April 1

There is no better way to kick off FloridaHoops.com's coverage of the upcoming travel season than with the DEFENDING 17U AAU NATIONAL CHAMPIONS, Team Breakdown (sounds good, doesn't it). While the team does lose all-purpose big man Eloy Vargas and the strong interior presence of Bo Reliford, Coach Kenny Gillion believes that the program will continue to operate at an extremely high level.

"We may not be as experienced as we were last year inside, but I think our guard play will be as good if not better than last year", says Gillion. "Also, so many of our young kids had the opportunity to play in big games than when that happens again this season, it won't bother them in the slightest."

The paint will be patrolled by Keith Clanton, a 2009 6'8 BF from Orlando Christian Prep. He's joined inside by 2010 6'8 C Shaun Jackson from Melody Christian in Palatka, 2009 6'9 C Guillaume Sabor of Westlake Prep, and 2009 6'11 C Joshlyn Jean Giles from Broward Northeast.

"Clanton is one of the most skilled forwards in the country," says Gillion. "He can score inside and from the perimeter. He is a good rebounder, shot blocker and has an excellent feel for the game. Jackson is a strong kid that has really improved his offensive skills in the post. Sabor is nicknamed 'Pina'. He is long, very athletic, and will be a factor on both ends of the court. Giles can be considered a work in progress as well. Both of those guys run the floor well and play very hard. I expect them to provide solid minutes when they get on the court."

The backcourt is where Team Breakdown may be as talented as any team in the country. Three of the players played in the title game last August. Kenny Boynton, a 2009 6'3 combo guard from American Heritage, Brandon Knight, a 2010 combo guard from Pine Crest, and Ray Taylor, a 5'6 point guard from American Heritage played big roles in Team Breakdown's run to the title. They will be joined by 2009 6'4 WG Chris Perez from Oldsmar Christian, 2009 6'4 PG Joel Burger from Westlake Prep, 2009 6'2 WG Phil Flowers from Broward Northeast, 2010 6'6 WF Kyle Marshall from Flanigan, Pe'Shon Howard from Oak Hill Academy, and 2010 6'2 PG Jelani Hewitt from Fort Myers East Lee.

"Most good teams have a Batman and Robin duo", stated Gillion. "I have two "Batmans" in Kenny Boynton and Brandon Knight. Both can be considered the top player in their respective class, not just in Florida but in the country. There is nothing they can not do on the court. Taylor can dominate a game on both ends despite his size with his quickness and ball-handling. Perez is an outstanding scorer both from downtown and finishing at the rim. Burger can play both guard spots is better at the point because of his court vision and passing skills. Flowers is a slasher/shooter that rebounds well from the guard spot. Marshall is an explosive athlete that can knock down shots behind the arc and score both inside and out. Howard already is considered a top 20 player nationally in the 2010 class. He's a strong bodied guard that gets to the basket and is a solid playmaker. Hewitt has had the biggest improvement of any player in our program in one year. He is playing well in all phases of the game and will really open some eyes this spring."

As always, Team Breakdown will play an ambitious schedule. Here is there tentative schedule.

• March 20-23: AAU Easter Classic, Orlando
• March 28-29: Showtime Shootout, Orlando
• April 18-20: Real Deal on the Hill, Arkansas
• April 25-27: Pearland Texas Classic TX
• May 9-11 Wallace Prather Memorial, Atlanta
• May 23-25 Tournament of Champions, North Carolina
• June 13-15 Rumble in the Bronx, New York City
• July 12-15: Breakdown Hoopsfest, Miami
• July 22-26; Reebok Summer Championships, Las Vegas
• July 27-Aug 1: 17U AAU Nationals, Orlando
• August 7-14: Dominican Republic