilson
Hunter Huss
Gastonia
NC
WF
6'6
#2
US Prep Elite Camp
Jalen Harris
Olympic
Charlotte
NC
WF
6'4
#3
US Prep Elite Camp
Myliek Wilcox
South Pointe
Rock Hill
SC
W
5'11
#4
US Prep Elite Camp
Jalen Gibson
Butler High School
Charlotte
NC
WF
6'5
#5
US Prep Elite Camp
RICK COUNCIL III
Northern Durham High School
Durham
NC
SG
6'0
2018 2018 2018 2018 2018
2019 #1
US Prep Elite Camp
RaQuan Brown
Rocky River
Charlotte
NC
G
6'3
#2
US Prep Elite Camp
Zane Haglan
Lake Norman
Huntersville
NC
G
6'1
#3
US Prep Elite Camp
Marcus Henderson
Statesville Christian
Statesville
NC
G
6'1
#4
US Prep Elite Camp
Shaman Alston
Indian Land
Indian Land
SC
WF
6'5
#5
US Prep Elite Camp
Brandon Franklin
Northwood Temple Academy
Fayetteville
NC
C
6'6
2019 2019 2019 2019 2019
2020 #1
US Prep Elite Camp
Tristan Maxwell
NorthMeck
Charlotte
NC
G
6'1
#2
US Prep Elite Camp
Ricky Council IV
Northern Durham
Durham
NC
G
6'4
#3
US Prep Elite Camp
Josh Banks
Olympic
Charlotte
NC
G
6'4
#4
US Prep Elite Camp
Tyrell Dawson
Cuthbertson
Waxhaw
NC
C/F
6'6
#5
US Prep Elite Camp
Travon Jackson
Northwood Temple Academy
Fayetteville
NC
W/F
6'3
2020 2020 2020 2020 2020
NEXTUS RANKINGS NEXTUS
Rankings offers a fresh perspective and opportunity for emerging and/or overlooked athletes to gain an independent evaluation and ranking based on their US Prep Exposure camp performance. Our rankings offer student-athletes a chance to build their athletic resume as they are pursuing their dreams of playing a sport at the collegiate level. Eligible athletes include 9th thru 12th graders currently in High School. As a rule exceptional athletes in middle school will be mentioned but not ranked inside NEXTUS Rankings. Our rankings lean mostly on a productivity model. The productivity model we’ve selected for basketball was created by John Hollinger (Game Score). Other criteria such as historical high school and travel team play relative to competition, past and current rankings, athlete progression and academic proclivity towards college eligibility will also be taken into consideration in future rankings. Our goal is to be a destination where upcoming and/or overlooked athletes experience a fair shot for recognition and enhanced exposure. Reports are updated periodically through the high school and travel ball season and a new report is created after each US Prep Exposure Camp. To acknowledge that it is virtually impossible for us to cover all High School athletes in a particular state(s) in one report is an understatement. Therefore, we have reserved our ranking efforts to athletes who attend US Prep Elite Exposure Camps.
In conclusion, rankings are not a measure of whether an athlete can play at the collegiate level and/or professionally. In years past at the conclusion of each camp
we found ourselves unofficially ranking standout athletes. Therefore the NEXTUS Rankings is more of a well overdue add on feature to the US Prep Elite Exposure Camp experience but its based on the opinions of men and not a primary measure of whether an athlete can play at the next level.