A team the Wings know very well, the Jackson Tigers boast two of the top big men in Johnny O'Bryant, ESPN's top center and #6 overall prospect in the '11 class, known for his relentlessness on the boards and an offensive game that is improving steadily, and Tyler Adams whose stock has been rising rapidly, finding himself a top target of the reigning NCAA champion Duke Blue Devils. Ladarius White, an Ole Miss commit and Mychal Ammons are very talented wing players for the Tigers.
Tennessee commit Kevin Ware will lead the Atlanta Celtics, a perennial AAU power, into Real Deal. Nick Jacobs, JaQuez Motley and Ryon Riggins will join Ware in their first action of the spring.
The Southern Kings of Georgia will bring an extremely talented squad with or without star guard Dai-Jon Parker, who may be out with an injury that kept him out at Boo Williams this past weekend. Looking to lead in his potential absence will be Parker's Milton (GA) high school teammates Julian Royal and Shannon Scott, an Ohio St commit. All three players are listed among the ESPN Super 60.
Some other top prospects expected to shine this weekend are LeBryan Nash, playing with the Dallas Mustangs and Myck Kabongo, Texas commit playing with Grassroots Canda. They are rated by ESPN as the #7 and #8 overall prospects in the class. The #14 rated LaQuinton Ross will represent MBA Hoops, while the #4 point guard in the class, Quinn Cook comes to town as the leader of the DC Assault team. Anthony Norris, ranked #30, is a Memphis commit playing his AAU ball with the New Mexico Force and Naadir Tharpe, a member of the NE Playaz squad.
Recruits at the tournament this weekend that the Razorbacks have offered or have been keeping a keen eye on include Memphis Magic standout Adonis Thomas and MBA Hoops stars Deville Smith and Rodney Hood. The Wings also have a number of prospects the Hogs are taking a close look at. Namely David Rivers, a 6'6 swingman that has really been overshadowed by the stars of the team, but is now making a name for himself on the recruiting trail. Darion Griswold, a two sport star, that is receiving high major interest in both sports, as well as 6'10 C Hooper Vint.
Not to be left out, the 2012 class will be well represented with at least four members of the ESPN Terrific 25 on display this weekend. Isaiah Austin, a 7 footer playing with Compton Magic, as well as J.P. Tokoto with Wisconsin Playground Warriors, Tony Parker with Southern Kings and Jordan Price playing with the Atlanta Celtics.
It is impossible to mention all of the talent that will be on hand for Real Deal. There will be teams from the 9 under division on up playing in gyms all over Little Rock. One thing is for sure though, if you enjoy high school basketball and will be in Little Rock this weekend, this would be a great tournament to watch.
The recruiting calendar allows high school basketball players to sign National Letters of Intent twice during the year. Other dates to watch out for:
