Unflattering Report About Diamond Stone's Play Yesterday In Philly

[Tugg Speedman]

Typically these guys go easy on high school players as they are still ... kids.  Given that, this is about as harsh a critique of a 17 year old you will see.

Calipari is probably feeling good for not going hard (or "cooling") on Stone.

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Diamond Stone discusses his package deal, recent weight loss
July 10, 2014

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/10/diamond-stone-discusses-his-package-deal-recent-weight-loss/



PHILADELPHIA — For the second time in two days, the most anticipated matchup of the day at Reebok’s Breakout Classic turned into a bust.

Diamond Stone, the No. 6 ranked recruit in Rivals’ top 150, squared off with Elijah Thomas, who checks in at No. 11, and the two combined to finish without a single field goal and a total of just three points as Thomas’ team put a whooping on Stone’s team. On Wednesday during the opening game of the camp, Stone dominated Skal Labissiere for about five minutes until that second plate of pregame macaroni got the best of him.

Stone struggled with the physicality of Thomas, as he was unable to establish good position on the low block and he couldn’t find a way to bully his way to the rim from 15 feet out.

“There’s a lot of competition, big time guys and guys I know,” Stone told NBCSports.com. “This was a real physical game between me and Elijah. We’re both physical players. The refs weren’t giving a lot of calls, but that’s the way it should be between the two most physical players in the Class of 2015.”

In short, Thursday provided Stone with a template for what he needs to do to take the next step in his development: continue to develop his face-up game and add to his back-to-the-basket repertoire.

“I need to be able to make my moves faster,” he said.

Every prospect at this age is a work in progress, but it’s clear to see that Stone has already started that process of improving. He’s worked on his body, getting rid of some of his baby fat and toning up his physique. His father told NBCSports.com that he’s down to 246 pounds from 263 earlier this year, something that Stone credits to long hours in the gym and the weight room this spring.

As far as Stone’s recruitment in concerned, the big story that all of the recruiting world is talking about is a package deal between him and the nation’s best guard, Malik Newman. Stone told NBCSports.com that nothing is set in stone (pun intended) and that both he and Newman are open to any school that is looking recruit them, individually or together.

As Stone tells it, the two have been friends for years, and that the package deal is more about two buddies that want to go to school together than anythhing.

“We met in eighth grade at John Lucas Camp, and we just connected right there,” Stone said. “He’s one of my best friends. I talk to him every day.”

“Who wouldn’t want to go to college with their best friend?”

[Tugg Speedman]

Been reading about Stone in Philly and have not seen anything to get excited about.  Instead I read stories like above and this one ....

Nate Morris (’16) got posterized and proved why every coach in the country should recruit him
Jul 11, 2014, 3:00 PM EDT

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/11/nate-morris-16-got-posterized-and-proved-why-every-coach-in-the-country-should-recruit-him/

It didn’t take long for Nate Morris to make a play that resonated with the coaches and the scouts sitting in the stands at Reebok’s Breakout Classic.

In the first quarter of his first game on Wednesday, Morris found himself locking horns with Diamond Stone, the No. 6 recruit in the Class of 2015, when Stone caught a ball in the post and went up with two hands to try and dunk on Morris. Morris met him at the rim and sent the shot back, drawing a series of “oohs” from the crowd that amassed to watch Stone’ matchup with Skal Labissiere.

It’s something that the 6-foot-10 Morris has become accustomed to, as he prides himself on the way that he is able to defend.

“I pride myself on being a defensive players,” Morris, the No. 76 recruit in the Class of 2016, told NBCSports.com. How often do you here that at an elite recruiting event like the Reebok Camp?

But it gets better. Morris lists South Florida, Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Tulsa and Creighton, among others, as the schools that have offered him, but I have a hard time believing that he won’t collect quite a few more offers in the coming years. When asked what he is looking for in a school, he said “a program that will let me play my way.”

Which is?

