Categorized | Recruiting News

Observations on Harrell and More from the Capital Classic

Posted on22 April 2012.

MONTREZL HARRELL, one of two VT signees in the Class 2012, played in the 39th annual Capital Classic on Saturday at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, VA. Harrell was named MVP of the game while playing for the U.S. All-Stars, leading them to a 105-93 win. It was Harrell’s 2nd MVP honor in as many weekends while playing in an all-star game.

The Capital Classic has included many Hokies in recent years, including Malcolm Delaney, Jeff Allen, Dorenzo Hudson, and Dorian Finney-Smith. It used to be one of the premier high school all star games as recently as 10 years ago, but has fallen down the ladder due to lack of big sponsorship. Still, it is a quality game and good experience.

It should be noted that scouting services are taking notice – Harrell has moved slightly up the Rivals and ESPN rankings (in the 80s nationally), while falling just slightly in the Scout rankings (#72 overall nationally). He’s #78 in 247sports’ rankings.

Our good buddy and regular poster, Hokie Guru, went to the 2012 Capital Classic on Saturday and had this report… (Thanks, Guru!)

From Hokie Guru: Yesterday, I had the good fortune of seeing Montrezl Harrell play in the Capital Classic. Here are a few observations:

  • By my account, Montrezl had 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists – an excellent line for someone who will be playing for the four spot.
  • Our incoming recruit has a high basketball IQ – I think he’s smart, heady player – this isn’t a guy that’s going to get us a technical at inopportune times.
  • He has an excellent all-around offensive game – he can shoot from anywhere on the floor, but he’s more effective in the post. Yesterday, he had some monster dunks – yes, monster – alley oops, a windmill, etc. But he was also 50% from 3-point land.
  • Montrezl is very athletic – he plays above the rim – I think it’s premature on some of the observations that he’s like Dominque Wilkins (alas, Hokies’ expectations are always through the roof) – at the same time, I think he can get there if his ball-handling skills improve (we should keep in mind that he’s not even on campus at Virginia Tech yet). Among the big men last night, though, Montrezl stood out.
  • He has a knack for making the right pass.
  • For a big man, his court vision is excellent.
  • At this stage of the game, I think he’s far better than Jeff Allen was as a freshman – and he’s in better physical shape.
  • Montrezl is a very, good person – a really nice guy.
  • Quite frankly, I think that Montrezl could save Seth’s job.

Other observations:

  • maryland has sort of a fab-five coming in – some real talent – Shaquille Cleare, Seth Allen, Damonte Dodd, Charles Mitchell, and Sam Cassell Jr (who committed last night to the Terps) – the Terps will be back in the coming years – this will make the ACC stronger.
  • virginia’s commit, Justin Anderson, will also be a baller.

Matthew
@HokieGuru

This post was written by:

- who has written 1106 posts on Tech Hoops.

Niemo is a member of the VT Class of '98. Attended every home basketball game during his 4 years at VT after missing the first home game. Has attended 122 straight VT football home games (every game since '94), eclipsing the 100 mark in September of '09. During the final home basketball game of his senior year, he was brought onto the court and was awarded 2 passes to the Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament in Philly during a timeout. The Hokie Bird made the award on behalf of Athletic Director Jim Weaver. Niemo was known to be in the front row of every home game with his familiar red afro hairdo. Niemo currently lives in DC and speaks the Hokie gospel as often as possible. He watches over 50% of all ACC games, making him one of the most knowledgeable experts on ACC basketball.

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  • Les

    It was ACCSports’ Brick Oettinger who made the comparison to Dominique Wilkins.

    http://www.accsports.com/blogs/jim-young/2012041912659/insanely-early-look-ahead-virginia-tech.php

    If I had to compare him to any VT players, he’s a combination of JT Thompson and Deron Washington for his combination of high energy, athletic ability, strength, and speed. Energy is probably the one word that gets used most often when describing him.

    Here’s a long 13-minute clip of the Capital Classic game highlights. Almost all of Montrezl Harrell’s points are in the clip. He looks to have about 3 inches on the UVA recruit Justin Anderson he was repeatedly backing down.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdPD2pgI1Q8

  • HokieGuru

    Thanks for the shout out, Niemo!!!

    It was a pleasure watching M. Harrell – I’m proud Hokie that we have this guy.

  • Martin

    He looks like a beast. I just got much more excited for next season.

    Guru, I know you said he can shoot from anywhere on the floor, but does he look like he can hit at a decent clip from mid range? Do you think he will be able to hit shots from the elbow consistently? kind of like a pick and pop type of guy? Or was he just surprisingly accurate given his stature and his presumed, big-man style?

    • Martin

      Also, thanks for the report guru

      • HokieGuru

        Martin, you are welcome, bro.

        Montrezl Harrell only took a couple of shots from the outside, so it was hard for me if he would be a consistent from mid-range. So your latter comment on his form for a big man is probably the answer.

        Harrell spent so much time above the rim in the Capital Classic that I honestly couldn’t get too much of a read on consistency of outside shooting :)

        But I think his form is better than any big man that we’ve had in several years – you can tell that he concentrates on his shots – doesn’t rush shots.

        I got hit up by @TerrapinNation on Twitter and here’s what he (Scott Greene) said:

        @TerrapinNation: @hokieguru and yes, Montrezl Harrell was absolutely the best player on the court last night. Hargrave worked wonders for him.

        I considered this pretty high praise.

  • HokieGuru

    Here’s the Montrezl Harrell Mix from the Capital Classic:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5r3shxVek4&feature=relmfu


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2012-13 Schedule

November
11/10 Hokies 80, etsu 62
11/12 Hokies 69, rhode island 50
11/15 Hokies 95, vmi 80
11/19 Hokies 96, unc-g 87
11/23 Hokies 87, appalachian state 76
**ACC/BIG Ten Challenge**
11/27 Hokies 95, iowa 79
December
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12/8 wvu 68, Hokies 67
**Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic**
12/10 Hokies 70, mvsu 49
12/15 Georgia Southern 78, Hokies 73
12/22 Hokies 66, bradley 65, OT
12/23 colorado state 88, Hokies 52
**Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic**
12/29 byu 97, Hokies 71
January
1/5 maryland 94, Hokies 71
1/9 boston college 86, Hokies 75
1/12 Hokies 70, georgia tech 65
1/19 Hokies 66, wake forest 65
1/24 virginia 74, Hokies 58
1/27 clemson 77, Hokies 70
1/30 miami 73, Hokies 64
February
2/2 unc 72, Hokies 60, OT
2/7 maryland 60, Hokies 55
2/9 Georgia Tech 64, hokies 54
2/12 virginia 73, Hokies 55
2/16 nc state 90, Hokies 86
2/21 duke 88, Hokies 56
2/24 Hokies 80, fsu 70
2/27 miami 76, Hokies 58
March
3/2 Hokies 69, clemson 61
3/5 duke 85, Hokies 57
3/10 wake 90, Hokies 79
**ACC Tournament in Greensboro**
3/14 vs. nc state, 2:30 p.m.
3/15 Quarterfinals
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