Scoop of the Day

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Scoop of the Day

The senior class is led by the elite 11. 6'2 Sr CG Chris Bolden is an athletic combo guard with NBA range. He is destine to become one of the great point guards to come out of Georgia Tech. 6'7 Sr CG Jordan Price is a high scoring guard who is headed to Auburn. 6'8 PF Willie Clayton is a player who can't be denied on offense and defense. He is the proven #1 senior in Georgia. He is a beast who doesn't get tired. He is also the most experienced player in the group having played 3 years on the 22u USA Team. Clayton will attend UNC Charlotte. 6'8 Sr PF Robert Carter will attend Georgia Tech. He has built his reputation as a versatile inside and outside man. And 6'9 Sr PF Tony Parker has extended his game to 3-point range. He is a monster in the paint. He is unsigned and the most highly recruited post player in the USA. Tony also has international experience playing on the USA u16 and u18 National Teams. 6'2 PG Keenan Palmore is a crafty game-changing guard. He is a young Rajon Rondo. He has international experience playing on a 22u USA team. He will attend Old Dominion. 6'5 Sr Shaq Goodwin is an athletic combo wing player that will bring a high pressure up-tempo style of play to Auburn. 6'5 Marcus Hunt is a skilled combo forward that score, score, score, and will be an instant impact player at Georgia Tech. 6'7 CG Jerome Hill is unsigned and a sleeper at Cook County HS who can hurt you attacking the basket and shooting the 3-point shot. He is a proven Hi D-1 prospect. 6'8 WF Evan Nolte is a skilled bigman with smooth 3-point range. He will be an impact player at Virginia Tech. And 6'8 PF Shaq Goodwin is a skilled inside player who can run the floor, score inside to midrange. He will bring instant help to Memphis.

There is plenty of talent in the junior class and new faces to watch. 6'0 Jr CG Drew Davis (a John Stockton type guard) is one of two new players who are giving Eagles Landing a much needed face-lift. Eagles Landing defeated East Hall 93-74, in their first game of the season, but committed 42 turnovers in the game without Drew on the court. There current guards committed 11 turnovers in the first quarter of which seven turnovers were committed in a row while also going 0-7 from the floor until 2 points were scored. Needless to say, Columbia will have no problem with this team. But you can expect to see a different team Tuesday when Drew Davis takes the court against Heritage High School. He scored a school record 56 points his Freshman and Sophomore year. He also made a school record 13 3-pointers. He averaged 17 points on Team Georgia's 17u team that dominated tournaments this past summer including 34 points vs DE Assault. He will be the starting point-guard on the USA 22u Team that will compete in Tourcoing, France, in April 2012, and he has already won 3 FIBA world championships. And he is well known by his peers as he helped Team Georgia 17u defeat Worldwide 17u (with Chris Bolden) scoring 15 points on five 3-pointers. Drew knows how to win big games and doesn't break under pressure. That is expected of a son of a coach. His strength is his, defense, 3-point shot, ball-handling, and he is the best passer on the floor. And he doesn't miss free-throws which is very important when a team reaches the 1-and-1 penalty. Drew has the University of South Florida, Memphis, Univ of Florida, Duke Harvard, Stanford, Seattle, and Cal, on his list... 6'7 Jr Brannen Greene is a bigtime shooting combo guard. He has NBA range and can score at will in a variety of ways. He has a high basketball IQ and is a good defender and rebounder. Brannen has offers from UCONN, FSU, U of FL, Louisville, OSU, Harvard, Memphis and Kansas. 6'7 Jr Eric Wortham is a bigtime combo who can score inside and out to 3-point land. He is cool. He thinks and understands the game. He is a good defender that gets steals in the passing lanes. He is also a very good rebounder who can start the fastbreak. He is a great finisher and good passer... 6'9 Desmond Ringer is one of the most highly recruited big guys in the USA. He is a skilled power forward who can step out and hit the 3-pointer and he is a very good ballhandler. He is an excellent rebounder. And he is a strong defender. He scored seven points and added eight rebounds in his first game against East Hall, but don't let that stat fool you. He missed out on 42 opportunities do to guards committing 42 turnovers. He will at minimum double his scoring average when Drew Davis takes the floor Tuesday against East Hall... The new and much improved 7'0 Jr John Egbunu is the #1 player in the USA. He is a game changer on both ends of the floor. And he is a guaranteed 2 points at the rim. Look at film when Dwight Howard was a junior and you will see the dominant comparison. In his first game against East Hall, he scored 21 points and added 10 rebounds, with a team committing 42 turnovers. He clearly saved the day with his dominating play on both ends of the floor. But add 42 more opportunities and you can see why 75% of Eagles Landing games will be over by halftime. And another 20% will be over by the 3rd quarter. And anything can happen in 5% of their games based on mental maturity and team chemistry. John has South Florida, Ohio State, Duke, North Carolina, UCLA, Seattle U, UCF, U of Fl, UConn, Syracuse, Memphis, Michigan, Michigan State, Kansas, and UCLA on his list. Columbia is the clear favorite to win the Class AAA State Championship and that has been established early when 5'9 Jr Shamsid-Deen gave SW Dekalb 30 points in a scrimmage game as Columbia cruised to victory despite SW Dekalb having Shaq Goodwin and Jordan Price. The lefty point guard took control of the game scoring from mid-range and attacking the rim. He was also solid with finding the open man. He is a D1 prospect... 6'1 Jr Isaiah Dennis is an athletic high flying guard. He can cause defenses big problems with his speed and jumping ability. He can get you 2 points or an assist if he gets a foot in the paint.. 6'9 Jr Jarquez Smith is a player who can score inside and out to 3-point land...6'4 Tyrone Culbreth is a triple double type player. He is a very smart scoring and rebounding wing-guard. He is an excellent defender. And he is a good passer. He is a complete player and a dynamic competitor. 6'7 Jr Jabari McGhee is a very athletic wing who can score in bunches. He is a game changer. He's a winner. 6'8 Brandon Watkins is a combo power-forward. He likes the perimeter shot, but he is an athlete and competitor who can get to the rim. 6'7 WF Jarius 'J.R." Holder at Mount Zion is the real deal. He can score the 3 point shot. He can attack the rim. He can defend. He is a hi D1 player.

