Five-star basketball recruit Caleb Houstan commits to Michigan - ESPN

bolaboladulu.blogspot.com

10:02 AM ET

Five-star recruit Caleb Houstan has committed to Michigan, he told ESPN on Friday.

"I was down to four great schools, but one definitely stood out to me the most. I decided to commit to Coach Juwan Howard and the University of Michigan," Houstan said. "I was recruited by a lot of great schools, and I appreciate all the time they all spent with me and my family."

Houstan is the No. 10-ranked player in the 2021 high school class, making him the highest-ranked Michigan recruit since at least 2007, the first year of the ESPN recruiting database.

Standing 6-foot-8, Houstan has excellent size for a small forward with a versatile offensive skill set, being considered one of the best perimeter shooters in the high school game. He was the second-leading scorer at the 2019 FIBA Americas U16 Championship, averaging 23 points in 29 minutes per game and ranking among the top players at the event in both made 3-pointers and free throw attempts. Canada went 5-1, losing in the championship game to the United States.

"Michigan really showed that they wanted me and that I was going to be a key part of their program," Houstan said. "They were invested in me as a player and really took the time to get to know my game. They run a system that I know I can do well in. I also developed great relationships with their coaching staff. Coach Howard led my recruitment and was involved throughout the entire process; Coach [Saddi] Washington as well and Coach [Phil] Martelli were all great too."

2 Related

Houstan was slated to graduate high school in 2022 but elected to reclassify over the summer, making him eligible for the 2022 NBA draft. Houstan said Howard's track record as a NBA player and assistant coach with the Miami Heat was a factor in his decision.

"Coach Howard was a big part of my decision -- his background and our relationship," Houstan said. "He played in the NBA for 19 years and knows what it takes to get there and stay there. I think he can help me both on and off the court and in preparing to get to the next level. I know he's going to push me every single day in order for me to get better and develop as a player."

Michigan is in the midst of building what appears to be a top-10 recruiting class in 2021, after previously nabbing three four-star recruits in Frankie Collins, Kobe Bufkin and Isaiah Barnes. Houstan will likely play a significant role on the wing regardless of whether sophomore Franz Wagner, a potential first-round pick and a 6-9 sharpshooter who can play either forward position, returns.

"I expect to be a key part of their offense," Houstan said. "They need me to step in right away and be a big contributor, and I want to do that. I want to be able show who I am as a player and have [an] impact right away."

Houstan had a busy spring and summer planned prior to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. He was slated to be a featured player on the Nike EYBL AAU circuit with team UPlay Canada before suiting up again for the Canadian national team at both the U17 World Cup and U18 FIBA Americas Championship in June and July.

UPlay CEO and founder Dwayne Washington has been working with Houstan throughout the pandemic and said people would have seen a different part of his game had the EYBL not been canceled.

After taking a backseat to a host of top recruits in Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, Day'Ron Sharpe and Moses Moody as a sophomore at Montverde Academy last season, Houstan is likely to become a leading player on a team some still consider to be the most talented in all of high school basketball.

Houstan will be a candidate to be invited to all the high school all-star events in the spring -- McDonald's, Nike Hoop Summit and the Jordan Brand Classic -- should those continue after taking a hiatus in April. That would allow Houstan and his classmates to gain some of the exposure they missed by not playing in the EYBL or FIBA over the summer.

Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

"five" - Google News
October 30, 2020 at 09:06PM
https://ift.tt/3oGoGhD

Five-star basketball recruit Caleb Houstan commits to Michigan - ESPN
"five" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2YnPDf8
https://ift.tt/2SxXq6o

Take Five with Patricia Sheridan and ... Gillian Jacobs - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

bolaboladulu.blogspot.com

MENU

• 

ACCOUNT

SECTIONS

OTHER

CLASSIFIEDS

CONTACT US / FAQ

Let's block ads! (Why?)

