In a world where around 773 million young people and adults are still lacking basic literacy skills (UIS), the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences of its lockdown are only magnifying the already existing literacy challenges.

In line with this years theme of the upcoming International Literacy Day and UNESCO International Literacy Prizes, Literacy teaching and learning during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond, we are looking into how former Prizes laureates have been coping with the unforeseen crisis.

This is the first story in the series of two where we follow testimonies from Indonesia, Colombia, Jordan and DRC on how the laureates ensure that their literacy programmes continue to reaching the most vulnerable populations during the pandemic.

Reading rhymes with mental health benefits and resilience in Jordan

The We Love Reading (WLR) programme from Jordan received the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize in 2017, and since then, it has gone on reaching children in 55 countries around the world.

WLR is a grassroots community Programme which prides itself to fostering the love of reading among children and youth; empowering youth and adults to become change makers through reading aloud in their communities; and creating resilience among children, youth and adults through reading.

And rightfully so, the WLR programme has proven to reduce stress and anxiety in the past and boosting mental health and resilience among vulnerable populations such as refugees or people with low socioeconomic status.

The programme aims to tackle the fact that the majority of children around the world dont read for fun. It builds on the logic that without reading for pleasure, children wont reap the real benefits of reading, such as widening their imagination, increasing their vocabulary, heightening their empathy, confidence and resilience.

Since the beginning of COVID-19, the programme launched a specific We Love Reading plan for Corona.

The plan for Corona is about local volunteers reading aloud to children in their neighborhoods or at home in the context of COVID-19. Reading aloud is a way to motivate them to love reading and in this way become lifelong learners, explains Ms Rana Dajani, the Founder of We Love Reading.

All these benefits become especially important when education is compromised. Reading for pleasure becomes a placeholder until learning goes back to normal. Maybe it is the only way of learning during this crisis, says Ms Dajani.

Other initiatives of the programme during the COVID-19 crisis have included posting free audio and textbooks online in English and Arabic; recordings of WLR ambassadors reading stories aloud, and WLR ambassadors posting inspiring social media messages from around the world to testify how they are coping and dealing with the crisis.

Poverty, homelessness and sexual violence against women are the harsh costs of the pandemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Collectif Alpha Ujuvi (CAU) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was awarded the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy in 2011 for its programme Literacy for the peaceful coexistence of communities and good governance.

The programmes objective was to train trainers in literacy techniques, inform communities about illiteracy, elaborate coordination among literacy centers, and supervise and evaluate their work.

The province in North Kivu has suffered long-term political instability and massive displacement of populations. This led to permanent insecurity and a lack of peace for the population. Under the direction of Ms Sister Deodata Bunzigiye, the programme used literacy to prevent and resolve tensions and conflicts among individuals and communities in the region. Peace huts combined with literacy learning brought more security to the politically unstable communities.

Since receiving the Prize in 2011, the CAU invested the Prize money in a large field which they named AZINA Confucius or Confucius treasure. It provided and still provides room for the schooling of several poor and vulnerable children in the region, who have either dropped out of school before or never attended any learning.

However, the COVID-19 crisis and its consequences have put the children and the programme in a vulnerable position.

Our students who have already been reintegrated, risk dropping out of school again, says Ms Sister Deodata Bunzigiye, Executive Secretary of the Alpha Ujuvi Collective.

One of the major challenges is that of confinement. It is followed by the problem of immense poverty in a post-conflict situation. The vast majority of households with no stable economy live from day to day. We see that domestic violence is becoming more frequent, and the closure of schools increases the rate of homelessness and sexual exploitation of young girls. We are observing a huge challenge with an increased number of children, particularly underage girls, living on the streets of the city of Goma, says Ms Bunzigiye.

To cope with and adapt to the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis, the CAU has taken numerous measures to protect the children during the pandemic and continue literacy learning in other forms.

With the support of one of our partners, our corrective schools use books that make homework at home possible. The challenge remains for those who are in the streets, she says.

As part of the fight against the spreading of the Corona virus, the CAU supervises 30 underage girls living in the streets of the city of Goma. The young girls are accompanied on medical and psychosocial levels, with the goal to later being inserted later in the CUAs Furahini school recovery center.

For the literacy groups, we follow the preventive and protective measures encouraged by the Congolese government, such as regular hand washing, use of disinfectants, mufflers etc., and we divide the classes in half to at most 15 learners, says Ms Bunzigiye.

The CAU also manages to keep in touch with its learners, especially those who prepare their public defenses within the framework of the "Mupaka Shamba letu" project in partnership with Alert International.

The Provincial Government in partnership with the CAU, has studied how to further harness the benefits of the "Azina - Confucius" field on an educational, social and development level. A multidisciplinary center with a literacy circle and trade center for young people is planned, but the project is currently in the start-up phase.

We now have to think about including preventive and protective strategies to limit the spreading of the virus, says Ms Bunzigiye.

This years International Literacy Day and UNESCO International Literacy Prizes will be looking into the theme of literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. The five new Prizes laureates will be announced around International Literacy Day, 8 September 2020.

The two UNESCO International Literacy Prizes are: The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize, Established in 1989, with the support of the Government of the Republic of Korea, which gives special consideration to the development and use of mother-tongue literacy education and training. And the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, established in 2005 with the support of the Government of the Peoples Republic of China, which is dedicated to promoting literacy amongst adults in rural areas and out-of-school youth, particularly girls and women.

Continued here:

Disruptions of literacy learning in Jordan and Democratic Republic of the Congo due to COVID-19 - Democratic Republic of the Congo - ReliefWeb

While sneakerheads were busy attempting to secure today's Off-White x Air Jordan 5 release through SNKRS, the shoe's creator debuted a previously unseen colorway of his collaboration out of nowhere.

After photos began making rounds on social medial earlier in the day, Virgil Abloh took to his own Instagram with a candid look at the aforementioned pair, styled in sail and red with similar vintage effects on the upper and sole. As he's known to do, Abloh also went full DIY mode on his pair, using a knife to cut the 'windows' out, which he told The Undefeated is part of his 100% design concept.

Though not confirmed, it's been rumored that a "Sail" Off-White x Air Jordan 5 will release at some point later this year. Stick with Sole Collector for updates as they become available.

UPDATE (4/5): While an exact date hasn't been confirmed, ZSneakerheadz reports that the "Sail" Off-White x Air Jordan 5 will release during the holiday season. It's also expected to be available in preschool and toddler sizes like its predecessor. Of course, dates are fluid at the moment due to coronavirus, so that can change. We'll keep you updated here at Sole Collector.

UPDATE (7/17): ZSneakerheadz shares a rumored first look at the "Sail" Off-White x Air Jordan 5, which is noticeably different from the sample worn by Virgil Abloh earlier this year. This version is a more literal take of the original "Fire Red" colorway with a black midsole and red 'flame' detailing. Additional release information has not yet been announced or leaked.

Off-White x Air Jordan 5 Retro "Sail"Release Date: Holiday 2020Color:Sail/Fire Red-Muslin-BlackStyle #:CT8480-100Price: $225

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Rumored First Look at the Second Off-White x Air Jordan 5 - Sole Collector

Long before the ESPN docuseries "The Last Dance" became a must-watch, producer Michael Tollin was one of the main figures behind the scenes just trying to get the project off the ground.

Without Tollin, the series which was an in-depth look at the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the late 1990s that included Michael Jordan talking about his career like never before may never have been made.

The veteran producer behind sports movies like "Coach Carter" and "Varsity Blues" had heard for years about the locked away footage. The NBA had filmed the Bulls' title run in 1998, which would mark the end of the team's dominance over the NBA (led by Jordan) that resulted in two three-peat championships (1991-1993, 1996-1998).

Through most of the early 2000s, everyone from Spike Lee to "Indiana Jones" producer Frank Marshall tried to gain the rights but Jordan, who had to agree to the footage being released, always declined.

In 2012, Tollin formed with Mandalay Entertainment head Peter Guber Mandalay Sports Media, a production company focused on sports entertainment. One of the projects Tollin set his sights on was the Bulls 1998 footage.

"The Last Dance" chronicles the Chicago Bulls dynasty, led by Michael Jordan (center). Andrew D. Bernstein

Fast forward four years at the NBA All-Star Game in Toronto. Tollin finally made some progress when he met with Curtis Polk and Estee Portnoy, the leaders of Jordan's business empire. For months, the three worked on how to present the idea of "The Last Dance" to Jordan.