u17 USA Elite National Team puts on a great performance in Argentina

Drew Davis drives past his Russian opponent in the 22u World Championship semifinals as he scored 15 points

Willie Clayton scores a game high 25 points in a victory over Canada in the 22u World Championship, Tourcoing, France.

France shows USA Elite National Team lots of love

4/17/2010 - Tourcoing, France - The Elite apparel was in hot demand and the USA Team was even hotter as fans in France show they are the best fans on the planet. The USA Team was mobbed from beginning to end by the loving French fans. It was pandemonium. The fans even stormed and jammed into the players hotel leaving no space to enter or depart as fans were pouring out into the streets. (UNDER CONSTRUCTION- also video highlights are coming)

The USA celebrate an exhausting victory over Canada

Video highlights of the USA Elite National Team with more to come

Team Georgia 2012, 29-0 ready for summer national competition

Team Georgia Elite 10-year old Phenom featured on CNN

3/17/2010- Coach Al Outlaw discovered Dakota SIms, who is dubbed by coach Linzy Davis as "The Second Coming," for his skills, work ethic, and mental approach for the game. And this young Phenom will take the stage with Team Georgia Elite, and coach Davis says he will return to Ardes, France with a 13u USA Elite National Team, and he says Dakota will lead that team to two world championships before he moves on to the higher age groups. "People around the world will witness a transformation in Elite Basketball." says Davis. "I am seeing it right before my eyes with players like Willie Clayton and Drew Davis, who both will join the 22u USA Elite National Team in Tourcoing, France. "I already told Dakota that John the Baptist is paving the way for "The Second Coming."

Team Georgia Elite Maynard 17u has college coaches salivating

3/16/2010- Coach Davis Maynard has put together another powerhouse team. 6'7 Darrius Person, MLK High School, 6'8 Trevor Berkeley, Tucker HS, and 6'3 CG Chris Daniels, Columbia HS state championship team. And 6'9 SF Dwight Meikle, Quality Ed, does it like Tracey MrGrady and his two National Championships are proof. This elite quartet will lead a talented group of players that has size and speed that can match-up with a college team. This team is loaded with hi D-1 players.

Crazy NBA range shown by Victory Christian guards

Victory Christian showing they are the team of the future in the Charis Prep Tourney

3/15/2010- Victory Christian is preparing to play a national schedule next year with the top players in the world and they already have a head start with super sophomore guard 16 year-old 6'4 CG Mike Stephenson and 15 year-old freshman 5'10 PG Drew Davis as they put on a show verse the 20 year-old elite players in the Charis Prep Tournament in Wilson, NC, and we have highlights to prove it.

John Burke playing like a Duke top recruit

3/13/2010- Legendary coach Al Outlaw says he has another McDonald's All American candidate in 6'4 Jr CG John Burke, Atlanta (North Springs) GA, high school. "He is playing like a McDonald's All American and a top Duke recruit." says coach Outlaw. He is extremely athletic. He is extremely tough. And he is an intelligent basketball player. He plays with high intensity all the time.

Coach Outlaw has lobbied to have John Burke added to the USA 22u Elite National Team that will compete in the Tourcoing World Championship, Tourcoing, France. He will join an elite group of players that include pro, college, and high school. John Burke will also compete on the 17u USA Elite National Team that will compete in the Argentina World Tournament, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Mohamed Tangara to join 22u USA Elite National Team in Tourcoing, France

3/9/2010- Former University of Arizona basketball player, 6'9 Mohamed Tangara, has been given clearance from his pro team in Morocco, to join the USA 22u Elite Team that will play in the Tourcoing World Championship, Tourcoing, France. "We have a powerhouse team of pro, college, and high school players." said coach Linzy Davis, who has won 5 FIBA World Tournaments, and finished third to eventual champion Serbia. "This year will be very tough in pool play because the teams that finished 1,2,3 are in the same pool with the host country team, France. But we have loaded up for the challenge."

Soph Willie Clayton, Thomasville HS, GHSA Player of the Year, and Freshman Drew Davis, ICSGA co-Player of the Year will join the USA Team. Both players were very impressive in the international tournament last year.

USA 17u Elite National Team goes to Argentina

3/7/2010- The top underclassmen across the USA will compete in a Argentina World Tournament, Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 1 to 5. 6'8 Soph PF Willie Clayton, Thomasville HS, GHSA Player of the Year, and 6'3 soph CG Mike Stephenson and 5'10 Freshman PG Drew Davis, ICSGA co-Player of the Year, will join an elite group of players selected from across the USA. Alex Fertig from Fresno, CA, Cameron Harvey, Chicago, IL, and Chris Campbell, San Antonio, TX, and Stanton Davis, will compete also. Coach Linzy Davis has commitment from other top players across the country but will not release the names until the tournament begins.

