| Subject: Click on this message for another article on Fordham recruit Chris Bethel(from the A10 Board courtesy of Opinionater) |
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Rambacker
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Date Posted: 08:29:54 05/07/05 Sat
In reply to:
Rambacker
's message, "Click on the message above to see the article" on 17:00:21 05/06/05 Fri
Boroughwide News April 22, 2005
Net’s Kidd offers words of wisdom to St. Raymond’s star athletes
St. Raymond High School basketball players Chris Bethel (r.) and Ricky Torres (l.) starred in the Jordan Classic at Madison Square Garden last week after recently being schooled by New Jersey Nets star Jason Kidd. –PHOTO BY BOBBY CIAFARDINI/BFC
by Bobby Ciafardini
Many around the NBA have proclaimed New Jersey Nets star Jason Kidd as the best pure point guard and most instinctual player in the league.
A recent television commercial joked that Kidd’s court vision and ability to find teammates on the floor is so sharp that he has "eyes in the back of his head." The commercial featured a few of Kidd’s teammates, including Nets’ swingman Richard Jefferson, and showed the point guard sitting in a diner facing forward, while Jefferson’s car is seen being towed away outside the restaurant window. Looking forward, Kidd says with a grin, "Hey Richard, they’re towing your car."
All jokes aside, Kidd’s foresight is as strong as they come, and the fearless playmaker, who took the Nets to consecutive trips to the NBA Finals (2001-2002; 2002-2003 seasons) and an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals last year, believes a pair of star players from St. Raymond High School have a bright future ahead of them in the game of basketball.
Recently, Kidd, a Team Jordan athlete, announced the 2005 Jordan Classic Regional Game rosters at a basketball clinic at The Children’s Aid Society’s Dunlevy Millbank Center in New York City. While making the official announcement for the game named after basketball legend Michael Jordan on Monday, March 21, Kidd shared some words of advice and herald the play of St. Raymond’s senior power forward Chris Bethel and senior shooting guard Ricky Torres.
Kidd said he was extremely impressed by the demeanor of the two Bronx basketball players from St. Raymond’s and expects their talents to carry them toward a bright future in the game. He also said the exposure they received through the Jordan Classic at Madison Square Garden last week was invaluable.
Torres said was thrilled to play in the game, but still couldn’t get over meeting Kidd.
"He congratulated everyone on being selected to play in the game and spoke to Chris and I, and some of the other players for quite some time," said the 6’4" Torres, who will be attending St. John’s University next season and playing for the Red Storm. "He told us we could make it to the NBA, too. Then he said by the time we play against him, he will be old, and to ‘take it easy’ on him.
Bethel, who lives on Undercliff Avenue, said even though he plays in the frontcourt, he admires Kidd and his prolific point guard skills, seeing him as a role model.
"He plays the game the right way," said Bethel, who will be attending Fordham University next season, joining the Rams on the hardwood. "Kidd makes unbelievable passes on the court and improves the play of players around him."
Bethel and Torres were a formidable duo this season at St. Raymond’s, leading the team to an 16-11 record before losing in the quarter finals of the Catholic High School Athletic Association tournament.
Torres, who lives on Wickham Avenue, has established a reputation as one of the best shooters in New York City. And his deadly jumper didn’t disappoint in the Jordan Classic, as he finished with 11 points, including one three-pointer in 20 minutes of action.
Bethel, an inside presence who fills space in the lane with his muscular 210 pound frame, netted four points and grabbed three rebounds in 14 minutes of play.
However, Jordan Suburban defeated Bethel and Torres’ Jordan City squad 104-89 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, April 16.
"I wasn’t nervous," Bethel said after the game, "but it was a little hard to get into a rhythm out there. It’s just an honor to be here and I am going to enjoy it."
Added Torres: "It’s unfortunate we didn’t win, but it was a great experience for both of us. It was really exciting and I am proud I was selected to play in the game.
The event was previously held in Washington, D.C. for 31 years, including the past three years with Jordan as the title sponsor. During that time, the participants included current NBA stars LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets and 2003 National Champion Syracuse Orangemen, as well as Phoenix Sun All-Star Amare Stoudamire and current NCAA standouts Wake Forest’s Chris Paul and 2005 NCCA Champion Rashad McCants of North Carolina, amongst many others.
In the regional game, the City Team was made up of the top ten players from the five boroughs, while the Suburban Team consisted of the top ten players from northern New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island and Connecticut.
"This was pretty special for Ricky and Chris," said St. Raymond’s coach Oliver Antigua, who opposed his players as the head coach for the winning Jordan Suburban team. "It was very exciting and they deserve it. It’s an incredible honor for me as well, and the first time I’ve ever coached at the Garden."
The event doubleheader began at 5:30 p.m. with the regional game, followed by the national game — which featured the top prep players from around the country — at 8 p.m. A portion of each ticket sold benefited The Children’s Aid Society. For more information and results, visit the official web site of the games at www.jordanclassic.com.
"This event serves as a national showcase for these players, who were selected for their tremendous basketball accomplishments, hard work, and dedication to the game," Jordan said. "I anticipate the Jordan Classic participants succeeding in all future endeavors both on and off the court."
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