New York City basketball is just fine

New York City basketball is just fine

Black Ops holds invite only open run giving players an opportunity to shine, get some work before the Live Period

By Robert Alfonso Jr. 

QUEENS, NY – Over the last few years, many people outside of the Big Apple have questioned whether the talent was dwindling and was “The Mecca” of basketball relocating South. New York City basketball may no longer have the strangle hold on the game nationally as it once did, but the sport is in good hands.

Black Ops held an invite only high school open run Tuesday for any players looking to get some extra work before the CHSA NCAA Certified Team Camp at Iona Prep. The cozy confines of Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School was loaded with some talented players. These rising stars are known throughout the five boroughs and will soon be names heard around the country.

Nasir Rodriguez made an impact in the first game. The 6-foot-5 guard showed the ability to handle the ball and get to the rim. He shot the ball consistently. His size made him, at times, a matchup problem for any defenders. The 2024 LaSalle Academy product runs with the PSA Cardinals and has recently picked up offers from Northern Illinois and LaSalle. Those go along with those from Stony Brook, Manhattan, George Mason, and Robert Morris.

Another impressive prospect was Dwayne Pierce. He passed the eye test just warming up as a 6-foot-6 guard built like a tight end. When he laced things up the Christ the King product went to work. His ability to let the game come to him is impressive for this member of the Class of 2024. Pierce is a big body guard who can shake off defenders and it looks effortless in getting shots off. He is a solid rebounder and defender. There is no surprise why the Long Island native, who plays with the NY Rens, has offers from Rutgers, Bryant, George Washington, LSU, New Mexico State, and Nebraska. More will certainly come as other programs get a glimpse of this proficient prospect.

Another player with the last name Anthony will soon become a name many college programs will hear of in the near future. His name is Veré Anthony. No, he is not related to current Orlando Magic floor general Cole Anthony. The aforementioned Anthony, from the Class of 2025, is a prototypical NYC point guard. His ability to play with pace while getting to spots on the floor with the quickness of a cat avoiding oncoming traffic. The St. Francis Prep floor general is a solid defender with excellent court vision. His leadership has led Black Ops to some significant victories this Spring. He has drawn comparison New Orleans guard Jose Alverado. 

After watching Halon Rawlins for several games one can see the potential ooze with every trip down the floor. The Nazareth High School product will assert himself as one of the most sort after players in the class of 2025. His 6-foot-6 length and even longer limbs allows him to alter shots defensively. Rawlins is a rim protector in the open floor plastering shots up against the glass. He had a soft touch around the rim while also finishing above the rim.

One of the younger players in the open gym was Bryce Bennett. He may not be easily found on a Google search because there are so many who share the same name. However, once Bennett gets established on the hardwood, this will not be a problem in the future. The Class of 2026, who is headed to South Kent in the fall, has a great body for an incoming freshman. His movement in the open court and in traffic is one usually reserved for a player with some high school games underneath their belt. He switch gears from a casual walk to a foot race to the rim on several trips down the floor. Bennett rebounded well for a guard and was a welcoming defender. The Black Ops have a good one in this youngster.

Every team needs a glue guy. Aldin Skrijel is one every program could use. The McClancy Class of 2023 product did everything one the floor. He never wavered to make a big shot, while also going on an impressive scoring streak. He also made sure to make the correct defensive switches. All this as an undersized post player rebounds well against much taller and more athletic players. His toughness is not matched by many on the floor with him.

So, while there so many other events going on New York City and some of the upper tier talent did not attend this weekly event, it is safe to say basketball is in a good place in the city that never sleeps.