I must say I am amazed at how much I have enjoyed watching the PTL games this summer. I first played in the PTL in 1988 and the league has come a long way since then, that's for sure.

The PTL is a great way for young men to work on their games in a controlled environment and we fans need to make sure we realize that is all it is, a tool to getting better.

Please keep in mind when reading this that I am by no means an expert on the game. I'm simply someone who loves basketball and likes to share my thoughts and debate with others who feel the same way about the game.

McCurry's

Tony Freeman (Iowa) - Great summer for Tony. I have not been the biggest fan of his but his ability to get into the lane and create is going to be sorely needed by Iowa this year. The best part of his game I witnessed this summer was his leadership. He played hard at both ends of the floor and implored his teammates to do the same. His shot is still a little funky looking and streaky, but when he gets it going he is going to be fun to watch. I look for him to play the 2 for the Hawks this year, as his ability to score will be counted on this season.

Matt Gatens (City High) - Only played a few games, but was impressive each time out. Does a good job of drawing fouls using his body and his range is steadily improving. He had a good summer in camps and at AAU tourneys and it will not surprise me to see him compete for serious minutes the moment he sets foot on campus next year.

Matt Schneiderman (ex-UNI) - A horse who can flat out shoot the ball. Was a perfect fit for this team as he and Freeman were deadly running the pick-n-pop. He's going to be playing overseas for a long time and would not surprise me if he gets a look by the NBDL in the near future.

Dallas Hodges (ex-Wayne St) - Didn't get the ball much on this team and never got into a rhythm when I was watching. Doesn't play D like his dad but is a pretty solid player all around.

Brennan Swayzer (ex-Kirkwood) - Someone get this guy an NAIA school, PLEASE! Played pretty good all summer and really turned it up during the playoffs. Very rarely stepped out of his comfort zone and was one of the biggest surprises of the summer for me.

Kaylon Williams (CR Kennedy) - One week after having a monster of a game cut his arm in a freak accident at home and is finished at least for the summer. There were many questions about his attitude, but I think playing with Freeman was showing him how to play with energy and fire while not allowing those traits to play him. Did not really show a weak part of his game, and played HARD at all times at both ends of the floor. He may end up being one of those kids who ends up being a huge signing for a mid-major.

Brian Haak (UNI) - Kid can shoot it. Was 10-14 on 3's one night. Was a good compliment to Freeman and was pretty solid all the way around. A little small for D1, but there's always room for a kid that can shoot.

Josh Molstead (UNI) - Makes Haak look tall. He is another shooter who did a good job running the team when given the opportunity.

Jamey Meyer (St. Ambrose) - Did a good job making shots when he got them, was just limited on minutes due to the # of guards on this team. Someone said he was more of a post player in high school, but he did well on the wing this summer which is where he will be playing for Ambrose.

Riley Larson (Cornell College) - Very good shooter who seemed to be a magnet for foul calls at times. Never really changed expression all summer, just played hard and while many times he was overmatched physically in the post he never stopped playing hard.

Bryant Kucera (Kirkwood) - Played solid in the games I saw him, but once again, with all the guards on this team, his minutes were limited.

Deli Mart

Eric Coleman (UNI) - One of my favorite players of the summer. Played hard all the time even though they were down by 20+ many nights. Is a good athlete for someone his size and showed a little range on his jumper from time to time as well. Without a point guard on this team he had to get all his points himself and did a good job creating when he needed to.

Roberto Mafra (SECC) - Tried a little too hard at times as he was trying to improve his stock with some college coaches. But showed some decent moves in the post, but did not pass out of the double-team when he should have.

J.R. Angle (Iowa) - Has better range than I thought, but his lack of athletic ability will always hinder him. Like Coleman, playing on a team without a creator really hindered him this summer, and he also played hard every game.

Jored Josten (UNI) - Did not see him play.

Mike Walker (SMU)- Mike had some good games this summer, but he was asked to play the point when he has more of a scorers mentality. A year at prep school really served him well as his game has really improved since I last saw him play.

