Jordan Brand Classic Regional Game Notes

By Michael Schneid

After attending the Regional game at the Jordan Brand Classic in Brooklyn, here are some observations and notes about a few players who stood out as we look forward to the 2013-2014 season.

• Shane Rector, who recently decommitted from Rutgers, and Jon Severe were the only two undecided players in this game. Rector had 12 points and Severe finished with 16. Both men will be a big signing for someone. Rector is still considering Rutgers as well as Missouri, Butler, Virginia Tech, Seton Hall. Severe is visiting Pittsburgh this wee

• Hassan Martin was the Regional Game MVP. What a good wee for Rhode Island with Bobby Hurley snubbing Rutgers to stay at URI and Martin winning MVP. He will have an immediate impact in the Atlantic 10. 

• Uconn would have made the tournament if they were eligible in 2013. They should make it next year, as they move from the Big East to the American Athletic Conference. Newcomers Terrance Samuel and Kentan Facey provide head coach Kevin Ollie with some much needed depth and size. Facey is 6'8 and should help Uconn desperately improve on their 234th ranked rebounding. And Samuel will provide depth behind Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright.

• Pat Skerry has done a terrific job at Towson. After winning 1 game in 2011, Skerry took over and Towson finished 18-13, 13-5 in the Colonial. Shemiak Sheppard, from Brooklyn, could help impact that win total even more. With forward Jerrelle  Benimon returning for his senior season, and some reshuffling in the CAA, Towson could be one of the favorites entering 2013.

• Not only will Hassan Martin help URI improve, but DeAndre Bembry could be a star at Saint Joseph's. Bembry had 26 points, including a trifecta of threes showing off his long range shooting.

• Tyler Roberson also had an excellent showing and will have an immediate impact on Syracuse, especially with a few losses. Offensively, Roberson should jell and fit in right away. Of course that feisty zone defense is where he must quickly get acclimated.

• Jaren Sina did not play. The one time Northwestern recruit is expected to talk to new head coach Chris Collins soon and Indiana and Alabama are reportedly on his radar as well.