Notes and observations from Saturday of the adidas May Classic:
+ You’d be hard pressed to find a better 2013 AAU trio than Basil Smotherman, Devin Davis Jr. and Zak Irvin. All three suit up for the Eric Gordon All-Stars and each player is loaded with potential. Irvin, who hit a game-winning shot Friday night to knock off Collin Hartman and the Indiana Elite Stars, continued his stellar play with 19 points in Cook Hall in a 62-47 win over the Ohio Basketball Club early Saturday morning. Irvin played junior varsity last season at Hamilton Southeastern and will surely join Gary Harris on the varsity next winter. He said the main reason he played JV was his strength and he’s working to improve that this summer. Davis Jr., who has a high motor and is a top-level athlete, was equally impressive and will be a sophomore at Warren Central. Kyle Neddenriep of The Indianapolis Star reported on Thursday that IU offered Davis Jr. a scholarship. The 6-5 Smotherman scored just four points in the Saturday morning game I watched, but is already claiming offers from Purdue and Xavier.
+ Twins Brenton and Bryson Scott of Ft. Wayne Northrop, also members of the 2013 class, turned in solid efforts in an early Saturday win, 75-48, over the Michigan Mustangs. Bryson, the better prospect of the two, had 25 points for the Spiece Indy Heat 15′s and Brent added 14. Afterwards, Bryson said he wasn’t sure whether he’d like to play with his brother in college.
+ Cincinnati Aiken guard Aaron Thomas continues to talk about a heavy interest in Indiana. Thomas said Indiana has offered a scholarship as have DePaul, Xavier and Cincinnati. Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan and Michigan State are also interested. Thomas said he hopes to make a decision by the end of July. (Click here for video.)
+ Austin Etherington did not play Saturday and is expected to miss a few weeks due to a stress fracture in his lower back. He could return for the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions, which takes place the final weekend of May.
+ Kenny Kaminski said he plans to make a decision on July 31 and Indiana, Michigan State and Ohio State appear to be the schools to beat for the 6-8 shooter from Medina (OH). Kaminski hopes to visit Wisconsin, Arizona State and Florida before making a decision. (Click here for video.)
It’s already been a busy and successful AAU season for Cody Zeller and Indiana Elite, and May isn’t yet half over. Zeller and his teammates — several of whom rank high on IU’s wish list for the 2011 and 2012 classes — already notched wins in two tournaments, including a revenge win over St. Louis Gameface at the Fort Wayne Run-N-Slam earlier this month.
