The 2018 Allen Iverson Roundball Classic
The 2018 Allen Iverson Roundball Basketball Classic went down in Souderton, PA and was as good as advertised. The event featured some of the best High School Basketball players in the country and all around was a quality event from start to finish. The event consisted of three days of festivities including a Slam Dunk Contest, 3 point shooting contest, as well as the culminating event, featuring elite players from around the country. This years teams were coached by NBA veterans Stephen Jackson (Team Loyalty) and Larry Hughes (Team Honor). The venue filled up in a matter of minutes and in the crowd you can find ex-NBA players, like DeShawn Stevenson and Smush Parker to name a few. Everybody seemed to be enjoying the game and were excited to watch players who will one day be lottery picks in the NBA.
Hall of Famer Allen Iverson held a flawless event for High School Basketball players. This game featured AllAmericans from around the country and top tier talent. Photo ATH
The Game started out fast with highlights coming from every angle. High School Basketball phenoms Mac McClung and Jahvon Quinerly seemed to be the crowd favorites. McClung, the Georgetown Hoyas commit, can simply jump out of the gym if he wanted to. Quinerly, part of the Jellyfam collective, will be attending Villanova in the fall. There were a lot of Villanova fans in attendance seeing as though the event was held in the Suburbs of Philadelphia.
Lenny Cooke, the former HS standout, once stood in these players shoes. He came out to support his friend Allen Iverson. Photo ATH
On a dead ball in the second quarter the crowd went crazy! Allen Iverson walks in and the entire gym acknowledged him. He greeted the crowd and seemed to really be enjoying the people as made his rounds around the gym. It was a surreal moment seeing Iverson in person, although this wasn’t the first time. I remember seeing Iverson back in ‘99, the Virginia native coming to Hampton U to play ball. Before I knew it the entire student body came to the courts to spectate. Epic moment!
AI Roundball Classic staff included Former Sixer Larry Hughes and NBA Champion Stephen Jackson. Photo ATH
The teams were filled with high Moses Brown would end up the games MVP of the evening scoring 25 points. Elijah Weaver took home the Sportmanship award. Jaden Edwards aka @Mr.talk_spicy was the MC of the event and had the crowd going crazy throwing autographed AI hats into the crowd. He brought a NYC Streetball feel to the game and kept the crowd excited throughout. AI was gracious enough to take pictures with fans and was an exceptional host. This was a top notch event that looks like it’s going to continue and grow in recognition as well as notoriety.
The All Things Hoops Iverson Classic First Team:
Moses Brown (UCLA Commit) The 7 footer looked good on the floor. He’s just so tall that the defense can’t do anything but watch him score. He looked to be more comfortable handling the basketball. For a player his size he ran the floor well as well. He missed a few easy shots early on but got his act together to warm MVP of the event.
Elijah Weaver (USC Commit) Weaver simply makes the right basketball play every time down the court. His court presence and IQ are one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. He was picking the defense apart every play down the court. He is a pure PG and will produce for the Trojans on day 1. The Pac12 got some problems to deal with.
Jahvon Quinerly (Villanova Commit). The Jellyfam Point Guard showed exactly why he was one of the top rated guards of 2018. He is very crafty and can get to the basket with ease. He finishes around the rim with either hand with ease and can thread the needle to find open teammates. He’s going to be a gem at the next level.
Kevin Porter Jr. (USC Commit). The 6-4 Shooting guard from Seattle, Washington has a big time game. The freakish athlete can fly. Porter is the second-best shooting guard in the country and the No. 26 player overall in the 2018 class. He looks to bring a strong work ethic and positive attitude to USC in the fall. Get your popcorn ready! This kid is the real deal.
Mac McClung (Georgetown Commit) Mac is one of those players that you need on your team. McClung finished with 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in the Allen Iverson Roundball Classic and held his own and proved why he deserved to be considered elite. His athleticism and his savvy on the court makes him one of the best players in the country.
Shareef O’Neal (UCLA Commit) The son of NBA great Shaquille O’Neal he has some very large shoes to fill. Shareef has been making his own name for himself and the future Bruin looked great in the Iverson Classic. He showed his athleticism with a few monster dunks and showed his mid-range jumper as well. He has great length and will give defenders problems at the next level. He’s going to be fun to watch.
The rosters included high profile players who are going to make a lot of noise at the collegiate level. In addition to the players mentioned above the players who participated were:
Javonte Smart (LSU)
Brandon Slater (Villanova)
Aaron Wiggins (Maryland)
Gabe Brown (Michigan State)
Luguentz Dort (Arizon State)
Landers Nolley (Virginia Tech)
Courtney Ramey (Undeclared)
Isaiah Mucious (Wake Forrest)
David McCormack (Kansas)
Brandon Williams (Undeclared)
AJ Reeves (Providence)
Franco Miller Jr. (Undeclared)
David Duke Jr. (Providence)
Immanuel Quickley (Kentucky)
Luther Muhammad (Ohio State)
Naz Reid – Injured (LSU)
Louis King – Injured (Oregon)
Reggie Perry – Injured (Mississippi State)
Nas Little – Injured (UNC)
Thank you to Allen Iverson and the entire staff of the Allen Iverson Roundball Classic. This was one of the best events in the country and it was a pleasure to be in attendance.