"I have to give them credit for chaperoning me," Tollin told Insider, "because I didn't know if I would ever get behind the curtain and personally sit with Jordan."

A lookbook which gives a general outline of the intended project through photos, synopsis, and other written material was put together by Tollin and his team. And then in June 2016, Tollin said he suddenly got the call: Come meet Jordan.

Tollin got ready for a red-eye flight to Charlotte to see Air Jordan, though he admits he didn't even have a set meeting.

"I remember my wife said, 'What time is the meeting?' And I said, 'We don't have one,' she said, 'Wait, you're flying to Charlotte without a meeting?' And I said, 'It's Michael Jordan, absolutely,'" Tollin recalled.

Tollin said after he landed, he still had no idea if he would actually get to meet Jordan until he entered his office. With Polk and Portnoy by his side, Jordan appeared, sat down, and after some small talk, he opened the lookbook.

The first page Jordan saw, according to Tollin, was a brief note the producer wrote to Jordan: "Dear Michael, every day kids come to my office wearing your shoes who have never seen you play. It's time."

"He put on his reading glasses to read it, so that was definitely a moment," Tollin said. "He smiled and he continued reading."

Tollin said that Jordan read every word on every page. Watching the NBA legend read through the notes, Tollin said he observed what would be highlighted in the 10-part docuseries: How Jordan has a gift of being fully in the moment.

"There's a mental game that nobody can touch him on, and I felt it just sitting in the room. I felt he was completely with me," Tollin said.

Michael Tollin. Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty

When Jordan got to the last page that listed the credits of the people who would be involved in the project, it included an image of Allen Iverson from the documentary Tollin produced called "Iverson."

"So, you did this?" Tollin said Jordan asked him as he pointed at the Iverson photo.

"I'm a Philly guy, and I remember Michael being crossed up by Allen. So here's a guy who holds grudges to motivate himself, I did not know if there was an Iverson grudge," Tollin said. "So I acted like I didn't hear him."

Jordan asked again as Tollin looked at him: "You did that?"

Tollin told Jordan he did, sheepishly. Jordan responded: "I watched it three times, it made me cry. Loved that little guy."

Tollin said Jordan then got up and walked from behind his desk and shook his hand.

"I'm in," Jordan told him.

Looking back now, Tollin has no clue if his meeting was the deciding factor in Jordan getting on board or if the NBA legend had made his decision before Tollin touched down in Charlotte.

"He was ready to tell his story his way," Tollin said.

Though he admits, the Jordan meeting is one heck of a story.

"The Last Dance" is available on Netflix beginning Sunday.

Read the original:

How an executive producer on 'The Last Dance' got Michael Jordan involved in the hit docuseries - Insider - INSIDER

Matthew Thornton has been paddling since he was 6 years old. He did his first solo kayak float at age 8.

More than 30 years later, hes still on the water, although these days youre more likely to find him doing some whitewater SUPing that is, running rapids on a stand-up paddleboard.

And his go-to place for it all? The Coosa River.

I was pretty much born in it, the Titus native said of the river just a short hop from his native stomping grounds. It just feels like home.

Its also convenient that where Thornton lives near Lake Jordan and Jordan Dam is one of the best places in the region to catch some serious whitewater.

For years, Thornton has helped spread his love for paddling and whitewater as a member, and now president, of the Coosa River Paddling Club. The club hosts the annual Coosa River Whitewater Festival, which takes place on the Coosa between Wetumpka and Jordan Dam. On weekends during warm-weather months, Alabama Power releases water from the dam for recreational purposes, creating the conditions that fuel paddlers of all stripes and abilities, as well as the annual festival.

An open freestyle competitor flips in the rapids of Moccasin Gap during a previous years Coosa River Whitewater Festival in Wetumpka. (Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.)

The Coosa River near Jordan Dam is one of the best places in the region to catch some serious whitewater. (Matthew Thornton)

Its a month later than usual and scaled back a bit, but the Coosa River Whitewater Festival lives on in 2020. (Coosa River Whitewater Festival)

Typically, the Coosa River Whitewater Festival runs for three days in June. This year, however, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause.