“I like setting a whole bunch of picks, getting a lot of movement in and running the floor,” Morris said. In other words, this 6-foot-10, 250 pound 16 year old has no problem doing all of the dirty work that big men are supposed to do. Every coach in the country can use a piece like that. There is a risk, however, to being a guy that challenges everything at the rim, as Morris was on the receiving end of a nasty posterization from Nate Grimes, but that’s not the end of the story. On the next possession, Morris went up to try and challenge a dunk attempt, and three possessions later, he tried to chase down Grimes on the break as Grimes as lining up to throw down a dunk in transition.

In the hoopmixtape era, do you realize how uncommon it is to find a kid that doesn’t care if he ends up on a viral video?

“I’m not worried about it,” he said. “I don’t stop. I don’t care if I get dunked on or not, I’m going to go after you.

[Tugg Speedman]

Read Stone's write-up versus the others.  Who sounds like the best player?  (hint, not Stone)


CBT Quotables Part 1: Jawun Evans, Diamond Stone, Skal Labissiere and more

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/11/cbt-quotables-part-1-jawun-evans-diamond-stone-skal-labissiere-and-more/

C Diamond Stone, No. 6 Class of 2015: “Big, physical big man. He’s got a good skill set and nice footwork around the rim, but he’s not as versatile as a guy like Skal where he can step out and knock down a perimeter jumper. He’s got a good upside and a chance to be special. He’s cut some weight but needs to add lower body strength. He doesn’t hold position in the low post as well as he should.”

C Chase Jeter, No. 8 Class of 2015: “Chase Jeter is a pro. He’s gotten a lot better over the last year or so. Love him as a player and love him as a kid. He has a bright future.”

C Skal Labissiere, No. 14 Class of 2015: “He’s probably the most versatile big man. He’s got a developing skill set and a great feel for the game, inside and outside. He’s got long arms and huge hands. He can hit threes and has a soft touch on his jump hook. He needs to add strength and size to his frame, but isn’t afraid to challenge people at the rim.”

[willie warrior]

Sounds like Stone may be letting his rep play for him, rather than performing at the elite level. Maybe his posse is not helping him on the court.

[Stretchdeltsig]

Would much rather have Henry at Marquette.

[TedBaxter]

Would much rather have Henry at Marquette.

I'd take either player in a New York minute.  2 of the best 3 frontcourt players I've seen in my years of watching Wisconsin high school basketball.  The other was Joe Wolf.  Never saw Jim Chones before he came to Marquette.

[Texas Western]

One of the great things about the AAU circuit is it allows for transparent comparisons of top level players.  There are very few can't miss prospects. However, remember every kid has a good moment and what really counts is being able to do it consistently. I think Diamond has shown he is a consistently strong player in many different venues and that is what puts him in the upper tier.

I continue to believe that we offer Diamond Stone the best combination both on and off the court.

[NersEllenson]

Would much rather have Henry at Marquette.

That's like saying I'd rather have Kate Upton than Jessica Simpson.  You can't go wrong with either one, but of course 50% of men would probably prefer one, and 50% the other.  Similar with Diamond and Henry.  Ideally...you get both...just like having both Jessica and Kate for a night would be the ultimate scenario.   

[Dawson Rental]

This sounds like someone who knows what he's talking about.

I'd take either player in a New York minute.  2 of the best 3 frontcourt players I've seen in my years of watching Wisconsin high school basketball.  The other was Joe Wolf.  Never saw Jim Chones before he came to Marquette.

This does not.

Sounds like Stone may be letting his rep play for him, rather than performing at the elite level. Maybe his posse is not helping him on the court.

[Tugg Speedman]

One of the great things about the AAU circuit is it allows for transparent comparisons of top level players.  There are very few can't miss prospects. However, remember every kid has a good moment and what really counts is being able to do it consistently. I think Diamond has shown he is a consistently strong player in many different venues and that is what puts him in the upper tier.

I continue to believe that we offer Diamond Stone the best combination both on and off the court.