Eric Johnson (Wayne St.) - Very active player who was always around the ball on rebounds. Ran the floor hard and never missed an opportunity to attempt a put back dunk.

Joe Gentile (ex-DM Valley High) -Player/Coach who did a good job when on the floor of getting the right guys the ball.

Travis Rhone (Wayne St. football) - Saw him play one game. Decent player, but running a team is not his forte.

Jay Williams (ex-Kirkwood) - Long and lanky, never forces a shot or tries to do too much.

Eric Washpun (City High) - Forced his shot a little too much during his limited time, but proved he will be an asset at City next year along with Gatens and the Derby brothers.

Imprinted Sportswear

Jarryd Cole (Iowa) - Already has a Big Ten body and mind. Knows he has a lot of work to do before he is a threat every time he touches the ball. Showed a decent mid-range game and worked hard at both ends of the floor. I think he'll be counted on down low for Iowa this year and can see him averaging 20+ minutes a game.

Kevin Sams (ex-Drake) - Savvy veteran who helps keep the team focused. Not the player he once was, but uses his mind to make up for it.

Seth Gorney (Iowa) - Typical Seth, showed good range when given the opportunity and did a decent job on the boards despite playing less then I thought he should. Biggest knock on Seth is he is just too damn nice sometimes. In Lick's offense his range will be an asset and his calming influence will be good for the freshman.

Duez Henderson (ex-Iowa) - I felt Duez was the 2nd best player in the league this year (behind Freeman) and played hard every game. His game has gotten better every year and it was nice Cole got to see how hard he plays.

Dell Mims (SECC) - Did a good job defending the other team's primary ball handler. A streaky shooter who knows when his shot is not falling that he needs to get to the rim.

Steven Clayton (ex-DMACC) - Reminds me of Vinnie Johnson the way he would heat up from time to time. Another good on the ball defender who annoyed guards all summer.

Rodney Jackson (Mt. Mercy) - Athlete. Was around the ball on the boards and on defense all the time.

Ray Vasser (ex-Kirkwood) - A streaky scorer who showed a few glimpses of what he once had in the tank. Plays smart and was a good asset off the bench.

Van Williams (ex-Kirkwood) - Long and lanky, never forces a shot or tries to do too much.

Butch Wright (Ex-Chicago DuSable High) - Not sure is he shot more then 5 times all summer, knew his job was to get others the ball and did it.

Clark Anderson (ex-Linn Mar) - A very good shooter who leaves no one doubting that he should have been picked higher then the last round. Smart ball player who always helped his team when on the floor.

Hodge Construction

Jordan Egleseder (UNI) - Was very impressed with Jordan this summer. Has really toned up and should be an impact player for UNI in the near future. The one thing I liked most was the patience he showed when catching the ball in the post. Gave himself time to check the defense and was a willing and able passer when the double team came.

Jeff Peterson (Iowa) - An odd looking shot but had success with it. It was good he got to spend some time with Horner and learn from him. My thought is he will be a starter at some point this year so Freeman can move to the 2. PG is always tough for a freshman, but his playing at DeMatha was no walk in the park so I think he'll be able to handle it.

Adam Koch (UNI) - Solid player whose biggest strength is not making mistakes. Always active and in the right spot at the right time.

Jake Kelly (Iowa) - Surprising quickness¡Kthe first player since C. Reed that could really break his man down off the dribble. Carries the ball from time to time, and needs to add some weight, but like the other 2 freshman he has a chance to see the floor a lot this season.

Kyle Schlaak (ex-Winona St.) - Unorthodox player who can really move without the ball. Finished well and showed a knack for getting rebounds in traffic against bigger opponents.

Danny Bohall (Iowa) - The biggest surprise for me this summer, shot the lights out (60% from 3) and showed more athleticism than I was prepared for. Needs to get better and stronger with the ball, but can see him getting 5-10 mins per game if he continues to improve.