"five" - Google News
October 30, 2020 at 06:00PM
https://ift.tt/37WuUUr

Take Five with Patricia Sheridan and ... Gillian Jacobs - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"five" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2YnPDf8
https://ift.tt/2SxXq6o

Jingle Ball 2020 Is Going Virtual With Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Shawn Mendes and More (Exclusive) - Entertainment Tonight

China’s new five-year plan has an ambitious aim: to become a self-sufficient, global tech superpower - Fortune

bolaboladulu.blogspot.com

Let's block ads! (Why?)

"five" - Google News
October 30, 2020 at 05:51PM
https://ift.tt/35O1aq9

China’s new five-year plan has an ambitious aim: to become a self-sufficient, global tech superpower - Fortune
"five" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2YnPDf8
https://ift.tt/2SxXq6o

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Delivers 2020 State of the County Speech - scotteblog.com

Announces “HoCo RISE Collaborative” comprised of independent workgroups to assist Howard County’s recovery from COVID-19

Yesterday, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball delivered the inaugural Howard County “State of County” address virtually to Howard County residents. Under the theme, “We Rise Together,” Ball addressed the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and announced the next major step in the county’s recovery effort, “The HoCo RISE Collaborative” an effort, chaired by former Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, comprised of five independent workgroups that will focus on: jobs and the economy, education and workforce development, healthcare, quality of life, and government response. During his speech Ball highlighted Howard County’s COVID response and recovery, economic challenges ahead, as well as non-COVID issues and opportunities such as flood mitigation in Ellicott City, environmental sustainability efforts, education funding and support services, and public safety, equity, and mental health initiatives launched during the past year. Video of the State of County Speech can be watched here.

“Tonight, in our inaugural public State of the County, I want to talk directly to you – our residents and business owners of Howard County. As we’ve spent many of the last months filled with anxiety and uncertainty, I can confidently say, the state of Howard County is strong and resilient,” said Ball during his speech. “From great adversity emerges enduring strength. We are putting people back to work safely, assisting those in need, and making sure Howard County is striving, not only to be the best overall, but for all. Throughout this year, we have tackled many challenges, and while we’re not out of the woods just yet, we know that if we work together – we rise together.”

Ball also announced the launch of a government-wide serology effort so that members of the County workforce can determine if they have antibodies for COVID-19. While antibodies do not necessarily mean people are immune to COVID-19, it does provide a better understanding of the scope of potential initial spread of the virus from this Spring.

Throughout his remarks, Ball reflected on the county’s impact from and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ball highlighted the county’s swift reaction upon the first confirmed case to declare a State of Emergency and immediate closing of the Mall at Columbia to establishing a robust and holistic emergency response and a data analytic hub created to assist the county in making data informed decisions. Ball recognized and thanked Howard County’s COVID heroes such as doctors, nurses, hospital staff, first responders, essential workers and volunteers. He also noted the collaboration and partnership throughout the pandemic with organizations such as the Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, Columbia Community Care, along with essential Howard County Government departments such as the Howard County Health Department, Fire and Rescue Services, Office of Emergency Management, the Department of Community Resources and Services, and the Department of Technology and Communications Services.

Ball emphasized and detailed specific county COVID response and recovery efforts such as:

·     Acquiring enough PPE for essential healthcare organizations, including 300,000 units of PPE donated from local community organizations.

·     Creating online mapping tools for families to find food distribution sites and establish areas of collection to navigate the ever-expanding needs, supporting farmers through HoCo Farm Connect for residents to invest in our community farms and buy local produce, and boosting business at our restaurants through HoCo Food Go.

·     Allocating from the County’s $57 million in CARES Act funding toward:

o   $28 million to the Howard County Health Department to support critical efforts to combat the virus

o   $5.7 million to support struggling industries across our county through the HoCo RISE Business Grant program

o   $3.58 million dollars to provide rental assistance for up to three months for more than 800 families facing lost income due to COVID-19

o   $1.5 million in Rise to the Challenge Grants to 40 non-profits providing critical services and support to residents

Financially, Ball noted Howard County achieved a AAA bond rating from all three rating agencies for the 23rd year in row, which provides a good foundation for future recovery. Yet in the absence of further immediate relief at the Federal level, the State of Maryland is likely facing a projected revenue shortfall of $100 million in FY21. This state-wide budget reality will significantly impact Howard County’s financial future.

