'24 VA PG Ben Hammond (URI LOI ---> ??? )

[steveystuds06]

Hammond needs to work on his 3 pt shot the most. I'm sure it'll get there. He's a 90% ft shooter.

[ramster]

Team Takeover (D.C.)

Donovan Freeman (PF, Syracuse commit, No. 33 in 2024 ESPN 100)
Darren Harris (G, Duke commit, No. 42 in 2024 ESPN 100)
Patrick Ngongba (C, uncommitted, No. 67 in 2024 ESPN 100)
Garrett Sundra (PF, uncommitted, No. 82 in 2024 ESPN 100)
Caleb Williams (SF, uncommitted, No. 85 in 2024 ESPN 100)
Nykolas Lewis (PG, uncommitted, No. 30 in 2025 ESPN 60)

Talent level of Team Takeover that won the prestigious 2023 Peach Jam

Gives an idea of the talent level of Ben Hammond to be recruited to play starting PG for AAU Team Takeover

https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/ ... 350383007/

[Billyboy78]

Team Takeover (D.C.)

Donovan Freeman (PF, Syracuse commit, No. 33 in 2024 ESPN 100)
Darren Harris (G, Duke commit, No. 42 in 2024 ESPN 100)
Patrick Ngongba (C, uncommitted, No. 67 in 2024 ESPN 100)
Garrett Sundra (PF, uncommitted, No. 82 in 2024 ESPN 100)
Caleb Williams (SF, uncommitted, No. 85 in 2024 ESPN 100)
Nykolas Lewis (PG, uncommitted, No. 30 in 2025 ESPN 60)

Talent level of Team Takeover that won the prestigious 2023 Peach Jam

Gives an idea of the talent level of Ben Hammond to be recruited to play starting PG for AAU Team Takeover

https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/ ... 350383007/

Harris (Duke), Ngongba (probably going to UConnn) and Sundra (probably going to Notre Dame) are also Ben's teammates at Paul VI, yet Ben is the leader of that team.

[Blue Man]

Not to rain on any parades here, as I watched a bunch of Bens games at Peach Jam and he looks great. I just find it important to surround positives and negatives of any player with context.

Important to remember Ben was playing/surrounded with multiple Top 100 players.

He has a great skill set as a floor general. Will need the right surrounding cast to use that ability to it’s fullest

I think it more shows that he's at that level of talent himself. As a junior.

Put Sebastian Thomas on that team and see if those kids play as well.

[RAM67]

You need to put the Sebastian Thomas comments to bed. He gave everything he had for this team, as many of his teammates did not, and for that I will be thankful.

[Blue Man]

You need to put the Sebastian Thomas comments to bed. He gave everything he had for this team, as many of his teammates did not, and for that I will be thankful.

I don't think I commented anything about his effort or personality. As a basketball player he is not good. I'm sure I'd be happy to work an office job with him. He didn't belong at this level of basketball, and him being here is more a commentary on the previous coaching administration than anything about him.

Either way, comments about him will never be put to bed because they are a great reminder of how far we had fallen, why we should appreciate who's bringing us back up, and how to recognize and appreciate the players and talent we bring in now.

[RAM67]

That sounds great. and I agree with the basic sentiment, but he was who we had at the time, wanted to be here, we didn't have a better option, and he played to the best of his ability. Why bring him up with such negativity every other post? Apparently, Archie as well as Cox thought he could play under those circumstances.

[reef]

So looking forward to see what Ben and his high school teammate can accomplish @ Rhody

[Blue Man]

That sounds great. and I agree with the basic sentiment, but he was who we had at the time, wanted to be here, we didn't have a better option, and he played to the best of his ability. Why bring him up with such negativity every other post? Apparently, Archie as well as Cox thought he could play under those circumstances.

Archie did not have a choice. We were incredibly devoid of ball handlers last year.

Cox chose this.

[RAM67]

I believe you just agreed to what I said.

