Player Profile: 2015 Rodney Hunter

Name: Rodney Hunter
Height: 6'5
Weight:180
High School: Mariner High School
Class: 2015
How long have you been playing for Nike Team Florida?
This year is my first year with NTF.

How has your experience with Nike Team Florida been?
My experience with this team has been great. We are all like a big family, We have a lot of fun together and win together.

How was your Spring? What were some of the Highlights?
My Spring went very well, my favorite highlight was when I went bananas in Atlanta and caught a body!

Explain how your perfect month of July would go?
The perfect month of July as a team  would be us playing great at Peach Jam and winning it.But individually, Picking up some offers.

What schools have contacted you since June 15th?
Baylor, Miami, Virginia Tech, Jacksonville, FGCU and FAU have all contacted me.

What are you looking for in a College and it's basketball program?
I'm looking for a school that provides not only an excellent basketball program but good academics as well. Also a system that suits my strengths.

What is your current High school GPA? What college majors are you interested in?
My current GPA is a 3.64 and I would like to major in either Business Management or Sports Medicine.

Last Thoughts?
Lets Show Out at Peach Jam and Take that Trophy Home Boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Sophomore Year Highlights: 

Rodney Hunter - Official Sophomore High School Mixtape 2.0!!!

---> Mixtape 2.0 LINK

Chance McSpadden & Chad Brown in Local Media

Winter Haven's McSpadden Impressive at UF Camp

"GAINESVILLE | Chance McSpadden wasted no time impressing the Florida coaching staff at the Billy Donovan Basketball Camp this weekend, and the coaches wasted no time letting the Winter Haven guard know how they felt about him.

About an hour after the Blue Devils played their first game against Boone on Friday afternoon, Florida assistant coach Rashon Burno pulled McSpadden aside.

“He said, ‘Chance, we’re going to offer you a scholarship,’” McSpadden recalled on Saturday. “He liked how I competed.” The junior made an early impression in Winter Haven’s first game at the camp when he guarded Boone’s star point guard B.J. Taylor.

“When Chance kind of wore him out, that’s what re­ally got them,” Winter Haven coach Tyrone Woodside said.

It’s the second offer in as many weeks for McSpadden, who picked up an offer at the Stan Heath Basketball Camp at South Florida last weekend.

“I didn’t realize it would happen so quickly,” Woodside said of the Florida offer. 

McSpadden immediately called his parents, who were in as much shock as he was. 

“My dad was like, ‘Man, you’re lying, you’re play-ing,’” McSpadden said. 

With Donovan away coaching the United States’ Under-19 team in the FIBA World Championships, his assistants put on a clinic demonstrating drills to the teams. McSpadden was called upon to participate with the top players at the camp." - Aimee Sachs (Polk Preps)

http://www.polkpreps.com/news/article/46631/winter-havens-mcspadden-impresses-at-uf-camp/

Deltona's Brown Drawing Big-Hoops Offers

"Deltona forward/center Chad Brown’s recruiting is picking up steam.

The 6-foot-8 rising junior said he has offers from Kansas State, Bethune-Cookman and Alabama. He said he is also hearing from Florida State, Miami, Nebraska, VCU, Virginia, Murray State and North Carolina State.

Brown averaged nearly 9 points and 11 rebounds per game last season.

“They love the way I rebound, block shots and defend,” Brown said. “And, they love the way I finish around the basket.” - Brian Linder (The Daytona Beach News Journal)

http://therecruitingtrail.blogs.news-journalonline.com/10071/deltonas-brown-drawing-big-time-hoops-offers/

Player Profile: 2015 Jonathan Jean

Name: Jonathan Jean
Height: 5'11
Weight: 168
High School: East Bay HS (FL)
Class: 2015

How long have you been playing for Nike Team Florida?                                                       This is my first year playing with Nike Team Florida

How has your experience with Nike Team Florida been?                                                         My experience has been great . I've traveled to a lot of places . Seen a lot of people and played against the best players in the nation 

How was your Spring? What were some of the Highlights?                                                    My spring went pretty well. There were a lot of good highlights but the one I can remember was in ATL throwing alley oops to my teammate K.H. He was dunking on everybody that weekend . 

