What an event!
Barclays Center hosted the Jordan Brand Classic the second year in a row and brought together an elite group of kids who are potentially the next stars of basketball. The game hosted 22 of the nation’s best high school seniors against each other with the East facing the West.
The game was won by the West with the last 4 mins being an absolute show down for the crown. The East trailed majority of the game, but managed to claw their way back in making the West put in some extra effort. Kentucky signee, Isaiah Briscoe, was the name that caused Duke Champion Justise Winslow and Knicks, Carmelo Anthony, stand out their seats with a sick spin move in the late second half, bringing the last to a tie with the West. Briscoe attends Roselle Catholic High School in Roselle, NJ, so it’s no surprise h was amongst the fan favorite.
https://vine.co/v/ezHU7dex0Mv
The name to remember, Cheick Diallo, the kid will be a star. Diallo is one of my favorites. Diallo hails from Mali and his skills as a former soccer player are very prevalent in his transition to basketball. He just started playing in 2010. Yes, he got this good in 4 years. He quotes as saying that it has made him a quicker. Diallo has displayed such humbleness that it’s almost impossible not to want him on your team. He isn’t use to a big stage and that’s the first thing he will mention when he speaks to you, but when he graces the court, you would think different. His work ethic and presence continues to shine. He scored the first points and opened up the game with a dunk. He shot 12 for 16 and ended the game 26, 11 and 1. Stellar performance. Diallo finished the game with the East MVP, the second of his trophies as he won the McDonald’s All American MVP two weeks prior. Diallo is still undecided, but mentioned that a choosing school is more than just basketball, learning is important as well and will choose wisely.
Focused. Cheick Diallo is your East MVP. #NEXTvsNEXT pic.twitter.com/7u7pThEWpK
— Jordan Brand Classic (@JordanClassic) April 18, 2015
Allonzo Trier, the MVP of the West finished the game with 11 for 16, 28 and 4. The 6’4 shooting guard is taking his talents to Arizona next season, but not without giving us a glimpse into what we will be seeing. He started off perfect shooting 5-5 until the last 5 mins of the 1st half. Trier spoke on his role expectation at Arizona:
“I think my role would be to come in a be a play maker. Offensively try to bring in a punch right away and b effective and sync with the other guys. I think we will all gel well and I think my role will be to come in and have a big impact right away. It’s important for me to be ready when I get there”
Trier will have no problem coming in a becoming the playmaker that the Arizona Wildcats needs and hopefully taking them further in the next NCAA tournament.
Finished. Allonzo Trier is your West MVP. #NEXTvsNEXT pic.twitter.com/w24M8KVETW
— Jordan Brand Classic (@JordanClassic) April 18, 2015
Jordan Brand has created a platform for these kids to show the world, who’s next. From Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Lebron James and Blake Griffin, fans get a glimpse into the future. You never imagine that the kids you see now can be as big as a Lebron James, but you do get to see the calm before the storm. You enjoy their innocence a little longer along with their genuine love for the game. Barclays and Jordan created a fun family atmosphere and merged the love of basketball and family together for one great evening.
Until NEXT year.