October 1, 2007
2007 SEBA Southeast Fall Showcase, Tampa, FL

Clearwater wasn't the only place running a fall showcase this weekend. Another Tampa area event drew some quality talent, college coaches, and scouts on Saturday, September 29. The Southeast Basketball Academy (SEBA) offers several showcases and tournaments throughout the year. SEBA's 2007 Southeast Fall Showcase featured 86 players and about a dozen college coaches in attendance at Tampa Prep. Florida director Mike McManamey and his staff ran a well organized event with some solid talent for the next level. Thanks to Mike for inviting Florida Hoops to attend the showcase. A day well worth the trip!

The talent level was led by a few big-time college prospects. Kevin Foster (Kathleen) looked to be in good form. The 6’7 senior forward displayed his great athleticism and versatility. He has the ability to play with his back to the basket and to step out on the wing and go by bigger defenders. He should prove to be one of the better players in the state this season and will be a performer on the major college level next year.

Fellow senior Terrance Saintil (Monsignor Pace) was equally impressive. Saintil has a great handle for his size, can use both hands in the lane, and runs the floor extremely well. His release is a little long and slow and could definitely be more efficient. He also tended to float a little too much on the perimeter, where a little more aggression in the lane and on the boards would really benefit him. Despite that, there is no doubt of his ability to play at a great college program next season.

Maybe the best overall prospect at the showcase was Saintil’s teammate, 6’2 freshman guard Darius Perkins (Monsignor Pace). This extremely talented guard has the chance to be a can’t miss major college player. A quick release from deep combined with a great first step and the ability to move without the ball makes Perkins extremely difficult to defend. Maybe the best part of his game on Saturday was his defense. His foot speed and active hands make him a complete player on both ends of the floor.

Timothy Cornelius (Norland) and Marcus Morrison (Brandon) are two seniors with similar games who both shined on Saturday. The 6’6 Cornelius displayed super athleticism, great hands, and showed signs of a solid back to the basket game. Morrison has a great ability to run the floor and finish in transition.

Showcase teammates Dylan Fugate (Newsome) and Adam Sollazzo (Armwood) worked together to dominate a few of the 5 on 5 sessions. Fugate at 6’5 plays bigger than he is. He is a relentless rebounder and plays extremely hard. A great athlete, Dylan thrives in transition where he has the ability to finish on his own or find an open teammate with his good vision. Sollazzo runs like a deer and always seems be around the ball. He has a solid jumper from 18 feet and has the frame to put on some weight and be a very good collegiate forward. His highlight reel dunk early in the 5 on 5 session was one of the best plays of the day. Both are getting looks from the lower levels of Division I and Division II and should both find great homes at the scholarship level. The same is true for 6’4 Berkeley Prep forward Zak Kazanski. The lefty has a great stroke, but also has the ability and strength to get in the lane and make plays. He changes speeds well and is very good with the ball.

A half dozen other guards were impressive as well at Tampa Prep. 6’0 Brandon senior Tarron Stewart is a strong, heady guard who has the ability to finish in the lane with contact. He has a good mid range game and can make the open three as well. Anfield Khiry (Middleton) was great in transition and runs the floor extremely well. This tremendous athlete does a great job on the boards and had a couple of jaw dropping dunks in traffic. 6’2 guard Chris Martinez (Monsignor Pace) showed off his quickness in the open court and his great understanding for the game. He always seems to be under control and looking to find the open man. He has a good looking stroke from deep and the junior should keep improving. Aaron Garden (Durant) is a strong, quick, lefty guard who is extremely competitive and plays hard all the time. A great leader who makes everyone else around him better, the kind of player any coach would want to have on his team. 6’4 junior Sheldon Cooley (Plant) used his well rounded game to excel on Saturday. Cooley understands the game and anticipates well, especially on the defensive end. He can really get out and run and the lanky forward also showed a decent jumper from the perimeter. Jake Seymour (Jesuit) showed his ability to make the open jumper and to get in the lane and make plays. Not blessed with great athleticism, Seymour uses his high basketball IQ to make plays for his teammates and himself.

Thanks to Eric Wallace of Hoop Mountain Florida for attending this weekend's event. Florida Hoops will be featuring more articles and information from Eric and Hoop Mountain throughout the 2007-2008 season. We are excited to have Eric as a valued asset in player and event evaluations as well as future Hoop Mountain opportunities.