After careful consideration and consultation with its members, the paddling club is moving forward with a more low-key, two-day competition this weekend.

This is one of the oldest paddling competitions in the South. And it may be one of the few that take place this year, Thornton said.

The event July 18-19 will include extra precautions so people adhere to social-distancing guidelines.

Giant crowds that would be an issue this year because of the pandemic have never been a problem at previous festivals, since attendees must paddle out to where the competition takes place. The shorter notice about this years festival is likely to reduce the number of paddlers and keep it more of a local event.

Were going to be doing everything we can, to the best of our ability to maintain safe distancing, said Thornton, who is thrilled the club will be able to keep the long-running event alive in 2020. The first festival took place in 1985.

Proceeds from the festival typically go to local conservation efforts, including park improvements and nonprofits working to protect the environment and enhance outdoor recreation.

Alabama Power has been very supportive and cooperative. Theyve really helped to keep it going over these many years, Thornton said.

In addition to the summertime recreational flows on weekends, throughout the year Alabama Power maintains a minimum flow of water through Jordan Dam to support the health of the Coosa and wildlife that rely on the river.

One of the most important beneficiaries of the minimum flow has been the rare tulotoma snail, which was placed on the federal endangered species list in 1991. The damming of the Coosa, beginning nearly a century ago, helped electrify the region and improve the economy and quality of life in local communities. But it also was among the factors that contributed to the decline of the snails population. Over the past 20 years, however, efforts by Alabama Power and multiple government and community partners have resulted in a comeback for the snail. In 2011, it became the first North American mollusk species to be moved or downlisted from the endangered species list to the less-serious threatened list. Efforts continue to help the snail further recover.

The weekend recreational flows typically begin in mid-June and continue through the end of October, depending on the availability of water. Recreational flows also are provided on the Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day holidays. Alabama Power varies the recreational flows in a three-weekend rotation. The three levels of flow provide a gentler experience for novice paddlers on some weekends, while higher flows on other weekends draw more-seasoned whitewater enthusiasts. Information about scheduled releases is posted three days ahead on the Lake Jordan page on Alabama Powers reservoir information website, http://www.apcshorelines.com, and on Alabama Powers Smart Lakes app.

An open freestyle competitor paddles into the rapids of Moccasin Gap during the Coosa River Whitewater Festival in Wetumpka. (Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.)

The Coosa River near Jordan Dam is one of the best places in the region to catch some serious whitewater. (Tallapoosa Publishing Inc.)

An open freestyle competitor is surrounded by the rapids of Moccasin Gap during a previous years Coosa River Whitewater Festival in Wetumpka. (Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.)

The Coosa River near Jordan Dam is one of the best places in the region to catch some serious whitewater. (Tallapoosa Publishing Inc.)

The Coosa River near Jordan Dam is one of the best places in the region to catch some serious whitewater. (Tallapoosa Publishing Inc.)

Whitewater SUPing, in which the paddler stands on a paddleboard, is a popular way to ride the rapids. (Matthew Thornton)

Chris Carter, owner of local outfitter Coosa River Adventures, is another great source of information about this stretch of the Coosa River and the best ways to enjoy it. He started his boat rental business 25 years ago with six canoes and a trailer. Today, he has 200 single-person and 50 two-person kayaks, and the demand is there to grow more.

Its not only paddlers who are hitting the local waters in kayaks, he said. Anglers are increasingly inclined to drop a line from a kayak and avoid the big bass boats that ply surrounding lakes. He said the section of the Coosa below Jordan Dam offers some of the best spotted bass fishing around, an assertion affirmed by others who a few years ago proclaimed the Coosa as the only river (vs. a lake setting) worthy as a national top 10 fishing locale.

Carter said heavy rains this spring, more than COVID-19, dampened business for a time. But this summer, with outdoor recreation one of the best ways to exercise and stay safely apart, business is not suffering. We are pretty much maxed out on the weekends, he said.

Carter said the scheduled flows from Jordan Dam provide an advantage for those who want more predictable conditions for paddling and river pastimes. And with the Coosa being a warm-water river, that, too, can be more appealing for some people and families, compared to tackling cold-water rapids.

Im a lover of the river, Carter said. I love the fact that I get to look out my backyard and see the last fall line on the Coosa River.

