The Main Event Saturday Notebook from Justin Byerly
One of my favorite stops of the year, The Main Event has been a success all around and we have seen some great basketball over the last day and a half. Close games. Talent. Old friends.
This is my 15th season of heading out on Friday nights and watching grassroots basketball for the weekend.
Let's take a look at the guys that stood out so far.
MJ Curry, Atlanta Celtics - It didn't take long to see who the best player on the floor was when the Atlanta Celtics tipped off. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard can do it all. He scored off the dribble, knocked down shots from outside and he is one of the best defenders I have seen this weekend. In the game I watched, Curry went for 21 points. He told me he is currently getting some interest from Providence, Georgia, USC and North Carolina.
Jarvis Hayes Jr., Atlanta Xpress - I have always been a fan of guys that have a coach for their dad. Jarvis Hayes, most recently, an assistant at Georgia State, is who junior calls dad. The game I caught, Hayes scored 29 points. He knocked down five, 3-pointers and was a force at getting into the paint and trying to break the rim. He currently holds offers from Clemson, Georgia, Florida State, Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt among others.
Solomom Bratton, Game Elite - Another game where it didn't take long to see who the best guy on the floor was. Standing 6-foot-8 and a 7-foot plus wingspan, Solomon Bratton scored 24 points and probably had double-digit rebounds in their win. He has a strong skill-set, length, a high basketball IQ and he has a knack for rebounding. He told HoopSeen that Arizona State is his latest offer.
Peter Julius, Georgia Stars - The 6-foot-10 big man that is showing signs that he can stretch the floor a little, making some mid-range jumpers. On the defensive side, he can affect the game with his length and his timing as a shot-blocker. I think the rising junior is going to be a mid-major or higher recruit when his time comes over the next two seasons.
Armond Smith, Sewer South - I have watched Smith a few times over the last two seasons and not many guards can dissect the paint and play as hard as he does. He is a speedster in the open floor, he can make shots from all spots on the floor, and he is tough. He can take the contact and still finish. I think a lot of Division II programs, in need of a guy that can control the floor, get others involved and shoot the ball, should be taking a look at Smith.
