I am excited to announce I will be joining Coach Jeff Schneider and his team at Big Shots Basketball as the Virginia Director of Scouting. Big Shots has a lot planned for not only the 757 but all of Virginia and the entire DMV going forward and I am honored to be a part of it.
I support everyone! If your trying to put a players name out there and it’s positive I retweet in support. No bias, no politics, no nothing. I support everyone. My twitter history proves it! And I’m happy to do so. 👍🏼
Two absolutely wonderful young men ripped away from us far too soon. My prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Jahdon Robinson. Ashley and Jahdon were terrific basketball talents but you couldn’t meet any nicer young men.
Coaching isn’t about preparing kids for the NBA or NFL. It’s about preparing kids for life. To work, to contribute, to be a part of something greater than themselves. Preparing them not to just live for themselves but to live for those they love and to be able to uplift others.
Peninsula Catholic 5’7 guard EJ Joyner with the alleyoop dunk! He dished out 13 assists in a game recently now shows how to finish when your in the receiving end!
Once in a while a player will catch your eye, just looks like he was born to ball. 4th grader King Bacot is that guy! His IQ off the charts, does it all and is oh so smooth. Effortless, like a natural. His brother is UNC star Armando Bacot so yea, DNA is real!
When people who rank players don’t see kids they often turn to stats, stats lie! A kid could average 30 but not be as good a scorer or shooter as someone who averaged 20! He probably just took a lot more shots! It’s imperfect, it’s biased. We just have to understand that.
AAU once featured the “better” talent but it became watered down with rec league level coaching and rec league level players. That’s why you have to have shoe circuit leagues. College coaches don’t have time to watch rec league talent and nobody likes lopsided games.
You never know whose in the gym. If your “that guy” or if you think your “that guy” you are NEVER supposed to get outworked or outplayed, NEVER! If you do, you ain’t “that guy”. Nobody cares about your highlight tape or your article, they know what they see!
Lakeland, Kings Fork, Wilson, Green Run, Norview all playing for a state title!!! And it’s an all 757 final in Class 5 and in Class 4! 7️⃣5️⃣7️⃣ TAKE A BOW 💪🏾
Big game for Donald Hand, Jr here with his Dad And UVA Legend Donald Hand. Donald, jr scored 24 points and earned MVP honors in the 1st Annual Big Shots Donald Hand All Star Classic!
#BigShots
#VaBeachTipoff
Not being biased but Cam Thomas will be a perennial NBA All Star and 26 GM’s will be kicking themselves for missing out! Nate Watson is better than many NBA bigs right now and has another year at Providence but next year he’ll be a high draft selection, mark my words!
I’ll be at the Hoop Group Southern Jam Fest Friday - Sunday at Boo Williams. This is one of my favorite events every year, just a whole different atmosphere. It’s a big deal!
I’m not a critic, my job is to highlight a player’s strengths not bash them for what they don’t do well. In a private convo we talk about those things and with coaches but I’d rather not write about what someone can’t do. If I think they have college potential I’ll feature them
If your coming to me with gossip or rumors or to speak negatively about someone, don’t okay! Cause I dont want to hear it! Too much good going on we can talk about for you to come mess up my good spirits! Besides, why do that anyway I ask... what’s YOUR purpose in doing that?
A little clip of King Bacot in action. 4th grade but his feel is amazing. Plays with pace. Vision is uncanny, passing skills are tremendous. Scores from all levels and sometimes seemingly at will. Sound fundamentals and athleticism. Very advanced skill level.
So how did that transfer and reclass work out for you?Especially investing a lot of money in the transfer only to be the same level college player you were already projected to be? Be realistic about your potential before you make decisions that cost money but don’t enhance you
So many unsigned seniors who are plenty talented but overlooking D3 opportunities and could end up with nothing! Why are you unsigned? Can you guard your position effectively? What’s your upside skill wise and physically (your measurables) and how do they project (potential).
I’m not into saying whose the best or ranking kids. I’m not that smart and I don’t see everyone! Plus kids have different areas they excel at that makes them a fit for their team. I can only tell you who I think is a prospect and hope to entice you to watch them and decide.
Good dribblers show up on nearly every playground in America. Good ball handlers ain’t so easy to find. Sometimes good ball handling includes minimizing the use of the dribble. Dribbling is the most overused, least understood skill in basketball.
We have to stop using this notion that we have a bunch of “haters” as our motivation. That’s so divisive a term and creates hostilities. We should be motivated by our desire to simply be the best, to represent ourselves and our teammates to the best of our ability.
Players when making your highlight videos be mindful and respectful of who your target audience is, College coaches! Certain musical selections they will find inappropriate will get your video deleted! Not seen! It could also make you look bad.