For more information about this years Coosa River Whitewater Festival, Thornton recommends sending a message from the festivals Facebook page. Festival organizers will respond.

More here:

Recreational releases from Jordan Dam keep whitewater enthusiasts on their game - Alabama NewsCenter

Who is the GOAT of GOATs? The greatest of the greatests? An answer to the question: Who is the greatest athlete of all time?

Well, were asking you to vote.

When you do, keep this in mind: Its impossible to compare players of different sports. What we can attempt to determine is this: Who dominated their competition the most?

We seeded 16 athletes from 16 different sports based on your votes of who is the GOAT of each individual sport. The vote is now down to the Final Four. Remember, this isnt about popularity, but who dominated their sport the most. Vote now to determine who is The GOAT of GOATS.

(Amber Matsumoto/Yahoo Sports illustration)

The case for Wayne Gretzky

The Great One racked up 2,857 points in his 20-year career and would own the NHLs all-time scoring record even if you took away his career goals (894) and counted only his assists (1,963). A nine-time MVP, Gretzky was so brilliant he cast a shadow on three men who would otherwise have great NHL GOAT cases: Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr and Mario Lemieux.

Kevin Kaduk

The case for Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps has deep breath won 28 Olympic medals, 10 more than anyone else; collected 23 golds, 14 more than anyone else; has the single most dominant Olympics in history, winning eight golds in 2008; has set 39 world records; set a world record at 15, won gold medals in his 30s. Oh, and he has won 20 more Olympic medals than Usain Bolt.

Pat Forde

The case for Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan was so good his claim to the NBAs GOAT throne is still gaining momentum almost a quarter-century after his retirement from theChicago Bulls. The Last Dance documentary reminded us how thoroughly he eviscerated the league. Jordan went 6-for-6 when a title was on the line, winning Finals MVP each time. He added five regular-season MVPs, three more scoring titles than anyone else in history and a Defensive Player of the Year award. No amount of honors or statistics can properly calculate how much fear Jordans blend of skill, athleticism and confidence struck into opponents hearts when the game mattered most.

Ben Rohrbach

The case for Tiger Woods

If were talking dominance and we are then Tiger Woods stretch from 1999-2002 is without comparison. He won five of six majors, including four in a row, and seven of 11. His 82 PGA Tour wins put him in a tie for first.

Jay Busbee

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GOAT of GOATs Final Four: Who is the Greatest Athlete Of All Time? Vote now - Yahoo Sports

The Friends of John Mackey released the preseason watch list for the John Mackey Award today. As one would expect, Brevin Jordans name was included on the list, along with 35 other collegiate tight ends.

Despite missing the last few games of last season with a foot injury, Jordan finished second on the team in receiving yards (395) and third in catches (35). He was named a finalist for the 2019 Mackey Award, along with Harrison Bryant from FAU and Hunter Bryant from Washington. Although you have to wonder if a healthy Jordan would have been able to claim the award (and help Miami avoid its string of awful losses to end the year), Harrison Bryant had a great year (65 catches, 1004 yards, 7 touchdowns) and was certainly a worthy selection.

Now, both Bryants are gone to the NFL, leaving Jordan as the only remaining finalist from last year. There are a number of rising tight ends who could put up competitive numbers, like Kyle Pitts from Florida and Pat Freiermuth from Penn State, but theres no doubt Jordan has the attention and respect from the awards decision makers.

Sure, individual awards are eh to some folks, but if theres one position where Miami has proven it should undoubtedly be given (positional group) U, it would be at tight end. Continuing to succeed there in both productivity, accolades, and future NFL success is only going to help restock the position with talented players. You also have to love it for the players when they are duly recognized for their hard work on and off the field, which the Mackey Award specifically claims to do. Its own standards state:

The John Mackey Award is given to the collegiate tight end who best exemplifies the play, sportsmanship, academics, and community values of NFL Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey.

Congrats to Brevin on being a finalist last year and being included on the watch list for this year. Hopefully a 2020 season happens, and its a highly productive one for Jordan with a dynamic quarterback and innovative offensive coordinator.

