Talent-filled teams head to the Rumble
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
BRONX, NY – When people think of the Bronx many will discuss the professional baseball team known globally. For basketball the borough is known for its national tournament that brings in the toughest competition.
The Rumble in the Bronx is usually the last tune up for many teams before the start of the NCAA Live period in July. This season, the annual tournament has fielded some strong teams and matchups many college coaches would love to see regardless of sneaker affiliation. The tournament is loaded with teams from the Tri-State area but loaded with heavy contenders from Canada, Iowa and Texas. Games will be played throughout New York (Baruch College, Basketball City, Hooperstown, House of Sports and Mott Haven).
While the tournament is loaded with talent every year, the 17U division is stacked high with players.
City Rocks EYBL: Kevin Huerter and Andrew Platek are averaging just over 13 points a game through the Nike EYBL Circuit. Both Class of 2016 prospects are being coveted by a number of major colleges. Another name to keep an eye on is Quinton Rose whose versatility can provide an advantage for the Albany (NY) based organization.
We R 1: After watching this Delaware-based team during the UA Association Session III, this team could be one of the favorites to win the entire tournament. Trevon Duval (2017) has become a household name for college coaches along with Kodye Pugh (2017). We R 1’s frontline has some length that could create some problems for opposing teams with the likes of 6’10 Richmond Aririguzoh, 6’11 Sede Keita and 6’10 Nysier Brooks, all of who are in the Class of 2016.
NY Lightning EYBL: This Peach Jam bound team has plenty of what college coaches are looking for on the recruiting trail. The Lightning has size in 7-footer (2016) Rodney Miler and 6’11 (2016) Sam Ibiezugbe along with a floor general in (2016) Aaron Walker. Six-foot-8 guard Jordan Tucker (2016) has also caught the attention of many college programs. Possibly one of the more overlooked players on the roster is (2016) Dimencio Vaughn. The 6-foot-4 guard, who holds offers from Duquesne, East Carolina, Fairfield, Hofstra, Iona, Marshall, Monmouth, and Rhode Island, played at Callaway (MS) High last season.
Iowa Barnstormers: The Midwest based squad has a roster loaded with length and quickness. They also drove across the country to get to the Big Apple to defend the organizations name since it won the 17U championship last season.
River City Reign: Jordan Cross (2017) is a 6-foot-6 forward with a 6-foot-10 wingspan. This tremendous athlete has offers from Virginia, James Madison, Richmond, Old Dominion, Stanford, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and Ohio.
NY Rens: The duo of Rawlie Alkins and Mustapha Heron will just be getting back from Adidas Eurocamp in Italy. Prior to that, they were named Co-MVP honors at the Pangos All-American Camp in California. Expect to see these two to continue their dominating play this weekend.
New Heights NYC: After not playing during the New York Session in May because of an injury, Sidney Wilson (2017) is expected to have a productive weekend. He was recently selected to the inaugural UA All-American camp. Isaiah Washington (2017) has had a productive travel season thus far. He had an outstanding showing at the Pangos All-American Camp.
Juice All-Stars: Possibly one of the toughest backcourt and the least talked about in the country is the trio of Aaron Walker, Rakym Felder and Cahiem Brown. The three Class of 2016 prospects play hard on both ends of the floor and attack the basket with purpose. When all three are clicking Juice is hard to beat.
About the Author
Alfonso
Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.