Victory Christian wins State Championship

by George McPherson

2/21/2010- Freshman guard Drew Davis and soph Michael Stephenson earned co-MVP All State honors and 6'7 Jr PF Dante Slade and 6'2 Fr 2G Chris Watts earned All State honors as Victory Christian defeated North Georgia 52-45.

This story is under construction. Enjoy the video highlights, but we missed a few of your shots Drew. The camera person was caught up in the game. Don't worry, the world still knows you.

Victory Christian advances to the State Championship

by George McPherson

2/19/2010- Freshman guard Drew Davis scored 23 points including six 3-pointers from NBA range and sophomore guard Michael Stephenson scored 23 points and added 16 rebounds to lead Victory Christian to a 74-58 win over White Creek. Victory Christian will face North Georgia Christian for the State Championship, Saturday at Columbus State University at 2:30 pm. Freshman Chris Watts added 11 points and 6'7 Junior Dante Slade added 10 points.

Victory Christian is 15-1 and has not lost a game since the addition of Drew Davis and Michael Stephenson. Both are the leaders of the team and form the best backcourt in the state.

Victory Christian takes first place with a win over Heritage

by George McPherson

2/8/2010 - Victory Christian defeated Heritage Christian to take first place with their 15th win in a row. Coach Linzy Davis says he is molding his young players into future high caliber D-1 prospects led by a trio freshman Drew Davis (#3),sophomore Michael Stephenson (#11) and 6'9 Soph Sunny Odogwu (out with a broken foot).

Elite Camp highlights

09/27/10- College coaches can add some new names to their wish-list like 6'2 Jr CG Matt Polynene, Pope HS, Marietta, GA. This crafty guard is among the best in the state of Georgia. But there was plenty of talent at the camp and coach Al Outlaw is compiling the list of prospects.

6'9 Soph Sunny Odogwu has a reason to smile & so does Team Georgia Elite

10/20/2009- Enugu, Nigeria- Coach Linzy Davis is traveling the globe, and promising future college prospects are benefitting in a big way as they are realizing their dreams of traveling to the USA are coming true. 6'10 Soph PF Sunny Odogwu is one of many that Davis has identified as special, and worthy of an opportunity to come to the USA.

6'10 Soph PF Baby Shaq is another promising student-athlete who has proven to have what it takes to be a success in the classroom and on the court in the USA. He will attend Covenant Christian, Marietta, GA, and play with Team Georgia Elite in AAU. "He is intimidating." said Coach Davis.

22u USA Elite National Team candidate list for France growing

10/19/2009- The USA Team that competed in the 22u World Championship in April 2009, was a young team that lost to eventual champion Serbia in the semi-final, and finished third defeating Russia. Coach Davis vows to bring another powerhouse team to the ELITE 22u World Championship, Tourcoing, France, April 3 to 5, 2010. "We will build a team with the best available pro, college, and high school players. The veteran players will lead us while mentoring the young." said USA Elite National Team, coach Linzy Davis, who has won 5 FIBA world tournament titles.

ELITE EXPOSURE SHOWCASE video 1 with more to come

10/19/2009- Atlanta - The top players in the southeast competed and we have the results for the college coaches. There are some new names emerging into the spotlight in Georgia. And two Elite performers Justin Mayfield and Robert Powell, came in from Lowndes County High School, and put on a show. Both proved that they can play at the D-1 level. And both are worth the trip to south Georgia. And 6'6 Jr CF Trevor Berkley is a bigtime D-1 prospect along with 6'7 Jr PF Darius Person, MLK High School. But at the end of the day the talent from Mount Zion, Durham, NC, led by 6'3 Soph PG Shawn (CP4) Nottingham, left a lasting impression. Coach Al Outlaw gave him the nick-name CP4, and his talent and performance left no doubt in the minds of the scouting services in attendance that he was the best point-guard in his class in the USA. Another special player Elite Exposure Camp was 6-5 high-flying WF Soph Calvin Blackwell, from Mount Zion. And 6-6 Sr PF Marvin Jean will receive a lot of D-1 attention this year.

6'3 CG Taylor Echols is a sharp-shooting junior attending Eagles Landing Christian Academy, McDonough, GA. 6'0 Sr PG Travis Robinson, will make a statement his senior year for Riverwood. He is quick, and he makes good decisions. He has a good mid-range shot and he can attack the basket and finish. 6'1 Jr CG Derrick Henry, Newton HS, is a very strong guard. He simply knows how to over-power you when he attacks the basket. 6'3 Sr CG Larry Harden, Newnan High School, is a D-1 prospect that is a slasher and scorer... Griffin has a point guard who has NBA range. He is very dangerous on the court. His name is Marreth Beck. He will cause a lot of problems for opponent this season. And 5'9 Sr PG Tyheam Newman, Elbert County, has the shake and bake game that will impress college coaches. He has a good mid-range shot and he can get to the rime and finish and make great passes... And the player college coaches must see is 6'3 Sr CG Kevin Bradley, Newton County HS. Kevin has put up several 40-point plus games this summer during AAU competition. He showed his explosive scoring ability in the Elite Exposure Camp. He is a very strong and powerful guard...We have more video highlights coming.

Team Georgia championship gives Coach Al Outlaw sweet and sour feelings

by George McPherson

5/22/09- The 15u Team Georgia Elite 2012 Dream Team dominated the 16u AAU State with an average margin of victory of 29 points. Coach Al Outlaw had mixed feelings after the championship showdown between the 15u & 16u teams competed for the championship which was won by the 15u team. "I was proud of the 15u team and I was proud of our guys also. We were 6 - 0 going into the championship game against our 15u team. Our guys fought hard to get to the championship." said Outlaw.

The 16u team basically had six key players. Coach Outlaw managed to get the rest of the team to over-achieve. But in the championship game, his team couldn't compete against the deep bench 10 man rotation of the 15u Elite team. "I expected a hard-fought game, but our guys played like they were happy to finish second and I didn't like it." said Outlaw. "I expected a family feud. And I wanted our guys to know that it was okay to finish second. But deep inside I was proud of all of the guys. But I couldn't let them know that. I have to prepare my guys mentally to compete in the national championship."

"I am not taking anything away from the 15u team. They were clearly the best team in the tournament. Everyone who played them weren't a test for team. They cruised to victory all the way to the championship. They played with a purpose and they were on a mission. And their mission was accomplished with flying colors. They haters are becoming admires. They are the best young team I have seen. They are even better than the Atlanta Celtic team that had Dwight Howard, Josh Smith, and Randolph Morris. The current team is bigger and deeper. I coached against both teams. My 15u team defeated the Atlanta Celtics in the AAU State, and was the only team in Georgia that defeated the Celtics. But that Celtic team wasn't as deep as this Elite Dream Team, and the Celtic was always trying to find a point-guard around the country that could help them win a championship. This Elite Team has all the pieces right now, and they killed everyone inside and outside including us. And when you breakdown each player on the Elite Dream Team, they all have a lot of room for growth and improvement. It is scary to think where that team and each player will be in three years. I give Linzy a lot of credit for how he assembled that team. He is on a mission to make this team the best team in the history of AAU when the final chapter is written. Linzy is traveling around the world saving lives and changing lives. He deserves a team like this that coaches can't steal away. And college coaches will see the power of the Elite."

Team Georgia Elite 2012 Dream Team 15u takes 1st Place and Team Georgia Elite 16u take 2nd place in Georgia 16u Division One AAU State Championship

Atlanta, GA - 5/20/09 - In the Georgia 16u Division One State Championship, Team Georgia Elite 2012 Dream Team defeated the Georgia Stars Black 16u team in the final 4 by a score of 66 - 60. And Team Georgia Elite 16u defeated the Louis Williams Stars by nine points to set up a Team Georgia Elite vs Team Georgia Elite final.

Team Georgia Elite 2012 coach Linzy Davis and Team Georgia Elite 2011 Coach Al Outlaw were both undefeated going into the championship game.

Team Georgia Elite 2011 battled in their first game with Georgia Fastbreak, but held on to win by one point. Then it was cruise control for the 16 & under team at Team Georgia Elite as they cruised to a 29 point win over the Georgia Stars White team. Team Georgia continued to cruise to the Final 8 were they faced Atlanta Elite and continued strong play. Then Team Georgia had to face the Louis Williams Stars, who defeated the Atlanta Celtics by one point. Team Georgia Elite defeated the Louis Williams Stars by nine points placing them in the finals.

Team Georgia Elite 2012 had to defeat the Georgia Netburners in the final 8. The Netburners finished second in pool play to the Atlanta Celtics. In the game against the Atlanta Celtics, the Netburners were tied inside one minute. But Jordan Adams scored to bring the Celtics up by 2, and then it came down to free throws as the Celtics won by 5.

Team Georgia Elite 2012 advanced to the Final 4 against the Georgia Stars Black team. It was a game against two undefeated tournament teams. Both teams also had won other Regional Tournament Championships. But Team Georgia Elite 2012 controlled this game and built a 16 point fourth quarter lead, and closed out with a comfortable 66-60 win, which set up a Team Georgia vs Team Georgia Championship Finale.

Last week, in the 15u Georgia AAU State Championship final, Coach Davis received a tech just one minute into the game and was later ejected for standing up, as the ref had a personal grudge to settle, and the Team Georgia Elite 2012 Dream Team suffered a huge upset last week in the 15u Georgia AAU State Finals to the Georgia Stars 15u team. Coach Davis told his team after the game that they were still the best team in the USA and it will be proven next week and until they go to college. Team Georgia had an average margin of victory of 29 points going into the championship game. They played the championship game without 6'10 Ismaila Douda, committed to University of Miami, but it still shouldn't have mattered. This team is considered a PERFECT 10, which is a nickname given because there are 10 special players on their roster.

The 16u Division One AAU State Championship was sweet redemption for Team Georgia Elite 2012 Dream Team and the Elite 16u team.

The 22u World Championship recap

Nate Miles riding first class with USA Elite National Team to Paris, France

Tourcoing, France - 4/14/09 - 6'7 WF Nate Miles and 6'9 Sr Zachary Hillesland, Notre Dame University, both proved to be pro prospects with their play in the 22u World Championship in Tourcoing, France. Nate Miles is a smooth high-scoring guard that has multiple ways of scoring inside and outside as well as the ability to take over games.

He was the tournament leading scorer with over a 32 point average. He has accurate NBA 3-point shooting range and will also surprise you with his athletic moves and hops when he attacks the basket. He has unbelievable offensive concentration of which there is no defense. He is somewhat of a "George Gervin" type scorer. There is speculation that Nate Miles will enter the NBA draft. Coach Davis has coached players in 19u World Tournaments in France, which includes current NBA players like Carmelo Anthony, Thaddeus Young, Shannon Brown, Daniel Gibson, and Malik Harrison. Coach Davis says, Nate Miles fits right in with those group of guys.

