Ballers Bridge

Ballers Bridge sits down with class of 2013 West Virginia signee Devin Williams.

Devin Williams is having quite a year. Blessed with a motor that never stops, Williams helped lead Montverde Academy to its first National Title, and he recently signed with the University of West Virginia. Williams’s selflessness shines on the court. Regardless of how many offensive touches he gets a game, this young man is only concerned with making plays that are going to help his team win games.

You had a monster senior year! What was the difference between this year and the first three?

The schedule! Back in Cincinnati we played a very competitive state schedule; but here at Montverde, we play a competitive  national schedule. Every night you have to show up or you will be exposed. I had to be focused and ready to play every time I stepped on the court. I could not let up.

How did Montverde Academy help prepare you for the next level?

The whole experience just really helped me improve mentally. It also helped me understand how I can help a basketball team. It really helped me understand my role. I am not a guy who steps out and shoots threes. I want to stick to what I do well: defense, rebounding and playing with energy. When you play on a team as talented as Montverde, you have to find other ways to impact the game because of the amount of scorers we had. To be able to learn from Coach Boyle and his staff was huge, this whole experience was big for me.

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Ballers Bridge sits down with Bishop O’ Dowd’s star sophomore, Paris Austin.

Ballers Bridge sits down with class of 2013, Washington commit Darin Johnson.

Darin Johnson is one of the more gifted offensive players in the class of 2013. Blessed with a diverse skill set, Johnson plays with great pace, and has no problems creating his own shot. Washington will count on Johnson to provide a scoring punch as he makes the transition to PAC – 12 basketball. 

What made you choose Washington? 

Basically it came down to Coach Romar and the rest of the coaching staff. They develop wings, and they have the ability to get guys to the next level. It’s obvious when you look at all of the players they have put in the league.

How did your senior year go?

Season went really well for us. We lost in the NorCal Championship to Aaron Gordon and Mitty. But it was a really good year, especially with it being my first year at Sheldon.

Who did you consider before you committed to Washington?

UCLA, Marquette, USC, SDSU and Texas A&M

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Ballers Bridge catches up with San Diego State Class of 2013 commit, Dakarai Allen.

Dakarai Allen is one of the more unique prospects in the class of 2013. Blessed with tremendous length and quickness, this Sheldon HS (Sacramento) standout is one of the better defenders in the country. San Diego State will count on this gifted athlete to lock up the opposing teams’ best players throughout his college career.

What made you pick San Diego State University? 

It was all about location, the coaching staff, and the fact that I felt that I was their number one option.

What position are you going to play in college?

I am going to play shooting guard.

What are your thoughts on Coach Tony Bland leaving for USC?

It is a good move for him and his family. But Coach Hutch from UNLV is coming in, and he is going to take his spot. I am familiar with him because UNLV recruited me too, so I am excited.

What have the coaches said your role will be this next year?

They want me to come in and guard the other team’s best player, and that is something I am looking forward to doing.

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Ballers Bridge sits down with Denver sharpshooter Ronnie Harrell Jr.

Class of 2014 stud Ronnie Harrell Jr. is one of the most humble prospects you will come across. Harrell, like his cousin, NBA veteran Chauncey Billups, simply wants to win and is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team. 

Who are your current offers?

Kansas State, Wyoming, Boise State and Northern Colorado.

Did Kansas State recently offer?

Yes, they offered about a week ago. I like them. Coach Weber came by the house and talked to me, and he was really cool. He seemed like a player’s coach, a coach I would like to play for.

What is the competition level like in Denver?

We are really underrated as a state. There may not be as much talent here as some other states, but there are still talented players.

Who taught you how to shoot?

I learned on my own. When I was little, I had to play on a metal rim outside. No one really taught me.

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Ballers Bridge catches up with one of America’s best 8th-graders, Sacramento standout Elishja Duplechan.

There aren’t many opportunities to call a middle schooler a high major prospect — Elishja Duplechan is one of the exceptions. Only in the 8th grade, Duplechan already sports an offer from the Memphis Tigers. It is only a matter of time before high major coaches around the country follow suit and pursue one of 2017′s best point guard prospects.

Some outlets consider you one of the best PG’s in the class of 2017. What does that mean to you at this point?

It’s humbling, and it makes me feel like all of the hard work I have put in is paying off. Growing up, I was one of the weakest kids in the gym. Now I go out and destroy.

How competitive are you in one-on-one games with your twin brother?

It gets pretty competitive whenever we play. Sometimes we even end up fighting. My dad won’t let us play against each other anymore!

What do you like to do off the court?

Basketball is my life. Outside of playing ball, whenever I can, I read my bible. God is the one who gave me the ability to be great.

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Ballers Bridge catches up with one of 2014′s fastest rising prospects, Josh Cunningham.

Josh Cunningham is one of the toughest prospects in the class of 2014. Cunningham plays with an edge that many players his age do not. Already ranked among the top 150 players in America, Cunningham is looking to boost his standing with evaluators and college coaches this summer.

How have you played so far this AAU season?

I have been playing pretty well. I have been working hard and going hard in practice. Coach Mike always reminds me that I need to go as hard as possible.

What position do you see yourself playing at the next level?

With Mac Irvin, I play the 3/4. In college, I see myself playing the 2/3.

Who is currently recruiting you?

Oklahoma, DePaul, Bradley, Michigan State and Iowa.

Dream school?

Louisville, Kansas, Baylor and Syracuse are some of the schools I watched growing up.

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