A big round of congratulations once again to Jayson Tatum, who was selected by the Boston Celtics with the No. 3 overall pick in last week’s National Basketball Association Draft.
The former Chaminade College Prep All-American joins a growing list of players from the St. Louis area who are in the NBA. He is also the third player from Chaminade’s program in the professional ranks. Former Chaminade stars Bradley Beal and David Lee are with the Washington Wizards and San Antonio Spurs, respectively.
Former CBC standout Patrick McCaw is a member of the world champion Golden State Warriors. Former Wellston High star Ben McLemore currently plays for the Sacramento Kings.
The 6’9 Tatum will bring an element of big-time scoring to the Celtics team that is built on toughness and defensive intensity. For Celtics fans, Tatum’s ability to get buckets will remind them of former Celtics great Paul Pierce and the late Reggie Lewis.
Congratulations also go out to Jayson’s parents, Brandy Cole Barnes and Justin Tatum, on the success of their talented young son who became one of the best ballers that the St. Louis area has even seen. They have to be very proud.
Tatum is expected to play with the Celtics’ entry in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Boston’s first summer league game will be on Saturday, July 8 against the Los Angeles Lakers, which will be televised on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. (St. Louis time). The Celtics will also be in action on Sunday, July 9 against Portland (7:30 p.m., ESPN2); Tuesday, July 11 against Philadelphia (5:30 p.m., ESPN2).
Malcolm Hill to play with OKC in Summer League
Former Belleville East basketball star Malcolm Hill did not get selected in the NBA Draft last week, but he was quickly signed by the Oklahoma City Thunder to play in their NBA Summer League entry in Orlando, which will be held from July 1-6. Hill recently completed a tremendous four-year career at the University of Illinois, where he finished his career with 1,846 points. The 6’7” Hill averaged 18.1 points and 6.6 rebounds as a junior and 17.2 points and 5.1 rebounds as a senior. You can catch Malcolm in action on Saturday vs. Detroit (4 p.m. St. Louis time on NBA-TV), Monday, July 3 vs. New York (noon on NBA-TV), Tuesday, July 4 vs. Charlotte (noon, NBA-TV), Wednesday, July 5 vs. Dallas (noon, NBA-TV).
Gwen Berry to IAAF Worlds
Former McCluer High track and field standout Gwen Berry earned a spot on Team USA for the upcoming International Association of Athletics (IAAF) World Championships in London, which will be in August.
Berry punched her ticket to England by winning the women’s hammer throw at last weekend’s USA National Championships in Sacramento, Calif. Berry unleashed a winning throw of 245 feet, 3 inches to win her first outdoor national championship. She is a three-time indoor national champion and a member of the USA Olympic Team in 2016.
Ja’Mari Ward repeats as a junior national champion
Former Cahokia High track and field star Ja’Mari Ward is a junior national champion in the long jump for the second consecutive year. Ward had a winning jump of 25 feet 7 ½ inches at last weekend’s USA Junior Outdoor Championships in Sacramento, Calif.
With the national title in hand, Ward earns a berth for Team USA at the Pan American Junior Championships in Lima, Peru from July 21-23. Ward finished sixth in the long jump at last year’s IAAF World U20 Championships last year.
Ward just completed his freshman season at the University of Missouri, where he was the surprise winner in the long jump at the Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championships.
Class of 2018 football commitments
Several members from the St. Louis area’s loaded Class of 2018 in football have been making their college commitments as of late. The latest to commit this week is Pattonville High quarterback Kaleb Eleby, who has selected Western Michigan University. A prolific passer, the 6’3” Eleby has been a starter since his freshman year for the Pirates.
Wide receiver Arther Green of Parkway Central has committed to Arkansas State. The 6’3” Green is an impressive three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track for the Colts. Green joins Lutheran North running back Donovan Marshall, who also gave a commitment to Arkansas State.
Standout defensive end Ayodele Adeoye of Ritenour has give a verbal commitment to Texas while linebacker Devin Ruffin of Lutheran North gave a verbal pledge to Bowling Green.
Brandon Gilmore to lead Hazelwood Central hoops
Congratulations to Brandon Gilmore, who was just hired as the head basketball coach at Hazelwood Central. Gilmore replaces Josh Martin, who will become Central’s new Athletic Director. Gilmore has been Martin’s top assistant for the past decade. It is a well-deserved opportunity for Gilmore, who has been one of the hardest working young coaches in the area at the high school and grassroots levels as well as his work as a basketball trainer.