[hrstrat57]

I’m not looking back at the last season debacle or the disappointing tenure of our previous coaching staff.

Let’s look forward friends!

Go Rhody!

[rhodylaw]

That sounds great. and I agree with the basic sentiment, but he was who we had at the time, wanted to be here, we didn't have a better option, and he played to the best of his ability. Why bring him up with such negativity every other post? Apparently, Archie as well as Cox thought he could play under those circumstances.

Archie did not have a choice. We were incredibly devoid of ball handlers last year.

Cox chose this.

In fairness to Cox - he chose him to be a redshirt long term development project. Unfortunately he was able to beat out everyone else on the team that should have been better. He does some things really well, it wasn’t a bad pickup for a developmental player who if he had ever fixed his shot would have been able to play at this level.

[Blue Man]

That sounds great. and I agree with the basic sentiment, but he was who we had at the time, wanted to be here, we didn't have a better option, and he played to the best of his ability. Why bring him up with such negativity every other post? Apparently, Archie as well as Cox thought he could play under those circumstances.

Archie did not have a choice. We were incredibly devoid of ball handlers last year.

Cox chose this.

In fairness to Cox - he chose him to be a redshirt long term development project. Unfortunately he was able to beat out everyone else on the team that should have been better. He does some things really well, it wasn’t a bad pickup for a developmental player who if he had ever fixed his shot would have been able to play at this level.

I don’t want to take over the thread of a recruit who will be a building block of our next great generation.

But that’s false. Cox chose Bassy because he looked like a fool not wanting to look at Kolek when Kolek wanted to come here. He was feeling heat for “not being able to recruit Rhode Island” and went and grabbed a kid from Hendricken and then made a big deal about recruiting the state.

[rhodylaw]

Archie did not have a choice. We were incredibly devoid of ball handlers last year.

Cox chose this.

In fairness to Cox - he chose him to be a redshirt long term development project. Unfortunately he was able to beat out everyone else on the team that should have been better. He does some things really well, it wasn’t a bad pickup for a developmental player who if he had ever fixed his shot would have been able to play at this level.

I don’t want to take over the thread of a recruit who will be a building block of our next great generation.

But that’s false. Cox chose Bassy because he looked like a fool not wanting to look at Kolek when Kolek wanted to come here. He was feeling heat for “not being able to recruit Rhode Island” and went and grabbed a kid from Hendricken and then made a big deal about recruiting the state.

Both are true - I agree he wanted to recruit the state after the Kolek miss - but he also was not expecting to play him year 1. Bassy was also a long term play at getting Miranda. Either way, he was not expected to play extensively his first 2 years but beat out the other more highly recruited players for time. It’s not his fault he was the best option on the team, he never should have been close to the best option as he was not ready (may never be ready) to play at this level. We shall move on now though. This recruit looks much more ready to play in the A10 and I am pumped about that:

[Billyboy78]

And Ngongba has a final 8 of Duke, Indiana, Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky, Michigan, Providence, and UConn. But guess who is the leader of this team?

[Mattrams94]

Hammond is currently on a visit at URI

[Ramfan22]

Hammond is currently on a visit at URI

Good time to do it. Homecoming weekend, got a big football game tomorrow, and the hoopfest today. Also got the practice facility operational.

[Mattrams94]

Hammond is currently on a visit at URI

Good time to do it. Homecoming weekend, got a big football game tomorrow, and the hoopfest today. Also got the practice facility operational.

Indeed

[CamsRams]

[adam914]

Really excited about Hammond! I think he'll end up being a fan favorite at Rhody.

[Billyboy78]

Really excited about Hammond! I think he'll end up being a fan favorite at Rhody.

He plays with great players now with all of them going to high major schools and he's been a big reason his teammates have been so successful. I think he's the type of player who can attract other really good players to come here because of the way he plays and leads.

[Jdrums#3]

I understand the game is more position-less today but I have always been partial to a good point guard (floor general type) on the floor.

I am glad we landed Hammond and am looking forward to watching Kortright this season based on recent comment from Archie.

