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Mustapha el akkari signs with BYU Hawaii
Friday, August 1
RECAP UNSIGNED SENIOR & JUCO SHOWCASE!
Mustapha led event with 28ppg!
Now we understand how MLB All Star Lance Berkman must feel after striking out, or how probably goes through the mind of NBA trendsetter, LeBron James after a three pointer misses the entire rim. Well, after a string of very successful and boastful productive showcases (spanning over seven years), we finally shot an airball on Thursday. This was easily the worst event we’ve ever assembled. From the organizational staff, to the overall talent level of players which included ten no-shows, to the fact that there wasn’t even a hospitality or concession area provided. Still, there were approximately a dozen college coaches who turned up to evaluate the crop of prospects who played three games without having to set idle for more than an hour. The majority of the participants were more than a year removed from their high school careers. While this event won’t solve the sense of urgency that most of these young men desire to continue their collegiate careers, I’m pretty certain that several hearts will be filled with joy after receiving follow up phone calls (by college coaches) within the next day or so. After all, if just one of these players get a scholarship offer, we consider the reward well worth the risk, which is far less than a tank of gas.
ELEVEN (11) PLAYERS WHO SHINED…

Mustapha Al Akkari 6’3 sg (St Pius HS 2008) - led the event with 28ppg, including his opening explosion of seven treys, mostly catch and shoot, which caught the eyes of several college coaches in attendance.
Why is he still available? Basically he was out of sight, out of mind. In May, Mustapha had to return to his country to resolve issues with his Visa / Passport. Oddly, that hindered the full academic qualifier from returning to the United States until this week. Meanwhile, he’s work on his shooting and conditioning, and is a legitimate deep threat, especially with the three point line being extended this season.
Jerald Ardoin 6’4 f (Westbrook HS 2008) - was active the entire session while averaging a team high 14ppg. Although he may have gotten a bit trigger happy during the last game, he made up for most of it defensively.
Why is he still available? He qualified academically for D1 eligibility, but his overall skills just didn’t prompt any offers. With less than a month before school starts, we expect some school to bite on this talented forward.
Jason Carter 6’4 f (LaPorte HS 2008) - Played every game as though his life depended on it. Also, Jason displayed great sportsmanship and earned the respect of several opponents throughout the day. Scored 15, 28, and 17pts in the three games played.
Why is he still available? Often overshadowed on his high school team and his stats didn’t just jump off the paper at you. Although he may not be a D1 player, he has the tools to possibly provide immediate assistance to plenty of D2 or D3 level programs.
Jarrick Hoskins 6’3 g (Smiley HS 2008) - Even the little kids were raving about the high flying thunderous dunks provided by #47. In other words, Jarrick brought the “Wow” factor into the event, and marveled a couple of the coaches with his strength and ultra athleticism. That’s all fine and dandy, but once I saw him make back to back mid range jumpers within the flow of the game, it was enough to convince me that he’s becoming more than just a single dimensional player.
Why is he still available? He had a jacket on his back related to on court behavior during the high school season. As a result, some college coaches were reluctant to take a chance. Well, this kid has improved a great deal and could be an immediate impact to plenty Non-D1s abroad.
Obi Ikeakor 6’8 c (Blinn JC 2009) - Averaged 27ppg including an event high 37pts (4 treys). Although his body still isn’t where it needs to be, and he didn’t run the floor as hard as he should’ve, Obi capitalized on his strengths, and was by far the most productive big man in the building.
Why is he still available? After signing with University of St Louis in 2005, Obi redshirted to recover from a leg injury. He enters his second season at Blinn JC, and is expected to return to the mid level D1 ranks next season.
Avery Perceival 6’6 f (Virgin Islands 2002) - This is a brute strong grown man who was focused and understood the purpose of being there – to obtain exposure towards a free college education in the United States. Avery started off slow, but was much more aggressive and averaged 19ppg during his final pair of games.
Why is he still available? It’s a known fact that players who live in the Virgin Islands often go unnoticed by our college coaches. This kid (ahem, man) took it upon his own to fly to Houston with hopes of enhancing his stock. San Jacinto coach was in the building, and has invited him to an on campus workout this weekend.
Elsworth Porter 6’0 pg (Worthing HS 2007) - He was arguably the best playmaker in the building. Played at different speeds, paced himself well, and kept things under control for the most part of the afternoon. Not to mention the 21ppg he averaged thru the three games.
Why is he still available? I’m still scratching my head on this one. Plenty of the area’s Junior Colleges may be missing the boat on this one. He started at pg this past summer for the Rashard Lewis summer team, and did a superb job.
Derrick Santee 6’4 w (Nimitz HS 2008) - Nicknamed “Slim” by his peers. The athletic wing guard simply made plays consistently during every single game. His style was suited for this type of setting which produced 23.6ppg.
Why is he still available? As a non qualifier, his name wasn’t on any D1 lists. However, after his performance at this event, his reward is definitely worth the risk for any non D1 college coach in the land.
Nahum Thomas Shibeshi 6’7 w (Seminole JC 2008) - From the way he played at this event (16ppg), it’s hard to understand why he was limited primarily to bench duty last season. Shibeshi has evolved from a project post in high school to a promising wing guard with length.
Why is he still available? Being in school five states away can take its toll on the best of ‘em.
Chris Smith 5’9 pg (Incarnate Word 2008) - A true floor general who has that swagger to his game and at the worst case scenario, would be a very solid backup for many non D1 schools. One of the few pgs in the building who actually played defense on the perimeter.
Why is he still available? After starting at Incarnate Word two years ago, he left the school to pursue his dream of playing D1 ball. Recently, he has received interest from a quartet of SWAC schools.
Jasen Williams 6’4 cg (Rice 2008) - The long wiry hooper took a nice step towards landing on his feet. Didn’t score plenty of points, but he played well with and without the rock, and was arguably the most unselfish player of the day. Head coaches from Texas A&M Corpus and Marquette observed him in action on Thursday.
Why is he still available? After having academic problems during his first year at Rice, combined with a coaching change, took a tough toll on Jasen mentally. As a result, he took some time off to evaluate his true passion for the game. Well, if he didn’t love basketball, he wouldn’t have been in the building.
http://www.eteamz.com/HAAY/
Last edited by daniab; 09-09-2008 at 08:43 PM.
Proud to be Lebanese
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