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Fierce competition with pro instructors and scouts gathering in one place, is a dream for select college basketball and a couple of high school players. These daily, three-hour, invitation-only workout sessions at La Salle University’s Tom Gola Arena featured a who’s who of area talent, including recent NBA first-round draft picks Gerald Henderson and Wayne Ellington. The activities ranged from full- and half-court games to fundamental drills.
Neumann-Goretti grad and Syracuse University guard Antonio "Scoop" Jardine is using the time to get back into playing shape after sitting out much of the 2008-09 season with a stress fracture.
"I’ve worked on my jump shot and conditioning. I’ve worked on my leadership ability, too," Jardine said at a recent session. "I want to be able to lead the team next year. I learned a lot being behind [first-round draft pick] Johnny Flynn. I want to play a big role for the team next year.
"The starting point-guard position is up in the air right now."
Flynn, the junior’s former Syracuse teammate, was drafted No. 6 overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The 3-on-3 basketball enterprise, established in 1995 as an off-season conditioning regimen for professional and college players, is in year 13. Tywain McKee, of 12th and Bainbridge streets, is using it as an opportunity to get noticed. Prior to last month’s NBA Draft, the Coppin State University grad who is the school’s all-time leading scorer worked out for the New York Knicks. He is one of 17 players suiting up for the Washington Wizards Summer League team.
Xavier University senior Jason Love, of 22nd and Tasker streets, is preparing to lead his Muskateers to an Atlantic 10 title, which the Temple Owls have won the last two seasons.
"The workouts at La Salle will help to keep me in shape," the forward said. "Our season workouts don’t start until October. Throughout the summer I have been working on my conditioning, shooting, and post moves. I’m looking to play more minutes this year."
His ultimate goal is to hear his name called during the ’10 NBA Draft, like college teammate Derrick Brown did last month. The Charlotte Bobcats took the power forward No. 40 overall.
"It doesn’t hurt to practice against the best players in Philly," Love said.
Mustafaa Jones was one of the select few high-schoolers in attendance and he wasn’t scared by the big-name competition. The 17-year-old Neumann-Goretti senior said he is greatly benefiting from the experience.
"I’m playing in summer league tournaments with my Neumann-Goretti teammates," he said. "I’ve noticed that, since I’ve been here I have been executing my moves faster and better. The competition here is great.