[ramster]

Team Takeover (D.C.)

Donovan Freeman (PF, Syracuse commit, No. 33 in 2024 ESPN 100)
Darren Harris (G, Duke commit, No. 42 in 2024 ESPN 100)
Patrick Ngongba (C, uncommitted, No. 67 in 2024 ESPN 100)
Garrett Sundra (PF, uncommitted, No. 82 in 2024 ESPN 100)
Caleb Williams (SF, uncommitted, No. 85 in 2024 ESPN 100)
Nykolas Lewis (PG, uncommitted, No. 30 in 2025 ESPN 60)

Talent level of Team Takeover that won the prestigious 2023 Peach Jam

Gives an idea of the talent level of Ben Hammond to be recruited to play starting PG for AAU Team Takeover

https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/ ... 350383007/

Harris (Duke), Ngongba (probably going to UConnn) and Sundra (probably going to Notre Dame) are also Ben's teammates at Paul VI, yet Ben is the leader of that team.

Ngongba reduced to his Final 3. Ngongba has moved up to #19 on ESPN 100 with his strong AAU play this past spring/summer.

No longer on his list are Kansas, Connecticut, Indiana, Providence and Michigan.

https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/c ... 320326007/

[Ramfan22]

[ramster]

Ngongba will announce this Saturday at 2:30pm

[Jersey77]

Ngongba will announce this Saturday at 2:30pm

He did most recently visit K-State, Kentucky also in the mix.

[ramster]

Ngongba will announce this Saturday at 2:30pm

He did most recently visit K-State, Kentucky also in the mix.

Yes. He recently narrowed to Duke, Kentucky and Kansas State.

[NYGFan_Section208]

Ngongba will announce this Saturday at 2:30pm

He did most recently visit K-State, Kentucky also in the mix.

Yes. He recently narrowed to Duke, Kentucky and Kansas State.

Wherever he goes, if he's really good (or even if he isn't, I guess), they should call it "The Ngong Show"

[RhodyKyle]

Seems like it's Duke

[Billyboy78]

I wonder if we could beat Paul VI......kidding, kind of. They have several NBA prospects on the team.

[ramster]

Ngongba picks Duke at 2:30pm today


https://www.zagsblog.com/2023/11/04/duk ... k-ngongba/

[Billyboy78]

[RhowdyRam02]

Not sure why the link says swimming and diving...

https://gorhody.com/news/2023/11/8/wome ... 24-25.aspx

Ben Hammond
Paul VI
Manassas, Va.
Guard
5-11 | 155
Hammond earned Second Team All-Conference honors as a junior in 2023 for Paul VI. The EYBL Breakout MVP of 2023, he has led Paul VI to a pair of state championships already (2022, 2023), as well as a conference championship in 2022. He is the facilitator for one of the most powerful program's in the country, and was the team's 2022 Defensive Player of the Year. Through Paul VI, Hammond has played overseas in London as part of the Basketball Hall of Fame London Showcase, where the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference power went 4-0 to win a tournament that also featured New York's Christ the King and California's Mater Dei.

Hammond comes out of Glen Farello's Paul VI program whose entire starting lineup is signing Division I NLIs. Picking up three- and four-star ratings from multiple sites, he chose the Rams over the likes of George Mason, College of Charleston and Towson. Last season, his team was 31-4 overall, including a perfect 15-0 in the DMV region.

"Ben Hammond was the point guard for one of the most powerful high school programs in the country in Paul VI," Miller said. "He plays for Glen Farello, who has produced more than 80 Division I players and a handful of guys who have played in the NBA. It's program that regularly produces high-level, productive players, and Ben has been at the wheel. We are getting a championship-caliber player who is dynamic on both ends of the floor."

[adam914]

The next great Rhody point guard!! So pumped about this kid!

[ElmCityRhody]

AWESOME !

[steveystuds06]

The best part of Archie's press conference was when he said Hammond and Farrell are two of the best A10 recruits he's ever landed. Man, I can't wait to see all our young guys develop and hopefully stick around once they do!

[reef]

The best part of Archie's press conference was when he said Hammond and Farrell are two of the best A10 recruits he's ever landed. Man, I can't wait to see all our young guys develop and hopefully stick around once they do!

Right and he had some good ones @ Dayton !!

[ramster]

This speaks for itself......

From Duke Men's Basketball

[Jdrums#3]

Hamm it up, young man!

Go Rhody!

[reef]

This speaks for itself......

From Duke Men's Basketball

IMG_0786.png


IMG_0785.jpeg

This his high school team or AAU ?

[ramster]

This speaks for itself......

From Duke Men's Basketball

IMG_0786.png


IMG_0785.jpeg

This his high school team or AAU ?

HS

Paul VI

[steveystuds06]

This speaks for itself......

From Duke Men's Basketball

IMG_0786.png


IMG_0785.jpeg

Love that!

[ramster]

Top 25 ESPN HS Prep Rankings

There was plenty of movement this week in the rankings so get the full update on the ESPN High School Boys' Basketball Top 25 for the week of Nov. 27, 2024 below.

1. Montverde Academy (Fla.) 4-0
2. Link Academy (Mo.) 6-0
3. Columbus (Fla.) 2-1
4. Prolific Prep (Calif.) 8-1
5. IMG Academy (Fla.) 1-0
6. Long Island Luthern (N.Y.) 0-0
7. Paul VI (Va.) 0-0
8. La Lumiere (Ind.) 5-0
9. Combine Academy (N.C.) 9-0
10. Wasatch Academy (Utah) 3-2
11. AZ Compass (Ariz.) 7-1
12. Bishop O'Connell (Va.) 1-0
13. John Marshall (Virg.) 0-0
14. Gonzaga HS College (Washington D.C.) 0-0
15. Archbishop Stepniac (N.Y.) 0-0
16. Brewster Academy (N.H.) 4-0
17. Grayson (Ga.) 6-0
18. Dream City Christian (Ariz.) 5-1
19. Harvard-Westlake (Calif.) 4-0
20. St. John Bosco (Calif.) 1-0
21. Myers Park (N.C.) 0-1
22. Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) 0-0
23. Lake Travis (Texas) 8-0
24. Red Rock Academy (Nev.) 7-0
25. Oak Hill Academy (Va.) 7-0

[ramster]

Paul VI will play in the prestigious City of Palms Classic in Ft Myers

First game for Paul VI:
Monday Dec 18 3:30pm vs Millennium (AZ)

Teams from Top 25 that will be in the City of Palms Classic:

1. Montverde Academy (Fla.) 4-0
2. Link Academy (Mo.) 6-0
3. Columbus (Fla.) 2-1
5. IMG Academy (Fla.) 1-0
6. Long Island Luthern (N.Y.) 0-0
7. Paul VI (Va.) 0-0
22. Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) 0-0

[Billyboy78]

Paul VI is pretty good....

[Billyboy78]

[Jdrums#3]

Hamm is directing a pretty efficient and high scoring O, it appears. Nothing like a good floor general running the show.

Thanks for the updates, 78.

[Billyboy78]

Hamm is directing a pretty efficient and high scoring O, it appears. Nothing like a good floor general running the show.

Thanks for the updates, 78.

I wish I could find a box score and see how many assists he's getting in these 100+ point games.

[SGreenwell]

Hamm is directing a pretty efficient and high scoring O, it appears. Nothing like a good floor general running the show.

Thanks for the updates, 78.

I wish I could find a box score and see how many assists he's getting in these 100+ point games.

Eh, probably kind of irrelevant. Sounds like they're still in the "Bishop Hendricken and La Salle playing Little Compton and Block Island" portion of their schedule.

[steveystuds06]

Ya, the comp he's playing in those games is very, very weak. However, he's proven he can compete with the best players in the country plenty of times. Can't wait for him to be our future starting point guard.