College coaches attend AAU events more frequently because of course they’ll see more kids than at a high school game. But at the end of the day, they’re gonna call your high school coach when recruiting you and it’s your high school coach whose word most often has most influence
Donald Hand, Jr went 27-27 at the line and scored 43 points in a playoff game loss for Landstown tonight!!!
@dhandducks
@CoachM757
y’all created a monster!!!
When will we put our egos aside and give the kids their due credit. Kid gets a scholarship and adults argue over who gets credit smh. The kid is the one in uniform being recruited, how does anyone else get credit? And he’s on your team because you think he can help you win!
@Phenom_Hoops
🚨BREAKING: Donald Hand, Jr (6’2 2022) has just been offered by Penn State University! “DJ”, son of ACC Legend and former UVA star Donald Hand already holds a Hampton University offer!
@Phenom_Hoops
welcomes the Coleman Family! Team Loaded’s Leland Coleman, Mother Cynthia Coleman a record breaking track star from Northeastern HS, Father Hank Coleman who starred in football at Virginia Tech and Duke star Henry Coleman
#PhenomOpening
Western Branch High School is 64-15 over the last three seasons with Kendall Bynum
@WhogotKen
as their floor general. He has been one of the 757’s top offensive players while also regarded among the best on ball defenders in the area. High academic! high character! winner!
I’ve been in “the lab” many times with Donald Hand and Donald, Jr and I’ve seen him do some things. No theatrics, no wasted movements, everything is purposeful and efficient. 6’4+, a 14 shoe, monstrous hands, and a tireless work ethic. High academic and humble! Just special!
Can’t write about players when you don’t know who they are so don’t cause your players to miss out on some exposure coaches. Take a moment to properly fill out your scoresheets!! Do you want your player coming to the court late or unprepared? Then why would you. Same thing.
Your “teammate” who doesn’t take practice seriously is the guy who is gonna cost you a game after you busted you butt to try to win it. He’ll get you knocked out of an event early and cost you exposure! If your coach lets him slide get on another team, they won’t win!
More selections: Player of the Year: Ashley James, Coach of the Year: Dwight Robinson (Landstown). First team: Mike Christmas, Josh Talbert, Shamarr Yates, Kanye Clary, Jacob Cooper, Aiyzaiah Roberts, Kavon James, Tayvion Robinson.
Cameron Williford knocks down a pair of free throws, he has 6 points and Vizion Black 14U clings to a 25-23 lead over Team Assault w/7:42 to play. His Dad is former UVA great and current Cavaliers assistant coach Jason Williford!
#BigShots
#VaBeachTipoff
Former Norfolk Collegiate, Colby CC and Norfolk State guard Kyonze Chavis will be attending Life University (NAIA GA) not only for basketball but to get his Masters Degree! An honor student in high school and at Norfolk State, “K” was a member of the 2020-21 MEAC Champs!
Players need not feel indebted nor should someone make them feel that way when they get an offer. YOU got that because a coach believes in YOU. YOU got that as a result of YOUR hard work and sacrifice. NOBODY deserves YOUR credit or should act as if they made it happen.
The uncertainty of life makes every moment in life infinitely precious. We must cherish each moment and live each moment with purpose, with love in our hearts and live it to it’s fullest.
Congratulations to Landstown High School sophomore sharpshooter Donald Hand, Jr on his latest offer, this one from Virginia Commonwealth University announced earlier today.
Kendrick Warren 6’4 150 2022 (Monocan HS) is going to be special! Scores at all levels, his jumper is smooth, mechanically picturesque. Uses length and a solid handle attacking space, finishes with explosiveness at the rim. Son of VCU legend Kendrick Warren.
#ASSIST804Top48
The greatest gift we can ever share is not found in stores and cannot be placed under a Christmas tree. It’s a special gift that Jesus placed in all of our hearts to share with one another. Give LOVE this Christmas and throughout the new year.
The college commitment announcement by Donald Hand, Jr is coming up at 10:30am!!! This picture I took is Donald Hand, Jr with his Dad and UVA Legend Donald Hand after he led Landstown to a state basketball title! Watch for the announcement minutes from now
@dhandducks
Oh you can transfer all you want to, the more you do the more red flags your raise. But remember, that college coach is still very likely going to call your previous coach, so be transparent and respectful and do it the right way. Communicate your intentions, concerns.
Im just so lucky and blessed to have the opportunity to cover so many good and decent young men and meet wonderful parents. Everyone should be as lucky as me. We have some talented athletes but more importantly some really good and respectful kids in our community.
Baylor and final four MVP Jared Butler also teaches 2nd and 3rd grade Sunday school in Waco TX. He pulled out of the NBA draft last year saying he wanted to return to Baylor to take care of “unfinished business”, to win a national title! He did it!
If it’s an AAU program that is developing kids and reaching out to help them get exposure and participated in quality events AND so long as it doesn’t keep my players from meeting their commitments to their HS teammates, I don’t mind AAU programs staying active Aug-Oct.