Zachary Hillesland also has a special future. He is a point-forward who has a game that is perfect for FIBA basketball. He is a power-forward that can rebound and start a fast-break. His ability to handle the ball make him a big threat in pick-n-roll situations. He also has a good mid-range shot. He is fundamentally sound, and a good defender.

French fan on bus locks up Coleman

6'9 PF William Coleman is a freak athlete that jumps so high he can stand on the rim. He compares to another NBA player that Linzy Davis has coached, Joey Dorsey, who also attended the same school that Coleman has signed to play with this fall, and that is the University of Memphis. Coleman is just as big and aggressive as Dorsey and considered a better athlete. Coach Davis says the upside for Coleman is flat-out scary. Coleman says he would like to play for Davis in Douai, France this summer, and return to Tourcoing, France next April 2010. The fans in France loved Coleman and the USA Elite.

Jamaal Trice and Enrico Pickett are next. Then we will talk about the high school elite players led by two juniors, Gerald Williams and Zachary Bradley. Then we will talk about three super freshmen, Willie Clayton, Drew Davis, and Keenan Palmore.

The USA Elite mobbed by fans after pulling off the unthinkable comeback

The young Elite take 3rd place

Serbia defeats Belgium 96-77 to win championship

Tourcoing, France - 4/14/09 - The USA Elite got off to a very slow start and trailed Russia 25 to 12 after the first quarter. The same pace continued the second quarter as the USA was outscored 26 to 13, as coach Davis began emptying the bench to find a spark from one of his 11 players. The USA went into half-time down 51 to 25, and it looked like Russia was ready to cruise to victory. But Coach Linzy Davis, pulled a rabbit out of his hat and his team responded with a 30 to 15 run in the third quarter. We had to know what coach Davis said at half-time. "I told my players to look around this packed arena... Everyone look around. Look at the people who came here to see you... And this is the best we can do? Is this the way you want to leave the people who love you? They have been all over you guys since you arrived. Now you have a choice as to what type of legacy you want to leave behind. But right now the picture isn't pretty." said Davis. "Now let's think about the way we are playing. We have no chemistry and we are mad at everybody, the officials, me, and each other. We have to put the adversity behind us and get focused on winning this game and I'm going to show you how we are going to win. But first I want you to see how poorly you are playing. If we continue to play at this pace, we will lose 102 to 51. But if we just focus on getting 6 stops, we will go on a 12-0 run and cut the led to 14 points. Then we will focus on getting 3 more stops and cut the lead to single digits, and something always good happens when you cut it to single digits. The other team can't stop the momentum." said Davis. And Russia couldn't stop the momentum of the USA, as the led was cut, and the score at the end of the third quarter was 66 to 55. As Enrico Pickett scored 17 points in the third quarter to lead the USA. The USA Elite continued their onslaught in the forth quarter and finished strong as Nate Miles scored 17 of the last 19 points, which helped the USA overtake Russia with 11 seconds left in the game. And the USA Elite was able to hold on to an 81 to 79 victory over Russia, and the fans stormed the floor to congratulate the USA Elite. "I'm happy for these guys. Zachary Hillesland was out their fighting away with a deep thigh bruise, but he came up big in shutting down Tvachenkse from Russia." said Davis.

The USA Elite was led by Nate Miles with 25 points. Nate was the tournament leading scorer and also earn all tournament honors. Enrico Pickett scored 19 points, William Coleman added 17 points, and 16 rebounds. William was the leading rebounder in the tournament and walked away with the title and tournament honors. Drew Davis earned best young player for his tournament performance and being the youngest player in the tournament.

We had some outstanding performances from all of our players. Everyone had an opportunity to start at least one game. All performed. Willie Clayton was flat-out outstanding and gets an "A," for his major roll in all of our victories. Enrico led our team, Hillesland was an unsung hero and the glue to our team, Coleman was a dominate force and a fan favorite who showed NBA scouts that he is a player who will help a team in the future. Gerald and Zac were great in their rolls. Steve Larking showed up big in stopping opponents. And Keenan Palmore was great.

There is more to come on this story....... Pictures and video are coming also.....