Explain how your perfect month of July would go?                                                                    My Perfect month of July would lead me into my high school season with some offers! Im really excited about the month of July, I know it's the live period so a lot of college coaches are going to be there so I'm just going to go out there and play my hardest and leave everything on the floor.

What schools have contacted you since June 15th?                                                           Florida Atlantic university and Alabama university have contacted me.

What are you looking for in a College and it's basketball program?                                      I'm looking for a great coaching staff that pushes you and makes you better everyday . As far as the basketball program I want to have a lot of exposure.

What is your current High School GPA? What college majors are you interested in?            I currently have a 3.4GPA. I would like to major in sports medicine.

Last Thoughts?                                                                                                                                 Nike Team Florida making noise in July !!! #NTF



 

Player Profile: 2015 Chad Brown

Name:  Chad Brown

Height:  6'8

Weight:  215 lbs

High School:  Deltona HS (FL)

Class:  2015

How long have you been playing for Nike Team Florida?

CB: This is my first year with NTF

How has your experience with Nike Team Florida been?

CB: My experience has been great, traveling around the country playing big time travel basketball.

How was your Spring? What were some of the Highlights?

CB: My spring went very well my favorite highlight. Was when I dunked on a player from team takeover.

Explain how your perfect month of July would go?

CB: A Perfect month of July to me, is going to NIKE Peach Jam and playing hard in it and hopefully winning it.

What schools have contacted you since June 15th?

CB: Schools that have contacted my since June 15th are University of Miami, University of Virgina, VCU, Florida State, University of South Florida and the University of Nebraska. 

What are you looking for in a College and it's basketball program?

CB: For college I am looking for a really good organization, great academics , and a  high level  of basketball that can help get me to the NBA.

What is your current High school GPA? What college majors are you interested in?

CB: My current GPA is a 2.9 and I want to go to school and study Computer Engineering.

Last Thoughts?

CB: Just going to continue to work hard to make some big time money in the future and hopefully reach my goal of playing in the NBA.

NTF 16U PEACH JAM GAME SCHEDULE

NIKE Team Florida 16U PEACH JAM GAME SCHEDULE

TUESDAY July 9^th 

2 PM Court 4:  CP3 vs. NIKE Team Florida

7 PM Court 4:  NIKE Team Florida vs. AL Challenge

WEDNESDAY July 10th

6 PM Court 4:  NIKE Team Florida vs. Mean Streets

THURSDAY July 11th

3 PM Court 4 Boo Williams vs. NIKE Team Florida

FRIDAY July 12th

1:30 PM Bracket Play Quarter Finals

SATURDAY July 13th

1:30 PM Semi Finals

SUNDAY July 14th

1 PM Championship Game

FULL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE: 

http://www.nikeeyb.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Sweet16PoolsandSchedule-2013.pdf

2015 Kevarrius Hayes Commits to University of Florida

6'9 Kevarrius Hayes of Suwanee Live Oak HS has committed to play for Billy Donovan and the Florida Gators! As a Sophomore Kevarrius averaged 11.3 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks per game. Kevarrius plays for Nike Team Florida 16U

NTF Forward Kevarius Hayes featured in Local Media

SHS's Hayes a NIKE Elite 100: Sophomore basketball player invited to prestigious event

"Live Oak — Suwannee High School sophomore Kevarrius Hayes spent June 3-9 in St. Louis, Mo. as part of a special camp for elite basketball athletes, the Nike Elite 100.
 The first skill development event of the summer for Nike Elite Youth Basketball, Nike Elite 100 focused on the nation’s best high school basketball players. 
Hayes was able to attend the event sponsored by Nike that featured many of the best instructors and elite high school coaches in the country. 


