The annual Providence Jamfest AAU tournament was held this past Saturday and Sunday at Rhode Island College with some of the best regional AAU teams participating. Friarbasketball.com was able to take in some of the action on both days. The New England Playaz, behind a couple of PC recruits, were able to capture the 17U title with a hard fought 61-56 victory over the Move Your Feet AAU team in the title game. Listed below are a few potential players of interest for Providence that stood out during the tournament.
Karem Kanter– 6’7 PF New England Playaz 2013 (Wilbraham and Monson). Karem is still undecided whether he will stay in the Class of 2013 or if he will move back to 2014. His decision depends on whether he finds a high major college that he can fit in with and be comfortable at next year. Kanter had a great weekend demonstrating some nice low post moves, a mid range jump shot, a knack for the ball when rebounding, and some solid interior passing. He will not wow you with above the rim athletic ability, but he is a decent athlete. He could fit in well as a rotation player with the Friars.
The PC staff watched him closely during the Philly Jamfest a couple of weeks ago and a visit to the PC campus is being worked in the next week or so.
Jarred Reuter — 6’9 PF/C New England Playaz 2015 (Brewster Academy). Reuter is an absolute beast physically. Friar fans would absolutely love his hard nose style of play. He has good low post moves, loves contact, and is a physical rebounder. He is your typical bruising big man that thrives in the rough and tumble Big East. PC has offered Reuter and he was at a couple of PC games this season.
Chris Boucher — 6’10 F QC United 2013 (Almy Academy) Chris was quite simply the best player in the tournament. He has all the tools, posessing great athleticism, jumping ability, speed and a soft shooting touch. He completely took over a few games by himself this weekend.
Word is he may be going to a top junior college in New Mexico next year. Boucher could also opt to play another year at a prep school next season. During the National Prep School Invitational at RIC in February Coach Blaney took a long look at Boucher. Hopefully he can get his academics and eligibility straightened out, as this kid is the real deal. Hopefully the Friars will keep him on their radar no matter where he winds up next season.
Marcel Pettway — 6’6 PF New England Playaz 2015 (Wilbraham & Monson) Marcel recently moved over to the Playaz from BABC. I’ve always loved Marcel’s game. He is an undersized power forward at 6’6, but he is a rock solid 240-250 pounds, and is a bull under the basket. Right now his game revolves around being close to the basket, but if he can add in some more perimeter skills he could wind up being a high major player. Pettway is a Providence native.
Chima Azuonwu — 6’11 C Team Frenji 2014 (Archbishop Stepinac) Easily the most physically imposing player in the tournament, Chima is 6’11 and weighs around 270-280 pounds. The Cameroon native is very raw and just learning the game, but is definitely worth keeping an eye on. If he can develop he would be a very imposing player for whatever team gets him at the next level. His best bet may be to reclassify to 2015 at some point and spend a year in prep school. He is someone to keep an eye on in the future.
* Picture courtesy of 247sports.com