Ball also addressed several critical areas and issues outside of the county’s COVID-19 response such as:

• Continued progress on the Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan

• • Installing higher ground signage, an electronic gate system that opens up privately owned access points to higher elevation and successful activation of the tone alert system twice this summer.
  • Removing more than 28 tons of debris from our streams by clearing clogged waterways after significant weather events
  • Securing full funding for five of the Safe and Sound plan’s key mitigation projects and anticipate that these projects will go to construction within the next 18 months, and
  • Completing preliminary research and design work on the North Tunnel project and continue to move forward with design and permitting.
• The county’s impressive Census self-response rate of 80.8%, ranking Howard County 31^st in the nation for response rate, despite the challenges of the pandemic.
• Record funding investment in school construction and renovation projects as well as expanded wraparound education supports for HoCo S.T.R.I.V.E.S
• Launching the HoCo By Design General Plan and finalizing the Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan
• Updating the county’s Forest Conservation Act after two decades and Agriculture Preservation Program
• Opening the 24/7 Crisis Intervention Center at Grassroots and committing $1.5 million toward Howard County first residential treatment center to support substance misuse recovery

“I am incredibly optimistic when I hear the ways in which our community has rediscovered the connections that matter and worked to elevate one another,” concluded Ball. “Every day, I see acts of kindness and glimmers of hope that we will overcome this challenging period in our Nation and in our own backyard. It is my absolute honor to serve as your County Executive.  I believe that we will not be defeated and that we will rise together.” 

###

Scott E

Let's block ads! (Why?)

"ball" - Google News
October 29, 2020 at 11:25PM
https://ift.tt/2JaQPwS

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Delivers 2020 State of the County Speech - scotteblog.com
"ball" - Google News
https://ift.tt/39CKzGV
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update

Powell with a five-point game, including game winner, in 4-3 victory at Wake Forest - VT hokiesports.com

bolaboladulu.blogspot.com

Next Game:

at Boston College

11/1/2020 | 1:30 PM

ACC Network

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – In a second half that saw a combined five goals scored, the Virginia Tech women's soccer team found itself trailing by one at Wake Forest with less than 23 minutes left. With their postseason lives on the line, the Hokies scored twice, six minutes apart, which included Tori Powell's game winner in the 84th minute to lift the Hokies to a 4-3 victory in ACC action at Spry Soccer Stadium Thursday night.
 
For Powell, who opened the match's scoring with a goal 9:47 in – after forcing a turnover deep in Wake territory and burying a 14-yard strike, she notched her first career game winner with her second goal of the night to complete the five-point effort. She also assisted on an Emily Gray goal just 2:33 after halftime, which including her blasting a ball off the crossbar, tracking down the rebound and slipping a ball across the mouth of the goal to Gray who put it away.
 
Wake (2-5-1, 2-4-1 ACC) had tied the match in the 15th minute on an own goal and then tied the match again off a free kick from Sophie Faircloth (66:14). It was Faircloth again in the 78th minute, giving the Demon Deacons a 3-2 advantage after finishing a rebounded shot from Hannah Betforth.
 
Just 25 seconds later, Gray, who leads the nation in assists, lofted a free kick towards the box from 36 yards out and Allyson Brown put her head through it and beat Wake goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks for Brown's fourth goal of the year and the ninth of her career. For Gray, it was her eighth assist of the season and 16th of her career. She is now tied for the fifth spot all-time for assists in a single season at the school with Marika Gray (2010) and Wendy Kotwas (1999), while she is all alone at seventh for assists in a career at Tech.
 
At the 83:38 mark, Powell stopped the clock again with her first career brace after scoring the game winner, her team-leading fifth of the year. The play was actually started by Emma Stegierwald, who played a through ball to Powell from the left side. Her initial shot was deflected back to her, but Powell got just enough on the rebound to get it into the back of the net.
 
With the win, Tech (4-7-0, 3-4-0) jumps into a tie for the eighth spot in the ACC standings with Pittsburgh, who lost 2-1 in overtime at Clemson. The final day of the regular season is Sunday and the Hokies will face Boston College in Newton, Mass., while the Panthers will play at Wake Forest.
 
Additional Notes

• Emmalee McCarter has now started 50 straight matches for the Hokies, the longest active streak on the team.
• Five Hokies have started all 11 matches this season, Grace Sklopan, Makenzie Graham, Steigerwald, McCarter and Gray.
• Gray leads the team with 12 points and has 32 in her Tech career, as she scored her second goal of the year, eighth of her career.
• Tech is now 4-0-1 versus Wake in its last five meetings, 9-6-3 all-time.
• Powell's game winner was the latest in a regulation game since Kallie Peurifoy (84:55) versus William & Mary on Aug. 31, 2017.
• Tech scored three goals in the second half for the first time since at Villanova on Sept. 7, 2018.

Up Next
Tech ends its regular season with the match against the Eagles that starts at 1:30 p.m.
 

Print Friendly Version

Let's block ads! (Why?)

"five" - Google News
October 30, 2020 at 09:49AM
https://ift.tt/2HRvec4

Powell with a five-point game, including game winner, in 4-3 victory at Wake Forest - VT hokiesports.com
"five" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2YnPDf8
https://ift.tt/2SxXq6o

NBA draft rumors: LaMelo Ball could slip due to unimpressive team interviews - Yahoo Sports

Report: LaMelo could slip due to poor pre-draft interviews originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea

While there is no consensus as to who is the best prospect available in next month's 2020 NBA Draft, there is one on the top three. Mock drafts have shifted plenty throughout the longest lead-up to the draft in league history, but the top three almost always has consisted of Georgia guard Anthony Edwards, Memphis big man James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball.

However, that might be changing. What has been a group of three might be whittling down to two.

According to the Charlotte Observer's Rick Bonnell, Ball reportedly has been unimpressive in his pre-draft interviews and could slip in the draft as a result (h/t Bleacher Report's Jenna Ciccotelli).

"Here is what I'm hearing from the league at large: LaMelo Ball is not performing very well at job interviews," Bonnell said Thursday during an appearance on Charlotte's 102.5 FM WFNZ. "I've heard that from multiple sources. He is not improving his perception via job interview. There are people drafting later in the top 10 who were not preparing for the possibility of Ball still being around and, I'm not saying that he will be a top-three pick. I am saying that I know for a fact that there are teams later in the top 10 who are doing more research on him because they no longer think it's a given he will."

RELATED: Draymond provides Warriors' presence at Edwards' pro day

It has been widely assumed that if the Warriors want Ball, they'll have to select him at No. 2 overall, assuming he doesn't get picked first. But based on Bonnell's reporting, it sounds like Ball isn't nearly as certain to go at the top of the draft as expected, which could permit Golden State to trade down and still select him. Of course, that could also mean fewer teams are incentivized to acquire the Warriors' pick in order to be able to snag Ball, as he might fall to them anyway.

The Warriors reportedly have a pre-draft interview with Ball scheduled for next week. How he performs in that could have a drastic impact on how the draft plays out.

Download and subscribe to the Runnin' Plays Podcast

Let's block ads! (Why?)

"ball" - Google News
October 30, 2020 at 12:07PM
https://ift.tt/2HMgQlw

NBA draft rumors: LaMelo Ball could slip due to unimpressive team interviews - Yahoo Sports
"ball" - Google News
https://ift.tt/39CKzGV
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update