I agree ... I'm not arguing that Stone is a bad player or anything like that.  Rather, he does not seem to be having a good tourney in Philly.  It happens.

Maybe the good news is Calipari is their to see it and feeling good about his decision not to go hard (or "cooling") on Stone.  That leaves Stone open for others, like MU.

[tower912]

That's like saying I'd rather have Kate Upton than Jessica Simpson.  You can't go wrong with either one, but of course 50% of men would probably prefer one, and 50% the other.  Similar with Diamond and Henry.  Ideally...you get both...just like having both Jessica and Kate for a night would be the ultimate scenario.   

Ideally, aren't you in the middle of a Kate Upton, Jessica Simpson sandwich?

[Dawson Rental]

That's like saying I'd rather have Kate Upton than Jessica Simpson.  You can't go wrong with either one, but of course 50% of men would probably prefer one, and 50% the other.  Similar with Diamond and Henry.  Ideally...you get both...just like having both Jessica and Kate for a night would be the ultimate scenario.  

You're gonna need more stamina, Ners.  Like four months worth to get through a whole season.

[NersEllenson]

Ideally, aren't you in the middle of a Kate Upton, Jessica Simpson sandwich?

Absolutely...that was the point!  Gotta have them both...preferably simultaneously.  Just like having BOTH Diamond and Henry at MU...not a one or the other thing.

[real chili 83]

That's like saying I'd rather have Kate Upton than Jessica Simpson.  You can't go wrong with either one, but of course 50% of men would probably prefer one, and 50% the other.  Similar with Diamond and Henry.  Ideally...you get both...just like having both Jessica and Kate for a night would be the ultimate scenario.   

Holy SHeet, you are starting to even look like him.

Exorcism, stat!!!

[NersEllenson]

You're gonna need more stamina, Ners.  Like four months worth to get through a whole season.

That's why I do hot yoga 5 times a week Murs.  Great for the stamina...and not to mention the classes are loaded with girls in sports bras and yoga shorts.  It's a hell of a workout too.  Amazing considering you are on basically a 6'6" x 2' mat...and nothing more.  NO sprints, no running, none of it...but it kicks your ass.

Unfortunately however, regardless of acquiring good stamina from yoga...I won't be landing Kate or Jessica.  

[willie warrior]

This sounds like someone who knows what he's talking about.

This does not.

Sorry Murs, just commenting on what the others are saying--guess they don't know anything either, right? But Murs is the all knowing Guru.

[NersEllenson]

Holy SHeet, you are starting to even look like him.

Exorcism, stat!!!

You know, just having that pic of Derrick in my avatar will help me get off his case. He looks like such a good kid...now seeing his pic next to my name...and future posts..well..it will give me some pause...

But...I also felt there was good humor in putting him in place of my former Buzz cat scratch fever avatar..

[Dawson Rental]

Sorry Murs, just commenting on what the others are saying--guess they don't know anything either, right? But Murs is the all knowing Guru.

Thank you!  Finally!

[Jay Bee]

How often do you here that at an elite recruiting event like the Reebok Camp?

*cringe*

Stone - legit stud. Certified legit.

Chase - strong year of progression; great upside.

Skal - will he be a heavy usage guy ever? Stone yes, Jeter could be. Skal? Ehh.. don't know. But, as an overall player, fantastic. I think he'll be here next week (Minneapolis).

[Earl Tatum]

They don 't serve those sandwiches at Subway.

[tower912]

A sandwich like that and you would have to worry about a freaky fast delivery. 

[bilsu]

I wonder if he is following the Jamil Wilson path. Rated so high early on and then passed up by other players, because they improved more.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

A sandwich like that and you would have to worry about a freaky fast delivery. 

Well played

[ThatDude]

Diamond Stone is definately overrated. Wasnt impressed when I watched him play and now everyone else is starting to see.

[willie warrior]

Thank you!  Finally!

Says the guy that believes that Jessica is Kate's equal. 90% of the time red blooded males would pick Kate first over Jessica. After all, who would want Tony Romo's leftovers.