USA fall to defending champion Serbia

Tourcoing, France - 4/13/09 - The USA jumped out to a surprising 27 - 20 lead by the end of the first quarter, but 6'9 William Coleman picked up his second foul with 2 minutes remaining in the first quarter, and was forced to sit most of the second quarter, and Serbia took full advantage of their size and strength. Serbia's front line average height is 7'1, with players who can move, run, shoot, and rebound at a high level. Serbia, like the rest of the international teams are filled with pro players with 4 to 8 years of experience. Their life is FIBA basketball, and it showed rest of the game as the USA dealt with mounting frustration with the officials who called 5 phantom intentional fouls, of which 3 of those calls were in the last 48 seconds, with the USA trailing by 4 points. The USA also had 4 goal tending calls, of which they were the blame of touching the backboard. The USA also were in training on how to get a call when driving to the basket, as well as avoid a foul on guards driving to the basket. The USA was also learning how to avoid intentional fouls when being charge by the offense. "It was the most frustrating international game I have coached." said Davis. "I told my players this is FIBA, not American basketball. They have to relax, focus, and win in spite of the calls. We can't negotiate with the officials. They will not change their calls, but good passing and screens, and back-door cuts will take the officials out of the game." said Davis. "At the end of the day, you must master position defense and play tough."
But is was Serbia proving to be the tougher and bigger opponent as they erased a seven point USA lead, and outscored the USA in the second quarter, 33-22. "We went into half-time and emphasized defense." said Davis. "If you let a team score 33 points every quarter, it will be very tough to win that game." The USA responded in the third quarter by outscoring Serbia 21 to 19, and it looked like the USA had the right momentum to close in and win the game, but 6'9 Zach Hillesland picked up his 5th foul early in the forth period, and the USA lost their inside leader with the most experience on the team. He was replaced with a very talented freshman 6'7 Willie Clayton, who played great, especially defensively, but lacked the experience of a Notre Dame starting senior. However, the USA found a way to battle and close within 4 points, 99 - 95, with 48 seconds left, but were called with 3 intentional fouls, that stretched the final score to 105 - 95. Serbia will defend their title against Belgium for the 22u World Championship. The USA will play Russia for 3rd place. Russia lost to Belgium in overtime 111-109.

The USA was led by Nate Miles who scored a game-high 35 points, followed by Enrico Pickett 19 points, Zach Hillesland 18 points, and William Coleman finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds.

The USA will face another very tough opponent in Russia who is very similar to Serbia. Russia defeated Serbia in pool play, but lost to the Netherlands by 15 points who are playing for 5th place.

"My major goal was to make it to the Final 4 this year and return with a monster squad next year. Now let's not get my words twisted, I wanted to win it all this year, but I knew it would be a great challenge because I really needed at least 3 more veteran players. Each team here has two players 25 years-old and the rest of their teams are 22u." said Davis "It takes a lot of work to pull in the correct players so you can gain instant chemistry. We had just one practice before getting thrown into the fire. There is a minimum 6-hour time difference for each player, and the food is very different from what the guys are use to. That is just the beginning to this exciting experience. There is a language barrier for the players, and an entire different way you have to play the game of basketball in order to be successful in winning the championship. I have won five of these FIBA World Tournaments. USA Basketball lost the world championship to Serbia with Johnny Flynn and Michael Beasley. I would have donated blood to have those two players for this tournament. But I have no regrets with the players we had here. We were one game from playing in the final. We were the youngest team here with players as young as 14 years old, who were able to play and contribute. Our young veteran players performed very well, and learned a lot about the FIBA game. The guys moving onto the pros know what to expect if they play in FIBA. The college players will be much better players in the fall. And the high school players will continue to grow into special players in the future. Three of those players are freshman who play for me in the USA. They will have an opportunity to compete on this type of stage about eight more times before they graduate from high school. And what college coach wouldn't want a player like that with invaluable skills and experience. And the two junior guards learned a lot and can use this experience their senior year to show maturity and focus in their game which will help them have a recruiting edge over the competition.
And to top things off, we have figured out a niche, that will allow us to work with College, junior college, and high school coaches to find the right 10 guys to win over here year after year. The best example for the USA to follow is the group that blew out all the National Teams, and was led by Chase Budinger (MVP), Thaddeus Young, Javaris Crittenton, Brook and Robin Lopez, and Nick Calathes. You will be surprised to know that there are a lot of players in the USA with the type of potential of that special group of players that are willing to jump on the world stage and have their names known in 120 countries, while gaining valuable experience to take back to their respective schools." said Davis

The USA players all expressed interest in returning to Europe with coach Davis. "I want to play in Douai in June. And I want to return to Tourcoing. I have unfinished business to take care of." said William Coleman. "I want to play in Douai also in June." said Enrico Pickett and Jamaal Trice. And Willie Clayton capped off the entire USA Elite National Team experience when he said, "I'm having the time of my life. I can't wait to show my mom, dad and coach all my pictures in the newspapers here. The French fans love us. We have been mobbed by fans the entire time we have been here. I have signed so many autographs and taken so many pictures. I haven't seen anything like this in my life. I feel like I'm as famous as Kobe Bryant and Labron James. The fans even follow us to our hotel. This has really been exciting. This is the time of my life and I can't wait to return with coach. I learned a lot including some French. Merci."

USA Advance to Final 4

Son of Coach shines in spotlight

Tourcoing, France - 4/13/09 - The young USA Elite 22u National Team advanced to the Final 4 defeating France 73 - 58. The USA trailed 6 - 0 before Enrico Pickett got the team on a roll. The USA had six players finish in double figures led by Nate Miles who scored 15 points and added 17 assist to control the game. Zachary Hillesland had a break-out game scoring 14 points. "Zachary controlled the game early. They had no answers for him." said Davis. "Zac is hungry for a championship."

William Coleman remained steady scoring 12 points and adding 14 rebounds as coach Davis continued ot remind him where he is most effective. Coach Davis also designed a few sleeper back-door plays for Coleman, that allowed him to finish with some capacity crowd pleasing dunks.

Jamaal Trice and Enrico Pickett scored 10 apiece, and were a dynamic duo. "These guys are figuring out how to play the FIBA game." said Davis. "We have spurts when we look like a European team, which is important. It helps us get baskets rather than turnovers."