John Lickliter (Franklin Central High) - Undersized but a heady point guard, definitely a coaches kid. I hope he decides on going to City High, but odds are he stays in Indiana for his senior year.

Jeff Horner (ex-Iowa) - If he played all year he would have been the MVP. Did a great job of letting Peterson run the team and picking up the slack in any areas he could.

Jordan Stoermer (IC West) - Typical West High kid, smart with the ball and a good/great on the ball defender.

Brad Axdahl (ex-Coe College) - Didn't get a lot of clock so I don't have a good feel for his game.

Jill Armstrong

Aliou Keita (Drake) - Probably my favorite player in the league this year. Always has a smile on his face and plays as hard as anyone. Great rebounder in the Rodman mode who rarely looks for his own shot. Made the cut at the Des Moines NBDL tryout and is going to Dallas for the next round.

Cyrus Tate (Iowa) - Strong rebounder but still very limited offensively. Will really be pushed by Cole for playing time this year. Didn't get the ball a lot in the low post due to the guards being aggressive with their shots.

John Little (ex-UNI) - Solid guard who is going to be playing overseas. Had moments where he dominated the games. Shoot first PG. Solid to above average defensively.

Matt Burks (ex-IUPUI) - Possibly the best offensive player in the league. His D was a bit lackluster at times, but when the effort was there he was decent. Smooth jumpshot and keeps his body still when releasing it.

Andrew Naeve (ex-Cornell University) - Very active player who had to battle Keita and Tate for the rebounds. Showed good hands around the basket and willingness to mix it up with any of the other bigs when Tate and Keita weren't in.

Drew Lundberg (UNI) - Good shooter who often got lost in the shuffle on this team with all the guards. I don't think he even got to play in the semi-final game.

Jon Montgomery (UNI) - Will be a good player for UNI. Did a good job of not forcing things even though his minutes were limited due to the other guards on this team. I liked his defense and his willingness to get other players good shots.

Chris Aasland (ex-Mankato St) - Solid player, but limited minutes.

Nick Larson (ex-Upper Iowa) - Another surprise player, he had some unreal games, but really got locked down in the semi-final game. Shooter who can get his own jumper. I know the NBDL team was looking to possibly invite him to a tryout.

Jacey Heuer (Wartburg) - Did not see him play.

Beisser Lumber

David Palmer (Iowa) - An enigma wrapped in a riddle this summer. Showed a penchant for taking too many 3's in the early games, but I think someone talked to him because the last 2-3 games he became more of a force in the low post. All the physical tools are there, what he wants to do with them will be the key. Has a myriad of moves in the paint and is a load. If he does what the coaching staff wants, he could be a stud.

Brooks McKowen (ex-UNI) - Loved his game this summer. Brooks id a great job of getting the team to run a semblance of an offense which is near impossible in the PTL. Impressive that someone who scored like he did in high school became such an unselfish player in college.

Dain Swetalla (Augustana) - Very good summer for Dain. Showed a good outside touch and is in great shape. Really battled on the boards.

Jason Price (ex-Iowa) - The fastest player in the league. I love watching him play. Played hard all summer and was a great tandem with McKowen.

Adam Viet (UNI) - I am drawing a blank on the next 3 guys, sorry.

Kerwin Dunham (UNI)

Matt Bennett (ex-UNI)

Don Stokes (ex-Chicago DuSable High) - Same Don that I've been playing with for 10 years, gets to with 15 feet and then uses the glass for 2. Also slaps the backboard harder then anyone else.

Kevin Andrews (SW Minnesota St) - Did not see him play.

Marques Brathwaite (ex-Mt. Mercy) - Did a great job on defense this summer which was not always a strong point for him. Saw limited action in the games I worked, so can't really comment on his offense.

Josh Oglesby (Freshman to be at CR Wash) - Youngest player in PTL history, showed good poise when he played, just doesn't have the size or experience to really compete at this level yet. His dad was one of my coaches in college, so I know he'll have a good head on his shoulders.

Dan Wiese Marketing

Kurt Looby (Iowa) - Limited PT due to a bad back¡Kadmire him for trying to play thru it, but in the end it was just too painful. He'll be a force defensively, but still needs to get stronger to compete for rebounds in the Big Ten.

Justin Johnson (Iowa) - Shot the ball very well, but still struggles to create his own shot against quality defenders. Avgd close to 10 rebounds a game and was pretty solid in all facets of the game. Never took a night off and was happy to get others shots when they were hot. His offense will be needed this year, and I look for him to start at the 3.

Marcus Leloux (ex-Northwestern College) - Great range but spent most of the time getting his teammates involved and getting them their shots.

Kwadzo Ahelegbe (UNI) - Solid but not great PG. Was not very aggressive offensively so that part of his game remains a mystery. Good defender and someone who plays hard all the time.

Carlton Reed (UNI) - Really filled out since I saw him last. The game seems to have slowed down for him and his happy feet are no longer and issue. Was hurt a few games, but played good when he was healthy. I look for him to put up good numbers at UNI this season.

Nathan Vanhofwegen (ex-Hope College) - Lanky scorer whose lack of size kept him on the bench frequently. When he did play it was often out of position and he was outmatched physically on the defensive end. On the offensive end he moves well without the ball and doesn't force the issue.

Tony Wilcox (ex-European pro) - Tony's physical peak was a few years ago, but the term "wily veteran" was often used by those watching him. Did a good job against much taller players when Looby was out.

Joe Green (UNI) - Joe had a great summer, really filled out all categories in the stat book every night. Showed good ranger and the ability to put it on the floor when he got a bigger defender on him.

Reed McManigal (ex-Mason City High) - Always in the right place at the right time, very good defender who played limited minutes but always seemed to come up with a big play.

Brett Putz (Forest City High) - This kid can flat out shoot it. He scored 50 points in a high school last year as a junior. Shot the ball well most of the summer, but his lack of height will hold him back.

Scott Sturm (ex-Clinton CC) - Limited minutes, but played ok when he was in the games, pesky defender.

Lucky Pawz

Grant Stout (ex-UNI) - Typical Stout all summer, battled hard in the post and then would step out and hit the 3. Not real athletic, but man is he a load inside. Plays smart and word is he had a good workout with the Cavaliers, too. He'll be getting paid to play somewhere for many years to come.

Darryl Moore (ex-Iowa) - I would say Darryl is the fan favorite in all of the PTL. Hurt his knee and missed some games, but showed in the final that he can still leap with the best of them. Has really developed his 3-point shot, and that makes him deadly. Plays so hard and no one wants to battle him for a rebound.

Travis Brown (UNI) - Really came on during the latter part of the summer with his shooting, and showed that when needed he does have the ability to put it on the floor.

Brad Joens (ex-Wayne St.) - Had to play out of position and run the point most of the time for this team and did quite well. He's a scorer at heart but led his team in assists and was like a 2nd coach on the floor.

Brent Barz (UNI) - Very impressive showing for this freshman to be at UNI. Has a wide array of moves and rarely shows you the same look twice. Is working on his jumper and showed good range and the intelligence when to shoot and when not to. Look for him add to the list of accomplished post players to perform for the Panthers.

Luis Garcia (SECC) - Seemed to either shoot the ball great or shoot it horribly, no in between. Good athlete who did a good job on the boards all summer long. Good defender who rarely got himself out of position by reaching.

Tyson Colvin (ex-Upper Iowa) - did not play much, so report incomplete.

Ali Farokhmanesh (Kirkwood) - Scorer who really pushes the ball up the floor. Will get a chance to shine at Kirkwood this year.

Robbie Lehman (Simpson) - Lehman = shooter. That has been a fact for years in that family and Robbie is following an old family tradition. Did not get a lot of playing time, but looked good from what I did see.

Matt Morrison (Solon) - Matt did a great job of staying within himself when he played and showed he was willing to take the open jumper when it was there and knocked down most them. Only going to be a junior so this kid will be fun to watch the next few years.