“The event helps build a foundation of the knowledge of the game for years to come,” Nike Elite 100’s website explains. “The goal for the Nike Elite 100 is to give the best players the opportunity to develop their skills and to grow their game to heights never imagined.”

Past participants in this event have gone on to star at some of the top college programs in the country and eventually make an impact in the NBA.


“Your selection as a participant in this prestigious event clearly signals that you are nationally recognized as one of the elite players in your class,” a letter from Nike to Hayes reads. 


SHS varsity basketball coach Jeremy Ulmer accompanied Hayes to the event. "Kevarrius did extremely well, he definitely deserved to be there" said Ulmer. 
Ulmer said the level of talent was amazing and included several seven foot tall players. 


There were eight players from the state of Florida selected along with participants from across the nation. Participation in the event is by invitation only. Hayes, who plays travel basketball for Nike Team Florida, was selected because of outstanding play during the spring Elite Youth Basketball League season. 
Hayes has been a varsity basketball player at SHS for two years earning the Defensive Player of the Year Award and an Academic Award for maintaining a grade point average above a 3.0. He has also been a member of the track and field team for two years setting a school record in the high jump. He is active in student government serving as the sophomore class president and is active with HOSA. Hayes’ future plans include medical school where he hopes to become a surgeon.


"We have worked very hard over the last three years to establish a quality basketball program at Suwannee High School that will benefit our students and the community,” said Ulmer. “My goal is to get kids to college." 
Several colleges have contacted Ulmer about Hayes. They include Alabama, Kansas State and Ulmer's alma mater, the University of Florida.


"Kevarrius has everything it takes to be a major D1 player. He has athletic and academic ability, a positive attitude and a great work ethic,” said Ulmer. “He is everything a coach could ask for in a player." - Suwannee Democrat 

Story Link: http://suwanneedemocrat.com/suwanneesports/x1504163505/SHS-s-Kevarrius-Hayes-a-Nike-Elite-100

Prep pulse: Suwannee's Hayes starts summer right

"Just because school is out and it is close to summer (June 21) doesn't mean high school athletes around the area are taking it easy. Far from it. In the case of incoming junior Kevarrius Hayes of Suwannee, his summer break got off to an exciting start. Hayes, a 6-foot-8 center, traveled to St. Louis with Bulldogs coach Jeremy Ulmer recently as one of the nation's promising underclassmen invited to the Nike Elite 100. A second-team all-area performer, Hayes averaged 11.3 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks a game for Suwannee during his sophomore year as the Bulldogs reached the regional semifinals, falling to Tallahassee Rickards. That team was led by standout guard Jimmie Taylor III, the area's leading scorer at 24 points per game and signed to Rider in what is believed to be the first Division I boys basketball signing ever at Suwannee. Considering Hayes is already getting attention from Florida, Alabama and Kansas State, the Bulldogs will likely have another Division I signee in two years. “Kevarrius has everything it takes to be a major D-I player,” Ulmer said. “He has athletic and academic ability, a positive attitude and a great work ethic. He is everything a coach could ask for in a player.” Hayes, who plays travel basketball for Nike Team Florida, was invited to St. Louis because of his outstanding play during the spring Elite Youth Basketball League season. A sample of his play (a dominating dunk) can be seen online at  http://bit.ly/13J6sLM  The center has also been a member of the track and field team for two years, and won a district title in the high jump (6 feet) this past season. Active in student government, Hayes was the sophomore class president and has been active with Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). His future plans include going to medical school where he hopes to become a surgeon. “We have worked very hard the last three years to establish a quality basketball program at Suwannee High School that will benefit our students and the community,” Ulmer said. “My goal is to get kids to college.” - Larry Savage (Gainesville Sun)

Story Link: http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20130615/ARTICLES/130619711/1185/frontpage?Title=Prep-pulse-Suwannee-s-Hayes-starts-summer-right

MEDIA & COACHES: NTF 16U JULY INFO

NIKE TEAM FLORIDA 16U


Tom Topping - Head Coach/Program Director (@TomToppingNTF)
Ed Hall - Assistant Coach
Martin McCann - Assistant Coach (@CoachMcCann)

JULY TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:

July 10-14: NIKE Sweet 16 at the Peach Jam (N. Augusta, SC)

July 18-23: AAU 16U Super Showcase (Lake Buena Vista, FL)

July 23-28: AAU 16U Nationals (Lake Buena Vista, FL)

ROSTER:

2	Michael Stones	6'1	Windermere Prep (FL)	2015s
4	Haanif Cheatham	6'4	Pembroke Pines Charter (FL)	2015
3	Troy Baxter	6'7	The Rock School (FL)	2016
5	Wyatt Walker	6'7	Providence (FL)	2015
11	Jonathan Jean	5'10	East Bay (FL)	2015
13	Kevarrius Hayes (Committed to Florida)	6'8	Suwannee (FL)	2015
15	Chance McSpadden	6'3	Winter Haven (FL)	2015
21	Chad Brown	6'7	Deltona (FL)	2015
22	Rodney Hunter	6'3	Mariner (FL)	2015

NTF Players Recognized as "Spring Risers" by SouceHoops

Source Hoops recognized a number of perimeter and interior players as "Spring Risers". Nike Team Florida members Jon Jean, Haanif Cheatham, Chance McSpadden, Kevarrius Hayes and Troy Baxter were all recognized! 


"Nike Team Florida had a trio of players get noticed at the Nike Memorial Day Classic.  5’11 sophomore Jonathan Jean of Tampa East Bay impressed the guys at HoopSeen with his ability to control tempo, get teammates the ball, and score when necessary.  Hannif Cheatham, a 6’5 sophomore, got marks for performing well on a bum ankle at the MDC.  He proved to be versatile as he played three different positions for NTF during the event which allowed for match-up advantages on both sides of the floor.  Chance McFadden of Winter Haven also got going for NTF.  The 6’3 sophomore had over half of the team’s points (22 of the team’s 42) in a game against the Arkansas Wings." - Rick Staudt (SourceHoops)


"Another player on the Nike circuit that is getting and more attention is 6’8 sophomore Kevarrius Hayes on Nike Team Florida.  The Live Oak Suwannee product is using his length and athleticism to great use on both sides of the ball.  Offensively he’s played strong inside and his post moves have improved to the point he’s pretty reliable if single covered on the block.  Hayes has also showed he can hit shots facing the basket from 10-12 feet.  Defensively he is quick off of his feet for boards and blocks and looks to shut down the lane to the opposition."- Rick Staudt (SourceHoops)


"The final player on our list is 6’7 freshman Troy Baxter of Gainesville The Rock School who plays with Nike Team Florida.  Both ESPN and HoopSeen raved about his athleticism and length.  Baxter catches the crowd’s attention with a dunking exhibition in warm-ups and then produces during games.  He’s a good shot blocker coming from the weak side, can score at the basket with only a few dribbles and will knock down open threes if given time and space.  Baxter will certainly need to get stronger (listed at only 175 lbs) and must keep from being satisfied with getting by on his awesome athletic ability alone.  In other words, play as hard on the defensive end as the offensive end."- Rick Staudt (SourceHoops)

Nike Elite 100 - St Louis Missouri

Nike Team Florida 16U members Haanif Cheatham and Kevarrius Hayes were invited to the Nike Elite 100 Camp in St Louis. The event hosted the best players in the classes of 2015 & 2016. Haanif and Kevarrius were both recognized by the media for the excellent performances! 