But the unlikely hero of the game was the youngest player (age 14) and smallest player (5'6), Drew Davis, who was inserted mid-way through the second half and responded in a big way with 11 points on 4 of 4 shooting and no turnovers. Nate Miles was the first person to get Drew involved as he attacked the basket going left to draw the defender and rather than take it to the basket for the layup, he turned and passed to Drew who was trailing the play, and he pulled up quickly for the long-range 3-point shot that sent the sell-out standing room only crowd into a frenzy. The basket helped push the margin to 12 points midway through the third period. But that wasn't all. Drew scored on the next USA possession on a pass from Miles which Drew showed a baseline ball fake, then stepped back to shoot over the defender to add another 2 in the book, forcing France to call time-out, as the crowd was cheering. Then Nate Miles decided to show his offensive range as he drained three 3-pointers in a row as if he was tutoring Drew Davis how to take over games. But that wasn't all, as Nate found Drew for two more long distance 3-pointers, causing the crowd to ask, who is this kid, as the players were telling their coach to smile. But in the end, it was Nate "smoother than silk" Miles, who finished the game with a two, which earned the USA a spot in the Final 4.

The USA will face the defending champion, Serbia. And Belgium will face Russia in the Final 4. The young USA Team will have their hands full. Serbia is loaded with height, size, talent, and skill, and they are hungry to repeat as champions.

USA gets pass Morocco

Tourcoing, France - 4/12/09 - Nate Miles scored a game high 32 points to lead the USA past Morocco 73 - 65 in OT. The USA had to adjust to the FIBA Pool Play rules of 7 minute quarters and each player is disqualified on his 4th foul. And overtime is 5 minutes. They USA found themselves in trouble still adjusting to the rules. The USA is also battling injuries. 6'9 Zach Hillesland, Notre Dame, went down with an ankle injury in the second quarter, which forced, 6'7 high school Freshman Willie Clayton to take his place until he fouled out late in the 4th quarter after an outstanding performance. "We need to get to the championship round where the games are 40 minutes and 5 fouls. It will make a difference." said Coach Davis. "Our guys are still learning how to play fundamental FIBA position man-to-man defense. They are learning the importance of hedging and doubling the screens, because the players here can flat out shoot the 3-point shot like a back-yard layup. We are also paying big when we have a mental lapse and turnover. These team make you pay. They have the ability to erase 10 point leads within two minutes. Our guys are still learning the FIBA game, and they are doing a great job."

Nate Miles was unstoppable once again. The only thing the defense could do over the time of the game is grab Nate when he received the ball and invite him to lunch, but the refs called intentional fouls instead. Nate hypnotized his defender before taking him to the basket for two points, then he released his spell in order to blind his opponent with a 3-point shot.

6'9 260 pounds of pure cut steel, William Coleman was dominate around the rim scoring 16 points and 14 rebounds, as coach Davis encouraged him all game long to work that area. Coleman has been skying over the opponents all tournament leading coach Davis to say he is the first player he has ever seen jump so high he can stand on the rim. And opponents are learning the Coleman commandment, "Thou shalt not come into my lane."

Enrico Pickett scored 15 points and ran the point with precision, but went down in the forth quarter with severe muscle cramps that sent him to the sideline.

"We are working hard to compete and minimize our injuries. This is extremely tough. Nate is leading us with a 35 point average in spite of battleling a severe flu. He is giving up his cookies but still wants to compete. We are keeping a lot of fluids in him. He is a real warrior for us. Zach is sacrificing his body as he has a deep nagging thigh bruise and ankle injury and is doubtful for the rest of the tournament. And Enrico is fighting painful muscle spasms." said Davis. "But all the young guys are stepping up and keeping us competitive."

The USA will have an hour rest and will face Belgium, who defeated France 55 - 30.

Controversial extra foul shot and buzzer beater basket cost the USA 69-68

Tourcoing, France - The young USA Elite squad had an hour rest before taking on Belgium. The injures forced coach Davis to start 3 high school freshmen and 2 juniors, while the college players received medical attention before entering the game. The over-matched young players managed to keep the scored within five points, before coach Davis was able to get his starters back, and in the game. And it was a fight to the finish.

Nate Miles ran off 25 points, Zach Hillesland hobbled to score 12 points, Enrico Pickett turned in an 11 points performance, and William Coleman finished with 10 points. But with 25 seconds remaining in the game, the refs gave the Belgium player at the foul line a "do-over missed free-throw" shot, after the coach complained that the table gave a foul to their player instead of a USA player. That point cost the USA, as Nate Miles hit a 3-point shot to give the USA a 1 point lead inside 7 seconds, but Dee Donkor got off a shot at the buzzer to surprise the USA.

"We are still in very good shape." said coach Davis. "We just need to win two games tomorrow and we are in the finals. We need to get healthy. We will focus on building up our bodies and getting plenty of rest."

The USA will face France at 9:00 AM. If the young USA Elite team wins, they will be in the Final 4.

Coach may face former player in 22u World Championship

Tourcoing, France- 4/11/09- Coach Linzy Davis could find himself trying to stop the player he coached and trained in the USA. 6'3 2G Jesse Voorn, who came to the USA and was a big hit his sophomore year for Jonesboro HS, and Georgia Elite Christian, will suit up with the National Team from the Netherlands. Jesse averaged 28 points per game for Georgia Elite Christian as a sophomore and was a lights-out 3-point shooter. Jesse is playing professionally in Europe now and is on a team loaded with a team that is very tall, talented and tough.

