Khem Birch Stars in All American Game

With a host of star power in the annual McDonald's High School All American game, including two other star Canadians in Myck Kabongo and Kyle Witjer, Khem Birch clearly had the best game of the three. Both Kabongo (7 rebounds, 5 assist) and Wiltjer (he had 11 points) did not look out of place among the elite by any means but Birch had 15 points, 10 rebounds (9 on the O end) and 6 blocks in the game and showed a lot of energy and quickness. I think the most impressive thing about Birch was his second jump off the floor that is something he'll use to his advantage in the Big East Conference next season at Pitt. His great performance comes after there were reports that he was not impressive in the training days leading up to the game. I bet those people are eating their words now. Oh yeah, the East beat the West 111-96.

about 1 year ago rbala 6 comments 0 recs |

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Caught the game

Man, Birch was impressive. Reminds me a lot of Kenyon Martin. I think Myck Kabongo’s the real deal, from listening to his interviews, the passion he has for the game is second to none. Many insiders have been gushing about the fact that in terms of intangibles, Kabongo’s right at the top among the HS Senior class. He has some slick penetration moves, I was very impressed by his game today, it’s easy to see that the familiarity with his teammates wasn’t there yet, which is understandable. Wiltjer also played pretty well, that was a very nice sky hook!

by HDave on Mar 31, 2011 3:07 AM EDT reply actions

I agree. Khem was very impressive considering all the stud bigs that were there. Kabongo has the point game for sure despite all the missed catches from his teammates and should be better next season at Texas. And yes, Kyle’s SKY HOOK was awesome.

Ray Bala
CANadian BasketBALL Report
on www.raptorhq.com

by rbala on Mar 31, 2011 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Birch to Pitt

Pitt seems like a good school for Birch. They have been a real contender lately and they have developed a number of decent to excellent bigs (especially DeJuan Blair).

by DW19 on Mar 31, 2011 8:39 AM EDT reply actions

I think so too. There have been plenty of players like Birch that had gone through Jamie Dixon’s program and have become very good (think Chevy Troutman) who have really come out great.

Ray Bala
CANadian BasketBALL Report
on www.raptorhq.com

by rbala on Mar 31, 2011 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions

Would Rather see him at Texas

Can you imagine those two in the same front-court (Tristan and Khem). Hopefully we can see it for Team Canada.

by raptor rabid on Mar 31, 2011 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Not so sure

I think Tristan and Khem probably could play together, but they both seem like natural PFs. That would be a bit of a lightweight front line and both guys might be trying to go to the same spots and do the same things on the floor. They are smart guys, I am sure they could work something out, but for their development I think it is better that they are on separate teams. I agree with you that it would be great to see both of them suiting up for Canada. And, maybe we will see them facing off against each other in next year’s NCAA tournament. That is a match-up that I would love to watch!

by DW19 on Mar 31, 2011 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions