Real Deal: Day 1 Rundown

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Coaches can’t be in the gym until Saturday but scouts don’t play by those rules. Therefore we got a sneak peek at the Real Deal On The Hill Friday night. Big man John Henson didn’t look too shabby.

John Henson, PF, Franchize – It’s going to be fun watching this one unfold. At least 6-foot-10, Henson remains a youngster oozing with potential. As expected, he’s assuming more of a role on the circuit and smoothed his way to 18 points in the opener. Definitely can play facing the bucket, has some tricks in the bag and is tracking like a major prospect should.

Eric Bledsoe, PG, Birm. Ice – We’ve been dying to find another point guard to add to our national list and this young man is a candidate. A true quarterback, Bledsoe’s best gift may well be the ease in which he makes the game for his teammates. He opened with an alley-oop and used his strong body to make plays in between. His AAU coach described the game as “average” but we loved his presence.

Bledsoe Was Impressive

J.P. Kuhlman, PG/SG, Jax. Lee Bulls – We’re hoping we get to see him again but either way he’s good enough to be an elite mid-level player. Hit up Jon Hood and the Celtics for 22 points and gave them fits. Granted, Hood is coming off a broken arm and Kuhlman probably didn’t know that; regardless he was in attack mode and busted 4 3-pointers. He’s smart and has that little edge to him that screams “let me carry my mid-major club” to the NCAA Tournament.

Sampson Carter, SF, M33M – Though we didn’t watch his game exclusively, every time we looked up he was getting a bucket. Hoops were coming from behind the arc and with regularity. He'll be a post-grad in the fall.

Drew Kelly, PF/C, Nashville Celtics – A mid-level player – and a good one – Kelly owns his area. He scored it around the rim and worked inside for buckets. Expect him to be a mid-level priority post.

LeBryan Nash, SF, Dallas Mustangs – He’s got a big rep and Friday night his jump shot warranted attention. He’s got talent around him in Keaton Miles and Devonte Abron so he does’t have to be a one-man show. Definitely improved his perimeter game since the last time around.

Shaunessy Smith of the Birmingham Storm has a sprained wrist and won’t be playing at the Real Deal. …

C.J. Leslie is with the WW Renegades and he did two things at a high level Friday night: rebounded and passed. … Liked King James junior Mark Heninger more this time with his normal 16 and under crew. He’ll be a mid-level kid. … Apparently Demarcus Cousins did work for the Birmingham Storm. …

Mfon Udofia his a 3-pointer to win WW Renegades Black’s opening game. … Kelly Lawson, a power forward with Franchize, is a mid-major kid for sure. …

Ray Turner is hearing from Nebraska, Arizona, Baylor, Memphis and Wichita State. … Kelly Lawson has offers from Tulane and S.F. Austin. Marquette, Nebraska and Tulane are strong. Colorado and Oral Roberts like him. …

Eric Bledsoe wouldn’t mind if the Florida Gators gave him a look. South Alabama and Georgia State have been on him hard and offered. Bradley, Mississippi and UAB offered too. Tom Crean liked him at Marquette and we’d expect that interest to carry over to Indiana for the time being. Missouri is also looking. …

J.P. Kuhlman has offers from North Florida and Jacksonville. He averaged 18 points for a team that went 26-4. Indiana State would like to have him as well. …