Nate Miles leads USA Elite pass France

Tourcoing, France- 4/10/09- In game one, the young 22u USA Elite squeezed pass France 83-80. 6'7 Nate Miles, Toledo, OH, scored a game-high 37 points for the USA and did everything except sell popcorn. He scored inside and from 3-point range. The USA jumped out to a 26 -20 first quarter lead. The high scoring pace is typical of coach Linzy Davis style. Nate Miles thrived in the system scoring the first five points of the game. But the USA was outscored 26 to 12 in the second quarter, and had to go without Zachary Hillesland for much of the quarter do to early foul-trouble as he was adjusting to the international rules. High school freshman Willie Clayton, replaced Hillesland, and he made an instant impact scoring five points in the 2nd period. However, the USA trailed by 8 points at half-time.
"We had to make some defensive and offensive adjustment at half-time." said Davis. "We are competing against pros and there is no room for error. They capitalized on every mistake, and made us pay with dunks. We had to settle down and think. FIBA is a position game. And it is a game of skill and aggression. We had to take away passing lanes and screens, and we had to contend all jumpshots. We also had to double out the post and rotate defensively. We can't afford to lose our bigs, especially, William Coleman." said Davis. "On the offensive end, we had to be more patient and trust each other. We also had to establish an attack game." And that's what the USA did. The USA jumped all over France in the 3rd quarter and outscored them 25 to 15, and took a 63 to 61 lead going into the 4th quarter.

Jamaal Trice was a big contributor to the victory as he shut down the best player on the opposing team while scoring 16 points, including hitting two 3-point shots under pressure. He showed strength and poise and had no turnovers. William Coleman was a beast on the inside as he scored 13 points and 15 rebounds. "He jumps so high, he gives me noise bleeds." said Davis.

Enrico Pickett was solid running the point. UCONN and Florida lead in his recruitment. Jamaal Trice said he is solid with UCONN, and by his performance in France after his first game, it seems like UCONN has made a very wise selection. And drama may build around William "Sky" Coleman. It seems like Memphis and Kentucky have work to do. He is keeping his options open. This guy is a "must" on recruiting list. His upside is tremendous. He is a special player who can take a program over the top... Nate Miles looks like he's ready to impress NBA pro scouts. He has tremendous poise and confidence, and he is a smooth scoring player. And Zachary Hillesland can make good money in FIBA. He is a point-forward, and skilled players that beats you a lot more ways than just scoring. Gerald Williams and Zachary Bradley are proving to be two junior guards that need to be on every coaches wish list. Both have a high IQ for the game. Both can score, defend and find the open man. Steve Larking is also proving to be a good college prospect. The future also looks bright for three freshman, Willie Clayton, Drew Davis, and Keenan Palmore.

The USA Team has players as young as 14-years old and all contributed. The USA is preparing for Morocco. The game will be played Saturday morning at 9:00 am.

Team Georgia Elite Outlaw advance to the Elite 8

by George McPherson

Aiken, SC-3/29/09- 6'3 Jr CG Gerald Williams (Walton), 6'0 Jr PG Zachary Bradley (North Clayton), and 6'10 Soph Center Chris Coleman (Mt Zion), and 6'7 Jr PF Chris Spears (Turner County), has led Team Georgia Elite Outlaw to the Elite 8. Team Georgia came ready to play as they walked away with a 30 point win.

Team Georgia Elite 2012 Dream Team advance to the Elite 8

Fans and teams pack the court to see Team Georgia Elite 2012 Dream Team

by George McPherson

Aiken, SC-3/29/09- The Super elite 10 of the Team Georgia Elite 2012 Dream Team decided to play up in the 16u AAU Super Regional. The results have been astounding as Team Georgia Elite has blown pass the Southern Kings 16u team 85 - 71 and South Carolina Panthers 16u team 90 -53 "The most exciting thing I like about this team is the character of each individual. All of these young men are honor roll students and model students." said Coach Linzy Davis. "I'm also excited about the addition of 6'2 Soph CG Larry Thompson (Creekside). He is a dead-eye 3-point shooter like Drew, which takes pressure off our post players."

Team Georgia Elite still has shown no weaknesses. Willie Clayton, Joe Uchebo, Abdulwali Kasim, Robert Ojeah, and Ismail'a Douda, are the best big men in the state of Georgia and they are all on the same team. Then coach Davis has managed to recruit the best guards in the state to bring together perfect chemistry with Drew Davis, Stanton Davis, Keenan Palmore, Mark Jones, and Larry Thompson. The team is filled with players who play a minimum of three positions. The team has been performing at a high level and is 11 - 0, with an average margin of victory of 25.5. "We still have a long way to go and we are working on what we need to work on individually and collectively to keep improving." said Davis. "I'm trying to prepare this team for FIBA World Championship Tournaments in Europe. I want these young men winning world championships on the Global Stage."

Team Georgia Elite 2012 Dream Team unchallenged

Team Georgia Elite 2012 Dream Team is Big Shot Southern Shootout Champions 2009

Back row from left to right: Coach Linzy Davis, 6'11 Fr Ismail'a Douda (24), 6'7 Fr Willie Clayton (20), 6'8 Fr Abdulwali Kasim (22), 6'9 Fr Robert Ojeah (30), 6'11 Fr Joseph Uchebo (25), 6'10 Soph Gideon Oji (23) Coach Al Outlaw. Front row from left to right: 6'1 Fr A.D. Davis (14), 6'0 Fr Mark Jones (13), 6'3 Fr Stanton Davis (11), 6'1 Fr Keenan Palmore (2), 5'6 Fr Drew Davis (1).