2016 Nike Extravaganza XXIFeb 1, 2016 by Brett Pickert
Nike Extravaganza XXI Preview
Nike Extravaganza XXI Preview
February 5-6, 2016, you can catch the best basketball teams from Southern California and the US go head-to-head at the Nike Extravaganza. Now in its 21st ye
February 5-6, 2016, you can catch the best basketball teams from Southern California and the US go head-to-head at the Nike Extravaganza. Now in its 21st year, the Nike Extravaganza features the #1 ranked team in the nation, in Chino Hills, and other top 25 squads, including Bishop Gorman (NV), Foothills Christian (CA), De La Salle (CA), and the host school Mater Dei (CA).
The Nike Extravaganza will also play host to the best recruits in the nation. Lonzo Ball, signed to UCLA, looks to keep the undefeated season going for Chino Hills. T.J. Leaf, another UCLA signee, looks to cap off a successful high school career. Zach Collins, a Gonzaga signee, looks to lead Bishop Gorman to victory over undefeated Chino Hills.
Bishop Gorman has had some tough breaks this season. Gorman had 6 losses of 8 points or less. One of those games were against Seattle-powerhouse Rainier Beach by 3 points. Another against Jonesboro (GA) by 1, who recently defeated a team by 101 points. Bishop Gorman has bounced back after tough losses, defeating then-ranked #8 Findlay Prep 77-71. Bishop Gorman center and Gonzaga-signee Zach Collins looks to end Chino Hills undefeated season.
We all have heard of Chino Hills (#1 FloHoops 25) and the Ball Brothers. Run GMZ (‘Gelo, ‘Melo, ‘Zo) looks to keep their undefeated season going en-route to a state and national title. Lonzo (Zo) Ball has had a stellar senior campaign where it seems every time he hits the court he records a triple-double.
This matchup will certainly be a classic between two well-coached teams, Coach Baik of Chino Hills and Coach Rice of Bishop Gorman.
Foothills Christian is led by another UCLA-signee in TJ Leaf, who will play with Lonzo Ball of Chino Hills next year. Foothills Christian looks to keep their commanding in-state campaign alive after suffering two losses to Chino Hills and one to Centennial, both playing in the Nike Extravaganza.
Mater Dei is a tough opponent led by well-respected coach Gary McKnight. McKnight has over 1000 victories under his belt and looks to add another against a tough opponent. While this Mater Dei squad lacks the star power of previous teams, they’re still the Mater Dei squad that has won over 20 CIF Southern-Section titles and 8 CIF state championships. Look for this game to be a defensive battle.
T.J. is a big-bodied power forward for the nationally-ranked Foothills Christian squad. Signed to UCLA, this forward can run the floor in transition, rebound, and make his shots. Leaf looks to lead Foothills Christian on a successful in-state campaign after suffering two losses to Chino Hills (103-86 and 85-83) and one to Centennial (67-52). We're looking forward to watching Leaf play with Lonzo Ball for the Bruins next NCAA season.
The son of famed Sacremento Kings guard Mike Bibby, Bibby Jr. looks to make a last impression in his senior season. Currently unsigned, Mike Bibby Jr. looks to get more offers so he can make the right choice in regards to school. Bibby Jr. wants to mesh in with the right fit. The Shadow Mountain (AZ) guard will square off against the well-coached Mater Dei team on Friday. Currently, Mike Bibby Jr. has offers from Florida State, Gonzaga, Memphis, Oregon, and Oregon State. Hopefully, he'll end up with an offer from Mike Bibby's alma mater, Arizona. You can watch Mike Bibby Jr.'s highlights in Pro Tykes.
It would come to no surprise if Steve Alford of UCLA, Andy Enfield of USC, and other D-1 coaches and scout are at the Nike Extravaganza. There is a pool of unsigned talent set to take flight in Santa Ana, California.
You can watch the Nike Extravaganza live on FloHoops February 5-6, 2016. Also, replays will become available as the event concludes.
The Nike Extravaganza will also play host to the best recruits in the nation. Lonzo Ball, signed to UCLA, looks to keep the undefeated season going for Chino Hills. T.J. Leaf, another UCLA signee, looks to cap off a successful high school career. Zach Collins, a Gonzaga signee, looks to lead Bishop Gorman to victory over undefeated Chino Hills.
