The Rucker of the South features household names as well as home-grown talent that can hold their own with the best

Thursday August 5, 2010

Last Thursday at the S.J.G. Greater NC Pro-Am, those in attendance were disappointed to find out the incoming Freshmen at NC State and UNC would not be playing.  Nevertheless, there was plenty of local talent on display.

Devine Masone was back in action, his first game after breaking his hand earlier this summer.  Masone scored late in the game.  Masone’s teammates included former Knightdale Knight Dijon Manns, Marcus Wells, formerly of Southern Durham, Landon Clement, of Sanderson fame, and Will Bunting who was featured at Jordan a few seasons back.

Bunting can soar with the best of them and showed his defensive prowess on several occasions.  Bunting even spent some time checking Jawad Williams of the Cleveland Cavaliers and did a good job. 

Clement was on fire from behind the arc and will be a big asset for Coach LeVelle Moton at NCCU this season.  Manns’ post defense has improved and he is still quite adept at hitting the mid-range jumper, also things Moton will welcome for the Eagles.

Marcus Wells has made a name for himself at Winston Salem State University, as a top newcomer last season.  He looked stronger then when we last saw him and as comfortable as ever handling the ball and attacking the rim.

The second game of the night featured Marquis Oliver, who played at Panther Creek, and TJ Holman, the scoring machine that starred at Wake Forest-Rolesville.  Oliver did what he has always done well rebound, score around the basket, contest on the defensive end.  Holman came up with some key baskets late in the game in an overtime win.  Holman seemed to find a driving lane every time they needed a bucket.

The third game featured Nolan Smith of Duke, but he was arguably upstaged by a local product.  EJ Williams had a near flawless performance.  The PG will be playing at Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas this coming season. 

Williams played at Garner and was more of a scoring guard under Coach Eddie Gray.  Since leaving Garner he has refined his jumper, connecting on five treys last Thursday.  Williams was also able to consistently knife into the lane, no matter who was defending.  Once in the lane he did a great job of finding teammates, scoring, or drawing a foul. 

Williams will be a steal for a program in need of a solid guard that can do nearly everything on the floor.  The Greater NC Pro-Am tournament is set to begin on Friday 8/6/10, culminating in the championship game at 4:30pm Sunday 8/8/10.

Kerry Smith

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