"Kevarrius Hayes was the most active big man I saw all weekend. Worked incredibly hard on the offensive glass.” - Ben Weixlmann (Fox/Scout)


"There were some higher ranked wings than Haanif Cheatham at the Nike Elite One Hundred camp, but none had a bigger impact on the play than Cheatham. 6-4 (all measurements barefoot), 170-pounds and with a 6-6 wing span. Cheatham immediately stood out with his aggressive play, especially on the defensive boards. The lefty also finished at the basket off physical change of direction drives. He shoots the ball well enough to keep the defense honest and is also a versatile defender. At this point, Cheatham projects as a three position perimeter player." - Jerry Meyer (247Sports) 

"I guarantee there wasnt a better perimeter defensive rebounder than Haanif Cheatham n the camp. Lefty pushes the break & also makes plays." - - Jerry Meyer (247Sports)


"BEST SHOOTING GUARDS: Hannif Cheatham (Miramar, Fla./Pembroke Pines) 2015, SG/SF, 6-4, 170 Travel Team: Nike Team Florida. Cheatham was one of the best slashers at the camp. The lefty is long, tall and slithery. He finds a way to get into the paint." - John Stovall (ESPN)

Perimeter Player on Mark at Nike Elite 100: There are guards who have more speed, but Cheatham is a heady player who is solid in all aspects of the game. A combo guard with 6-foot-4 size, the No. 47 player in 2015 is excellent in the pick and roll and plays smart, team ball. It's hard not to like his rebounding from the guard position." - Eric Bossi (Rivals)

Nike Team Florida Players Train with NBA/NIKE Skills Trainers

This past week NTF players Haanif Cheatham (2015) & Troy Baxter (2016) had the opportunity to workout with NBA/NIKE Skills Trainers Ganon Baker & Cody Toppert. Check out the Highlights from the great workouts!

2013 Nike 16U Peach Jam Invitational

After securing a Bid at the Nike Memorial Day Classic, the Nike Team Florida 16U Team will be participating Nike Peach Jam July 9-14 in Augusta, SC.

Pool D:
D1- Boo Williams (VA)
D2- Nike Team Florida (FL)
D3- Alabama Challenge (AL)
D4- Team CP3 (NC)
D5- Meanstreets (IL)

2013 16U Peach Jam Schedule:

http://www.nikeeyb.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Sweet16PoolsandSchedule-2013.pdf

Troy Baxter (2016) Shines at Super Soph Camp

Nike Team Florida forward Troy Baxter attended Super Soph Camp ay 31- June 1 in Atlanta. Troy had a great weekend at Camp and was selected to the Top 20 AllStar Game. Here are some highlights and reports from the weekend.

Best Athlete: Troy Baxter - When something good happens and a person gets fired up one of the best phrases in around is: Can I get a Witness! Well, it didn’t take Baxter long to have people saying this after a mini-dunk fest the 6-foot-8 wing had on the layup line. He then went on to put together some eye-popping, rim-rocking dunks the remainder of the weekend making sure everyone Witness Troy  (ironically his Twitter handle). - Robert Alfonso Jr (HoopSeen.com)

Spring Riser - Underclassmen Interior Players: The final player on our list is 6’7 freshman Troy Baxter of Gainesville The Rock School who plays with Nike Team Florida.  Both ESPN and HoopSeen raved about his athleticism and length.  Baxter catches the crowd’s attention with a dunking exhibition in warm-ups and then produces during games.  He’s a good shot blocker coming from the weak side, can score at the basket with only a few dribbles and will knock down open threes if given time and space.  Baxter will certainly need to get stronger (listed at only 175 lbs) and must keep from being satisfied with getting by on his awesome athletic ability alone.  In other words, play as hard on the defensive end as the offensive end. - Rick Staudt (Source Hoops)

Troy Baxter
2016, PF, 6-7, 175
Interest: Florida State, Florida, Louisville, Stanford, Miami, Virginia and Virginia Tech. Baxter plays with aggression and uses his athleticism to his advantage against other 4-men. He can get to the rim with short dribble drives, make open treys and blocks shots on the ball or coming off the weakside. He will need to add strength, rebound better and continue to improve as an on-ball defender, but he already has a lot of tools at his disposal. - Reggie Rankin (ESPN)