CHICAGO — There was a strong finish to the workouts, as the first session of the Nike Skills Academy concluded. Nike has spent the last seven years creating this first-class basketball academy and the departed players have vastly improved and become students of the game. Much of the credit goes to academy director Jeff Rogers and his outstanding staff for all their hard work. The kids benefited greatly from this experience.
A look at some of the top players from each of the academies.
Amar’e Stoudemire Skills Academy (Power forwards/centers)
Angelo Chol
2011 PF, 6-8, 200 (Chol Highlights)
San Diego, Calif./Herbert Hoover
He was impressive on Day 3 in drills and live action. He seemed to be focused and locked in to every word from the coaches. This long and lean lefty has an excellent jump hook over his right shoulder, which is his go-to move. The Skills Academy should help him add to his back-to-the-basket scoring arsenal, which will increase his offensive production. Chol is a raw, but mobile and explosive athlete with terrific reaction time to the ball. His shooting form is not bad, and he could develop into a good elbow jump shooter from the short corner, if he applies what he has learned over the last three days and repeats the drills when working out on his own. Chol has great upside and is one to watch.
