World's Best High School B-Ball Players Slam Dunk
                                 into World's Most Famous Arena

By: Bryant Lewis
TeenNewsNet, Co-Editor

    The world of high school basketball, and I do mean the WORLD, descended upon New York's Madison Square Garden on Saturday, April 19th, for the 7th annual Jordan Classic (4th one @ MSG). 

    This event has become the second only to the McDonald's Classic as far as visibility and prestige.  It has been the showcase for such future superstars as: Lebron James, Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudemire, Tyler Hansbrough and Kevin Durant. This year's class included: Guard Brandon Jennings, who's going to Arizona, Georgetown-bound Forward Greg Monroe, and a trio of future UCLA Bruins: Drew Gordon, Jrue Holiday, and Malcolm Lee. 

    To add even more competition, the Classic added an international game, giving stateside hoop fans a chance to see how well the game is played by 15-16 year olds who hail from far-away places like; Israel, Lithuania, Senegal, and Spain. Finally, some of the best local talent from NYC, and its suburbs, squared-off to see who would have bragging rights for the next year (the suburban team has the 2008 crown with a 129-127 OT thriller). TNN caught up with some of the stars of tomorrow, to chat about their trip to NY, and what the future may hold.

Enes Kanter (Turkey) 22 pts, 17 rebounds:     "It was my first time in NY and I had so much fun, the atmosphere here (MSG) was great. I had so much fun training with the international team.

TNN:     What was it you liked the most about the coaching?

Kanter:     The coaches here are willing to work more closely with the players and they separate them based on their abilities. I hope to be able to play college ball here in the states.

Baye Moussa Keita (Senegal) 4 pts, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks:     "It was a beautiful experience, this is my first time in New York, and it's a beautiful town. I'm proud to represent my country, my family, and Michael Jordan. The coaches were great and they helped me improve on my post-up play, and my jump shot. I was happy to have met a lot of nice boys from different places, Virginia, Turkey, Spain, I'm so happy to have met these players."


    The newly-crowned NCAA champs Kansas Jayhawks lost 3 of their starters when they defended their national championship. But not only does Coach Bill Self stay at Lawrence, the cupboard won't be bare, as 3 players from New Jersey head out west. Twins Marcus and Markleff Morris, both forwards, along with Quintrell Thomas, showed what the future will look like for the champs in front of a packed house at the Garden. We spoke to the twins about taking their all around game to the next level.

TNN:     What are your thoughts about joining the National Champs?

Markleff:     "I'm happy that Coach Self is staying. He talked to me about, and told me he wasn't going anywhere. They have new practice facilities, and my brother and I are going out there to try and win another championship."

TNN:     How easy was the recruiting process that enabled you to have both you and Marcus go to school together?

Markleff:     "We were looking for a school that we both could play right away.  We were going in together, so if you wanted one you wanted both."

Marcus:     "My brother and I have a great relationship. We're the type of twins that really enjoy being around each other, wherever he goes, I go. We have great chemistry on the the court."


        Jordan Brand All American's BJ Mullens and Scott Hopson talk hoops with
                                                    CBS  College Sports: