Fellow Denver Nuggets fans. I must admit, the past few days have been dizzying...and I don't just mean free agency either.
Myself and my 8 year old son were able to attend (as observers) the Under Armour Steph Curry camp with all the best guards from the 2016/2017 class and it did not disappoint! If you are a basketball junkie like me, you will be salivating at the following information:
A small high school gym in Oakland
Fran Fraschilla, Demetrious Jackson (from ND), Melo Trimble (Maryland), Steph Curry, Seth Curry, Del Curry, RILEY Curry, Jeff McInnis, Mike Bibby, and trainers from the NBA.
Ball handling drills, passing drills, one on one contests, 4 on 4 contests, a Steph Curry 3 point shootout, Dell beating Steph in a game of horse
FREAKISH athletes who are still, somehow, high school kids.
What Nuggets fans might care about - I asked a few of the folks about Mudiay and got some good reviews. Most everyone likes him and is excited for him. It was an Under Armour camp and he's an Under Armour guy so...take it for what it is. They did seem to legitimately be excited to see him show out in the NBA. Fran really loves him. Shouldn't surprise anyone who has listened to Fran talk about Mudiay on TV. Only minor concerns really and those should be worked out during training camp (conditioning and what not).
Some highlights and names to watch for:
1) The biggest thing was that Steph Curry seems to be legitimately a really rad dude. Loves to teach and instruct. He was there all three days with the kids and was very active with them. He didn't just rubber stamp this with his name and show up to sign a few things. Not to mention that he made time to chat with my 8 year old and me for minute, take a photo, and sign something for him. My boy was, understandably, CRAZY excited about it. Also, standing at half court while Steph's wife drilled 3's while 8 months pregnant was pretty crazy to watch.
2) Jeff McInnis talks a lot of trash
3) Mike Bibby has a son who is pretty good. He only stuck out to me because, I knew he was Bibby's kid. Has kind of a funky jump shot.
4) Demetrious Jackson (projected lottery pick next year) is also a really cool guy. Talked with me and my boy for a good 10 minutes. Encouraged my son to work on his left hand. He also played with the kids a ton and really showed no mercy.
5) Some kids to keep your eye on if you haven't already (for the record, I asked them all about Colorado State...not on anyone's list. Go Rams!):
Dennis Smith Jr - This kid dominated most drills. He is a straight up man. Drilling 3's, can finish with a Westbrook like flair, loves to compete and win. Sounded like he was leaning towards NC State or Louisville for those who care. I have 0 inside information here
Michael Porter Jr. - They kept calling him a mini KD and he showed out. 6'9, 200 lbs, and he will be a Junior in High School next year. He was elevating over anyone who tried to guard him and has a killer stroke. Silky smooth. I forgot he was a high school kid until I got to talk with him and he still has braces. Man I'm old.
Seventh Woods - This kid has some really dope mixtapes on YouTube if you care to check it out. Crazy athlete for how small he is. He had a block during the 4 v 4 game where he got called for goal tending, but he almost hit his head on the rim (he's listed at 6'1...but I'm not sure on that)
Joshua Langford - Committed to Michigan State. 6'6 200 lb shooting guard. Like Dennis Smith, a real man on the court with this kids. Made a ton of time to talk with my son and was a killer on the court. Good handles, self controlled, smooth jumper. Perfect Spartan.
Kobi Simmons - Skinny and tall but seems to have a crazy motor and a smooth jumper. Competes on defense and can finish!
Trevon Duval - The top PG of 2017 class right now and he showed why. Smart with the ball, really good athlete, not afraid of contact and finished in traffic.
The day ended yesterday at the O.co coliseum to watch the Rox lose to the A's from the front row (NO one was there). Oh well, it couldn't be that perfect!
Happy 4th of July weekend, Stiffs! Me and my son had a week to remember for sure!
Go Nuggets!
