Jordan Brand Classic - Event Recap

by Mike Yagmin | Sunday, April 16th, 2017

New England was well represented at the 2017 Jordan Brand Classic in Brooklyn this past weekend. Nine of the top-24 prospects from our region’s Class of 2017 participated in one of the most prestigious postseason events on the event calendar.

New Hampton’s Kimani Lawrence scored 27 points (10-14 FG/2-4 3pt) to go along with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks en route to winning regional game MVP for his squad. The 6’6’” Arizona State-bound wing scored from all three levels and was constantly around the ball.

Playing alongside Lawrence, Villanova-bound Jermaine Samuels put together some of the night’s most explosive and jaw-dropping plays on both ends of the floor. Samuels finished with 14 points (6-7 FG), 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 highight reel blocks on the night. Boston University commit Walter Whyte had 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals.

Two of New England’s best shooters, Andrew Platek (North Carolina) and Jordan Nwora (Louisville) didn’t disappoint under the bright lights and in front of professional scouts. Platek finished with 22 points (10-15 FG), 4 rebounds and 2 assists while splitting time with Nwora, who scored 19 points and grabbed 7 boards.

Meanwhile, two of the best teammates to come out of our region this season did what they do best and selflessly produced. Northwestern-bound Anthony Gaines and Saint Louis-commit Hasahn French combined for 19 points and 12 rebounds while showcasing their explosive athleticism and their ability to produce efficient offense as they did throughout their low-maintanence/high-impact prep careers.

Uncommitted 6’5” PG/wing Chris Duarte continued to catch the eye of high major college programs who are in the market for a dynamic scoring presence late in the recruiting process. Duarte finished with 18 points (7-10 FG/2-4 3pt/2-2 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 assists.

New England’s most coveted unsigned senior, Tremont Waters, was our region’s lone invitee to the Jordan Brand National Game. After creating fresh buzz within the industry regarding his possible college destination during the open practice sessions, Waters finished with 8 points and 2 assists in front of His Airness himself who watched from one of the Barclays Center lavish suites during the main event.