Read more:

Miami Hurricanes tight end Brevin Jordan named to the Mackey Award watch list - State Of The U

Former NBA player Caron Butler joined Sekou Smith in the NBA Hangtime podcast to talk about Milwaukee Bucks and their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Butler felt there will be a lot of attention on the Bucks and Antetokounmpo once the season restarts. One of the reasons, he believed, was the approaching free agency of the 25-year old.

All the focus is really gonna be on the Bucks and Giannis because you think about the free agency possibilities. If he dont win, is he going to be a disgruntled superstar? I think he loves Milwaukee and I dont think that is going to be the case, he said.

By disgruntled superstar Butler meant not winning the championship before making moving to another team. Giannis is undoubtedly one of the best players in the league currently. For the past few years, he has been leading the Bucks to the playoffs. He won the league MVP last season and is one of the favorites to win the award again this season. Although he has evolved into a great player, Butler believed he needs to win championships to be considered among the all-time greatest players.

I do think that the conversations that weve had from all the former greats. It is like, okay if you dont win a championship, you will be criticized, Butler said.

Weve seen it in the past with Michael Jordan. Weve seen it in the past with the late, great Kobe Bryant, weve seen it with LeBron James and the list goes on. I think now he is starting to become subject to that because, lets face it, he is an elite talent. He is a unicorn in the game when we talk about his ability on the court.

But in order to be compared to the LeBrons, the Kawhi Leonards and Kevin Durants, he is going to have to win championships.

Giannis was closest to winning the title last season where the Bucks lost to Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference finals. They still boast of a great roster and had the best record in the NBA prior to the leagues suspension. They will be disappointed with anything less than a championship this season.

Continued here:

Seen it in the Past with Michael Jordan: Ex-NBA Player Reveals What Giannis Antetokounmpo Must Do to be Counted Among All Time Greats - Essentially...

This was supposed to be a huge summer for Jordan Riley. The chance to prove he was underrated, that he was among the nations premier players.

Instead, the Long Island native has had to settle for Zoom sessions, phone calls and backyard training due to the novel coronavirus pandemic shutting down the AAU circuit.

Jordan has decided to stay in public school. Had he done what everybody else does, re-class and go to a private school, he would be a top 10 in the country and a five-star athlete, his father Monty said. I know hes a five star, I know hes top 10 in the country.

Riley, a talented and high-flying 6-foot-4 shooting guard at Brentwood High School rated as a four-star recruit by ESPN, was going to travel with the New York Lightning and play in the premier Nike Elite Youth Basketball League this summer for the first time. It would have offered him opportunities to showcase his talents in front of the top Division I coaches in the country after he averaged 23 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists per game for the Suffolk Class AA champions and was named Newsdays Suffolk Player of the Year. But the virus wiped that away. The rising senior hasnt allowed the virus to stop him from working, though. Fortunately, his Bay Shore home has a makeshift basketball court in the backyard, and Riley has taken advantage, putting in up to six hours per day, he said.

Its given me time to work on stuff, learn new things, he said. Work on my left hand, get my shot right, ballhandling, getting stronger, quicker. Its how to help my body.

He has also become a mentor to several younger people in the area, training with them when hes not working on his own game.

Im just working them out, trying to get them better, show them things I usually do in games and moves that I do, he said. I like to see them getting better, them having a smile on their face.

Another downside of the virus for Riley is the inability to visit schools. Its led to his phone, and that of his fathers, being inundated with calls from coaches. At the beginning it was fun, but it has grown tiresome. Thats one reason Riley is planning to make his college decision soon. He wouldnt set a timetable, but it could happen this summer, before school starts in September.

Riley said being able to win, develop as a player and person will play pivotal roles in where he chooses. He has a final five of St. Johns, UConn, Kansas, Florida State and Georgetown and will be making his decision by the end of the week, his father said. The decision will come down to which school is 100 percent beneficial to Jordan, his dad said, and which place will put him in a prime position to make an impact immediately.

One head coach believes he was trending towards being a top-100 recruit before the pandemic and thinks he couldve exploded had there been an AAU travel season.

I think hes a heck of a player. He has a fierce toughness on the court, which I love, the coach said. Obviously hes skilled. He reminds of an old school Big East player. Just a tough, hard-nosed kid. I love everything about him.

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Long Island basketball prospect's big chance wiped away by coronavirus - New York Post