I hate seeing condescending tweets because we know those tweeters are displaying their own insecurities. But let’s all make an effort to be positive and make someone smile and feel good. Enough negativity surrounds our daily lives, take it upon yourself to set a positive tone
Parents should be engaged in their child’s recruiting process. Insist to the HS/AAU coach that you are aware of all contacts regarding their child. Ask a parent of a recruited child to help you navigate the process but take ownership, you have most to gain or lose!
If an elite player walked in the gym asking to join a team how many coaches will be loyal to their 10th or 11th man and deny the elite player? Let me see that then we’ll talk about loyalty! Coaches shouldn’t tamper and kids should feel free to seek options for their benefit.
There is no one I would rather bring in the New Year with than my Mom, the most amazing person in the history of the world! I love her with all my heart and I’m so lucky that she is my Mom!
AAU may be bigger than ever in the Hampton Roads area and that’s exciting given the rich history of the Boo Williams program. Thanks to the man who paved the way for these exciting summers for everyone in the 757, the Hall of Famer
@BooWilliamsAAU
. His grind paid off for all!
OMG!!! Jaylani Darden left outside the lane line off the wing and exploded to the rim and dunked on a defender. The ball held high and his exceptional bounce on full display he was not going to be denied! There was no defending that rim rocking slam!
Just an unspeakable tragedy. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of James Hampton and to his extended family on his AAU and high school teams. You are all in my prayers.
Taking my Mom to see her brother, my uncle, next week in Orlando FL! I haven’t seen him since I was a teenager and she hasn’t seen him in over 15 years and both are in the 80’s. I love that they’re both so excited about it, so am I!
Can’t wait to see all of our VA teams in action and even the non sponsored teams normally have a lot of very good talent and compete. I hope everyone sponsored or not has a great summer. Continue to post those game results and continue to get better. Root for the kids!
About Kendall Bynum and if you know him you already know. He’s as scrappy, tough, competitive as you’ll ever face on the court. Off, wonderful humble person never a negative word about anyone. Recent convo he spoke highly of the young guards like Hand Jr, Giles, Epps and more.
🚨BREAKING: Donald Hand Basketball
@dhandducks
/Team Thrill 6’2 2022 guard Donald Hand, Jr has been offered by Hampton University! We featured the Landstown HS sharpshooter two months ago on Phenom Hoop Report
It’s always fun to read kids getting offers and commits. Wether you know the young man or young woman or not you can only imagine the pride, joy and satisfaction they and their families must feel. You can’t help but feel good for them! Makes you smile and feel good too.
Congratulations to 757’s own Jorge Concepcion III. The former Deep Creek Hoops star who went on to star at Bluefield College and then professionally with the Raleigh Firebirds of the TBL has been named assistant basketball coach at Bassett High School in Bassett VA!!!
St Anne’s Belfield 5’5 2024 guard Chance Mallory is one watch! Brings an exciting mix of playmaking and shooting skills. Great feel. Solid handle and vision, excellent passer and he can flat out shoot it especially from deep where he shot almost 44% a year ago.
I’m not concerned with spending my money to have the newest Jordan’s or most expensive clothing. I’d rather be comfortable and presentable but have my money available should me or a family member have a health or other emergency or find themselves in financial difficulties.
🛑BREAKING: Landstown HS and Team Loaded 6’4 2022 guard Donald Hand, Jr has just been offered by Texas Christian of the Big 12 Conference per his father, former UVA star and ACC Legend
@dhandducks
If your looking for a good high school basketball game to watch and don’t have a schedule, just show up at a Suffolk school! All the Suffolk Schools have a chance for deep playoff runs! Nansemond River, King’s Fork, Lakeland and Nansemond Suffolk Academy should all be ranked!
We’re all Gods children. To disrespect another of Gods children over something as insignificant as the color of their skin, their gender, or for any reason is also disrespecting God. We need to make an effort to understand, we need compassion, tolerance and unity!
Take a moment to pray for and to give thanks to our Military men and woman serving abroad this Christmas, fighting for and protecting our freedoms. To all Military families who endure extended periods of separation as a result, we should be immensely grateful for their sacrifice.
Can’t put a value on the leadership and poise Western Branch 6’0 2019 Kendall Bynum brings to the court. Skilled floor general makes teammates better and can score whenever needed but brings great effort on both ends of the floor each possession. A true coach on the floor!
Most of the 757 players who are listed among top recruits in the state in high school basketball over the past 5 years went to a Prep or transferred elsewhere before committing so the number recruited from their 757 school is much lower. We gotta fix that.
What makes Ashley James and Jordan Battle even more special? 1) Motor. They never get outworked! (2) Two way effort. They bring the same energy and impact on defense as they do on offense. (3) Consistency. They bring it every game, walking double/double. (4) Versatility.