2008 Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions

The never ending AAU schedule continues this coming weekend in North Carolina. Games will take place all over tobacco road at NC State, UNC, and Duke among others. The 15th annual Tournament of Champions features 16 pools of four teams each in the 17 and under division. Like the Arizona Cactus Classic and the Boo Williams tournament, the Bob Gibbons is a very prestigious tournament and thus, it always turns out the top talent. This year is no different as some of the best high schools players in the nation will be descending on the Dean Dome and the campus of North Carolina. In this mix as always are plenty of Gonzaga prospects.

The main prospects that Gonzaga will be watching in this tournament is Anthony Marshall, Sam Dower, Joe Burton, and Marshall Henderson.

Anthony Marshall has been well publicized, especially on this blog, we'll admit it we love him! He is a do-all guard playing for the Las Vegas Prospects. He fills up stat sheets and is a great rebounder for a guard. His ability to slash and get in the lane has made him one of the most sought after guards in that nation. As of right now his stock is still rising but still holds a great deal of offers from schools across the nation.

Sam Dower (left) is a 6'9'' power forward from Minnesota. Dower plays for Net Gain Sports. He popped up on Gonzaga's radar rather recently. He has a great deal of mid-majors in the midwest on his tail including Saint Louis and Wisconsin-Green Bay. He is also receiving plenty of interest from high-major programs in the Big-10. He would be a great addition for Gonzaga as they are very weak in the post.

Joe Burton is the current flavor of the week for Gonzaga fans. Although he hasn't really showed Gonzaga much interest as of yet, Burton fits exactly what Gonzaga needs. He is a a wide, 6'7'' 270 pound man. His height is a bit of an issue as he is short for his position. Burton plays for the Compton Magic and after his great showing in Arizona, he looks to continue dominating the paint. J.P Batista part duex? Maybe.

Marshall Henderson (right) has Gonzaga in his final three. However, the vibe around Spokane is that Gonzaga does not have Marshall as highly ranked as he has us. He is a heck of a good shooter but his dribbling has been questioned as to whether or not it is ready for the next level. He even admits his dribbling is suspect...something you don't want to hear from a potential point guard at the next level. Henderson plays his ball for the Dallas Mustangs.

Here is the Friday schedule for the Gonzaga prospects:

Anthony Marshall:
@ Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke University
7:40 p.m. 17--A-1 Indiana Elite One vs. A-4 Las Vegas Prospects

Sam Dower:
@ The Dean Dome at Chapel Hill
6:30 p.m. 17--M-1 Carolina Raptors, NC vs. M-4 Net Gain Sports, MN

Joe Burton:
@ Wilson Rec Center at Duke University
8:00 p.m. 17--G-1 Compton Team Magic Elite, CA vs. G-4 Garner Road Elite, NC

Marshall Henderson
@ The Dean Dome at Chapel Hill
6:30 p.m. 17--D-2 Dallas Mustangs, TX vs. D-3 North Carolina Gaters

Enjoy!