(2017) SG Al Durham Jr. to IU

[rebelhoosier848891]

3 hours ago, Jketch said:

Talked to Al today and he said he has a 6'10 wingspan and wouldn't wanna be playing anywhere else.

Say what?  That's impressive and could lead to some great defense and steals---and I almost forgot--coach's favorite--DEFLECTIONS!

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

Hoosier Hills Hoops ‏@HoosierHills 11m11 minutes ago

Indiana 2017 commit Al Durham will play in Kentuckiana this December with his @BerkmarHoops team in the @KingofBluegrass tourney. #iubb

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

Stampede backcourt duo Aljami Durham & Collin Sexton set to take EYBL by storm

04/14/2016, 5:00pm EDT

By Ashley WIlliams, D1 Circuit

 

The 2016 Southern Stampede’s backcourt should be one to watch for in the EYBL circuit.

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the Southern Stampede is a NIKE EYBL affiliate program founded, operated and coached by Aljami Durham Sr. The group was started in 2003 and has become a notable team in the circuit.

Leading the squad are guards Aljami Durham Jr. and Collin Sexton, two juniors ranked in ESPN’s Top 100.

Durham, who attends Berkmar High School in Lillburn, Georgia, has committed to Indiana.

“I felt like coach (Tom) Crean put the most effort into recruiting me,” Durham said regarding his decision.

Durham said he can play comfortably now that he is committed to Indiana. Although his future is secure, he plans to work hard and continue to stand out.

A talented ball-handler, the 6-foot-4 Durham uses his ambidexterity to throw off defenses while attacking the basket.

“I can do a little bit of everything,” Durham said.

He also hopes to get stronger, a goal he’d like to achieve before joining the Hoosiers.

As far as the EYBL season goes, Durham is excited to play with Sexton, a good friend who shares the same goal.

“Coming into the season, I feel like we are slept on, so we are coming in with a chip on our shoulder for our last AAU season,” Durham said about playing with Sexton, who attends Pebblebrook High School in Mableton, Georgia.

Sexton is uncommitted but has offers from as many as 15 programs, including Alabama, Florida, Iowa State, Texas and California.

A tough player to defend, the 6-foot-2 Sexton thrives in high-energy moments.

With a high basketball IQ, he requires little reaction time to make the right choices on the court. He often looks to remain aggressive and push the ball, and flourishes while finishing through contact.

Aljami Durham

Having learned from their AAU experiences that they must be ready to compete every time they step on the court, both players seem well prepared to compete in the EYBL, one of the country’s toughest high school leagues.

Durham’s father is not only the CEO of Southern Stampede but is the head coach of the 17U team.

Durham has the added stress of playing for his father as a member of the 17U team.

“It’s not weird at all, he is my No. 1 critic. He is hard on me but keeps me accountable,” Durham said.

Despite similar skill sets, Durham and Sexton see their talents meshing rather than clashing, and neither will feel the need to outshine the other.

“We are going to play off of each other and strive for success,” Sexton said.

The pair have developed a strong chemistry by playing together at various camps and in numerous leagues.

“We are an energetic, scoring pair and will be able to score from all around the court,” Durham said.

Collectively, Durham and Sexton want the team to remain highly ranked and do well in the best tournaments on the circuit. Individually, each hopes to be invited to Nike Elite camps and play in big events, such as the Jordan Brand Classic, Elite 24 and the McDonald’s All-American Game.

How are they going to get there?

“Showing (that) every game is important and playing hard every minute you are out there,” Sexton said.

[Crimson and Cream]

Great read, I don't know how I keep forgetting about Al but he seems to be a very good find. His friend sounds pretty intriguing as well. 

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

AAU Circuit:  Al Durham's Southern Stampede over King James (OH) 68 - 67.  Durham played 30 min.; 19 pts. on a not-so-spectacular shooting % but he was 7 of 8 from the foul line.  Also had 6 reb., 1 ass't. and 3 TO's.

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

Southern Stampede G Aljami Durham (@aldurham01): 10 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST in a 66 - 62 win over Houston Hoops.  Played 30 min.; again shot poorly only 4 of 13 from the field and 1 of 3 on 3's; 6 reb.; 4 assists; 5 TO's.

[bstall76]

While the shooting and turnovers are not ideal, I am not too worried as it is in AAU with it's lack of fundamental play and helter skelter style.  If the poor shooting and turnovers continue into next high school season then it may be something to worry about.

[WayneFleekHoosier]

Al Durham Jr & Southern Stampede getting beat badly tonight by much bigger Cal Supreme team. Durham struggling with shot but getting to line.

Struggling shooting seems like a recurring theme for Durham.

[WayneFleekHoosier]

Southern Stampede G Aljami Durham (@aldurham01): 12 PTS, 3 REB vs Cali Supreme @Southstampede d1circuit.com/game/show/1372…

His teammate, Colin Sexton went for 37/9, same game.

[Walking Boot of Doom]

Al Durham Jr & Southern Stampede getting beat badly tonight by much bigger Cal Supreme team. Durham struggling with shot but getting to line.

Struggling shooting seems like a recurring theme for Durham.

Good thing we've got Buckley!

[WayneFleekHoosier]

Good thing we've got Buckley!

Agree. But Stan Robinson sticks in my mind.

[biteoftheapple]

Troys development also lags behind.

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

From Jeremy Price:  There's more to like with Al Durham than the stat line would suggest. Finished with 12 points on 4-17 FGs and 4-5 FTs in 94-71 loss.  To elaborate, Durham has good form on FTs/in warmups, just needs work on footwork/preparation in games. Loads of defensive potential.

http://scoop.hoosiershq.com/2016/04/durham-waiting-for-shots-to-fall-on-eybl-circuit-iubb/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[MadAboutIndiana]

Agree. But Stan Robinson sticks in my mind.

Duuuuuuude lol

It's okay to be optimistic. Not every guy needs to be Yogi Ferrell from 3 land. Durham is a role player

This is another brilliant sign IMO. Durham's father runs the Southern Stampede, IIRC. Aka, IU is in with yet another top Nike team and in Atlanta to top it off

[hoosierpap]

29 minutes ago, WayneFleekHoosier said:

Agree. But Stan Robinson sticks in my mind.

No. Stan's shot was so broken tried switching hands. Let's not get carried away. 

[Walking Boot of Doom]

Troys development also lags behind.

Watch freshman Troy versus junior Troy. Huge difference in his shooting ability.

[biteoftheapple]

Watch freshman Troy versus junior Troy. Huge difference in his shooting ability.

You are kidding yourself if you believe the NBA scouts feel his shot is developed.

[WayneFleekHoosier]

I will say Troy has improved shooting slowly and gradually. NBA scouts fear the NBA 3 will challenge him even greater and he is marginal from college range.

[WayneFleekHoosier]

No. Stan's shot was so broken tried switching hands. Let's not get carried away. 

That's fair. But it couldn't be fixed. Actually was worse than in HS. He shot decent from FT in HS. Worse in college. Buckley can't fix everyone. Also, it's more about reps and you have to be willing the shoot until the lights go out. That likely was not Stan.

I am not saying Durham is the next Stan by any stretch but it is fair to point out the FG shooting has been bad consistently of late. That's all I'm saying. It's a major area of improvement and likely not a strong suit for him.

Some shooters are naturally gifted, that doesn't appear to be Durham. That's all I meant.

[WayneFleekHoosier]

Same can be said for VO and many other talented guards.