What to Watch For
There are plenty of great in-state matchups set to take place at the Nike Extravaganza. Including two of the best girls basketball teams in Mater Dei and Centennial (NV) on Friday of the event. In addition, Mater Dei (Boys) will play against Shadow Mountain on Friday and Foothills Christian on Saturday. We take an in-depth look at the two headlining games below.Bishop Gorman vs. Chino Hills
Bishop Gorman has had some tough breaks this season. Gorman had 6 losses of 8 points or less. One of those games were against Seattle-powerhouse Rainier Beach by 3 points. Another against Jonesboro (GA) by 1, who recently defeated a team by 101 points. Bishop Gorman has bounced back after tough losses, defeating then-ranked #8 Findlay Prep 77-71. Bishop Gorman center and Gonzaga-signee Zach Collins looks to end Chino Hills undefeated season.
We all have heard of Chino Hills (#1 FloHoops 25) and the Ball Brothers. Run GMZ (‘Gelo, ‘Melo, ‘Zo) looks to keep their undefeated season going en-route to a state and national title. Lonzo (Zo) Ball has had a stellar senior campaign where it seems every time he hits the court he records a triple-double.
This matchup will certainly be a classic between two well-coached teams, Coach Baik of Chino Hills and Coach Rice of Bishop Gorman.
Foothills Christian vs. Mater Dei
Foothills Christian is led by another UCLA-signee in TJ Leaf, who will play with Lonzo Ball of Chino Hills next year. Foothills Christian looks to keep their commanding in-state campaign alive after suffering two losses to Chino Hills and one to Centennial, both playing in the Nike Extravaganza.
Mater Dei is a tough opponent led by well-respected coach Gary McKnight. McKnight has over 1000 victories under his belt and looks to add another against a tough opponent. While this Mater Dei squad lacks the star power of previous teams, they’re still the Mater Dei squad that has won over 20 CIF Southern-Section titles and 8 CIF state championships. Look for this game to be a defensive battle.
Who to Watch For
Run GMZ
Comprised of Lonzo, Li Angelo, and LaMelo Ball, Run GMZ (Gelo, Melo, and Zo) heads the beast known as Chino Hills. Running a similar offense to Mike D'Antoni's 2005 Phoenix Suns, the Chino Hills Huskies average near 100 points a game. Lonzo Ball, a senior, controls the floor with quick full-court passes after crashing the boards. Li Angelo, a junior forward, gets down low and can drain the deep three. LaMelo, a freshman, gets by in transition with his quickness for easy baskets. Also, Melo can drain the deep three. This trio of brothers can all hit shots from anywhere on the court, which makes them so scary. They look to add another W to their undefeated dream season.T.J. Leaf
T.J. is a big-bodied power forward for the nationally-ranked Foothills Christian squad. Signed to UCLA, this forward can run the floor in transition, rebound, and make his shots. Leaf looks to lead Foothills Christian on a successful in-state campaign after suffering two losses to Chino Hills (103-86 and 85-83) and one to Centennial (67-52). We're looking forward to watching Leaf play with Lonzo Ball for the Bruins next NCAA season.
Mike Bibby Jr.
The son of famed Sacremento Kings guard Mike Bibby, Bibby Jr. looks to make a last impression in his senior season. Currently unsigned, Mike Bibby Jr. looks to get more offers so he can make the right choice in regards to school. Bibby Jr. wants to mesh in with the right fit. The Shadow Mountain (AZ) guard will square off against the well-coached Mater Dei team on Friday. Currently, Mike Bibby Jr. has offers from Florida State, Gonzaga, Memphis, Oregon, and Oregon State. Hopefully, he'll end up with an offer from Mike Bibby's alma mater, Arizona. You can watch Mike Bibby Jr.'s highlights in Pro Tykes.
NCAA Coaches and Scouts
It would come to no surprise if Steve Alford of UCLA, Andy Enfield of USC, and other D-1 coaches and scout are at the Nike Extravaganza. There is a pool of unsigned talent set to take flight in Santa Ana, California.
You can watch the Nike Extravaganza live on FloHoops February 5-6, 2016. Also, replays will become available as the event concludes.