GASO tournaments top 13 players
The Great American Shoot-Out spring circuit tipped off over the weekend, and while three teams walked away with hardware, several players impressed recruiting analysts and small-college scouts.
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The Texas PRO (NBA), D-Will Metro Elite (NCAA) and Urban DFW Elite 14s (NIT) all left the Integrated Athletic Development with GASO championships. There were a handful of players, however, who consistently turned heads and had everyone holding small conferences among each other.
Here is a list of 13 players who stood out from the GASO. All names are in alphabetical order.
Class: 2012
Height: 6-foot-7
Position: PF
School/Summer Team: Keller Central HS/Texas Select
Notable: On a team full of talent, Bolomboy did all the intangibles that made him a fan favorite. He was a solid rebounder and defender, and when his number was called, he scored from inside.
Class: 2012
Height: 6-foot-3
Position: SG/PG
School/Summer Team: Lewisville HS/Dallas Showtyme Elite
Notable: Dorsey's game has matured to another level, and he showed that this past weekend. On a team loaded with college-bound stars, Dorsey was one of the most consistent members of the entire tournament.
Class: 2012
Height: 6-foot-2
Position: SG/PG
School/AAU team: Arlington Grace Prep Academy/Texas PRO
Notable: Hornbeak, the only PRO player not from the greater Houston area this past weekend, took over in the NBA Division championship game. Hornbeak showed that he can be a reliable go-to player and a valuable asset on a talented squad.
Class: 2012
Height: 6-foot-6
Position: SF
School/AAU team: Fort Bend Hightower HS/Texas PRO
Notable: Though he didn't play in the championship, House showed throughout the weekend that he may have been the best player of the entire tournament. He was silky-smooth in getting to the lane, and he stepped out to hit long-range baskets.
Class: 2012
Height: 5-foot-11
Position: SG
School/AAU team: Mesquite Horn HS/Texas Select
Notable: This tournament was a make-or-break affair for King, and he impressed the recruiting analysts with his perimeter shooting and defense. Look for King to build confidence off his performance.
Class: 2012
Height: 6-foot-10
Position: PF
School/AAU team: Houston HYCA/Texas PRO
Notable: It seemed like if Knowles wasn't posterizing a defender with a dunk, he was recording a big block that would lead to a transition fast break. Knowles also could step out and hit the 3-pointer, which makes him a frustrating player to play against.
Class: 2012
Height: 6 foot
Position: SG/PG
School/AAU team: Dallas Kimball HS/Dallas Showtyme Elite
Notable: Lilly won over critics during the UIL state basketball tournament with his excellent perimeter shooting. Nothing changed over the weekend, as he continued to knock down shot after shot.
Class: 2012
Height: 6-foot-1
Position: SG/PG
School/AAU team: San Antonio Churchill HS/Islanders Basketball Foundation
Notable: IBF gained the respect of outsiders who didn't believe the team could play in the NBA Division, and Mammel was a huge part of that. He brings a warrior's mentality to the game, and that mentality seems to radiate throughout the team.
Class: 2012
Height: 6-foot-2
Position: SG
School/AAU team: Ennis HS/Texas Select
Notable: There were several games where Mason was the best player on the court. He showed spectacular range and a knack to score at will. Mason is expected to be a solid Division I recruit.
Class: 2013
Height: 6-foot-1
Position: PG
School/AAU team: Houston Bellaire HS/Texas Cagers 17s
Notable: The son of former pro Dirk Minniefield, Darin is the consummate student of the game. Minniefield led the Cagers to a respectable GASO run. He is a highly skilled guard who is only going to get better.
Class: 2012
Height: 6-foot-5
Position: SF
School/AAU team: San Antonio MacArthur/Islanders Basketball Foundation
Notable: Pratt is an important piece to the IBF puzzle. He shot well from deep and showcased his mid-range jumper. Pratt also showed he wasn't afraid to take it inside against the big boys.
Class: 2014
Height: 6-foot-6
Position: PF
School/AAU team: Duncanville HS/Texas Select-Marlon
Notable: The future for Dallas-area big men looks bright with players such as Julius Randle and Chris Washburn, and Sherman seems to fit right into the rotation. Sherman is one of those players who can be an instant game-changer.
Class: 2013
Height: 6-foot-5
Position: SF/SG
School/AAU team: San Antonio Johnson HS/South Texas Irish
Notable: Wilshire may have written his own ticket after his showing at the GASO. He had a nice-looking perimeter game, and he communicated well with his teammates. All eyes should be on Wilshire in future games.
BONUS PLAYER
Class: 2014
Height: 5-foot-9
Position: PG
School/AAU team: Dallas Lincoln HS/D-Will Metro Elite (NCAA)
Notable: Few young players have the athleticism, basketball IQ and court vision as Neal, who helped his team win the NCAA title. If it's not him doing the job, it's his twin brother, Erick Neal putting in quality work.
