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Second day delivers good play
by George Rodecker / April 9, 2004

The first contest of the day pitted the losing teams from the night before. The team losing the camp would be sent home.

And as is usually the case, the game was fiercely contested before Holiday Inn prevailed 89-85. Luke Whitehead led the way with 18, while 16 points of support came from both Brandon Mouton and Tom Timmermans.

Despite being eliminated, Portsmouth Sports Club got 15 points from Luis Flores and Cliff Hawkins.

In the first game of the nighttime double header, Norfolk Naval Shipyard ran, ran, and ran Sales Systems into submission 104-71. Three doubles-doubles were recorded as Erik Daniels (19 points, 10 rebounds), Aerick Sanders (14, 13) and Sean Finn (10, 11) led the way. Desmond Farmer added 15 points and 8 assists.

For Sales Systems, Delonte Holland had 4 points and 10 boards and James Thomas chipped in with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Michael Watson led the way with 16 points.

The final game of the day saw MD Design prevail over Norfolk Sports Club 94-80. MD was carried by some outstanding performances by Ricky Minard’s (24 points), Andre Brown’s (23 point, 11 rebounds) and Mike Williams (22 points).

For Norfolk Sports, Jackson Vroman led the way with 20 points, and Gerald Fitch added 14.

TURNING HEADS

After two days of games, many of the pro scouts were forming their opinions on some of the players.

Andre Brown has impressed many with his efforts. Some thought of the one-time McDonald’s All-American as a college underachiever, but his strong play here in his first game may have turned a few heads.

Despite losing the elimination game Nate Williams impressed many. He followed up a 24 point-9 rebound opening game with strong 14-point effort in his final game.

James Thomas’ double-double came playing only 11 minutes, as scouts continued to try to square away his
skills with his endurance.

Justin Reed shot 0-6 in 30 minutes as many wondered what has happened to a player who some thought of as lottery pick material as recently as last season.

Most of the international teams and leagues represented here are impressed with the talent pool. While last years’ camp served up five second-round NBA draftees, it wasn’t thought of as a deep camp. This year has the long distance travelers dripping with enthusiasm of the many prospects that appeal to them. Several players could be overseas in relatively short order. And for most, as the NBA dream either dies or is put on hold, foreign ball becomes the best available option.

Three more games are on tap for the third day in camp as an afternoon elimination match pits Thursday night’s losing teams, and the evening doubleheader matches up the winner of both Wednesday and Thursday’s games in the semifinals.

George Rodecker is in his twelfth season of providing expert analysis on the NBA Draft. He has been diligent in pursuing analysis by acquiring the consensus opinions of experts. Rodecker also writes for Basketball Times, Eastern Basketball and College Hoops Insider, as well as consulting privately with several pro teams and leagues around the globe

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