He is closing in on that with the Golden State Warriors now, where a player who averaged more than 20 points in back-to-back seasons has settled into a valuable bench presence. "I have known DJ his entire life and Ive always wanted to coach him," head coach John Calipari said in November. Pursuing those dreams didnt feel right. CAMDEN, N.J. - Pat Croce rarely saw anything that could ruin his feel-great spirit, but he would make an exception in the 1997 NBA offseason. Camden basketball team to play Sierra Canyon at 2021 HoopHall Classic Each era has its uniqueness. He appeared in more than 400 games, mostly with the Clippers, and averaged 8.2 points a game. The Roselle native was never an All-Star in the NBA but he was, for stretches of his career, a prolific scorer. The primary knock against Ayton is that he wants more. He led the Panthers to a 29-1 record and their first South Jersey Group 2 title since 2017. They hope to see him on top someday, the biggest star Camden has produced in its long line of prodigies. Camden High School, NJ: 2023: 1: Justin Edwards: Imhotep Charter School, PA: 2023: 2: . I think it helped elevate my profile.". CAMDEN The signals keep mounting that Joel Embiid will not be available for Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals Monday due to a sprained right knee ligament. UPDATED: Clarence Turner's Top 10 Teams at Camden - Inquirer.com I just jumped in with them, I made it, why cant you? The Panthers had not won a state championship since Dajuan led them to the crown in 2000. "But it gives people here a sense of hope and pride that D.J. The Knicks might want a return on the four-year, $72 million contract they gave him, though. I learned from the master, (former Temple coach) John Chaney, he was my mentor, he was my father. became the linchpin in the effort to put The High back on top. Coach Bob Wade had found success as head coach of the Dunbar High Poets. A player can qualify for this list in twoways: 1. Earlier this fall, state athletic officials banned a New Jersey high school from this year's football playoffs and placed it on a two-year probation for improperly recruiting a rival player. . He works for the NBA Players' Association as a regional representative. A tragic car accident during his rookie year with the Sacramento Kings devastated his chances of having an elite professional career. Wagner (left), his grandfather Milt Wagner (center) and his father Dajuan after Camden's 72-52 win over Gratz on Friday. Wagner came of age as a player at a time when his city was in a downward spiral, and even then, he could sense that Camden High basketball was a civic lifeline. D.J., a sleek, 6-3 combo guard, led a stacked Panthers squad to a state championship last season, averaging over 19 points a game. June 23, 2022. "Going to the NBA is almost like hitting the lottery," Miller says. All content 2000-2023 RealGM, L.L.C. When I accomplish something, Camden is accomplishing something.". Just as a stunned crowd in a Camden High gym did almost 40 years earlier. The familiar chant, "You want The High? "There is no Camden High basketball without the Wagners," says Antoine Miller, a former teammate of Dajuan's, who runs the Camden Elite AAU program. Who did we miss entirely? Camden High starts playoffs ranked in top 20 in U.S. WHYY Also: N.J.'s 50 greatest baseball players. Its why he recently submitted his resignation as Camden High Schools boys basketball coach. Like every top high school senior in the country, he will soon have to prove himself beyond the safe embrace of home. The 7-foot-1 star also ranks third all-time in field goal percentage (58.2). For Milt Wagner, the feeling was familiar. Choose at least two teams from the menus below to start your trade. [15] That one game that Wagner played with Golden State ended up being the only game he played in the 2006 - 2007 season and the final game of his NBA career. Sixers-Celtics NBA playoff series: How Philly has navigated its long break Yes, Shaquille O'Neal moved away before he could play high school basketball in New Jersey, but we know what his birth certificate says: Newark. In ESPN's initial mock 2024 NBA Draft, Wagner is projected as a top-10 pick. Former Villanova star Maalik Wayns expected to be coach of Camden Dalembert's journey took him from Haiti to St. Patrick's of Elizabeth to Seton Hall and then anywhere in the NBA where a GM needed a big body. Thompson spent this past season overseas playing for the Shandong Golden Stars in China's CBA. And those are the legacies that last long after the shine of the hardwood fades away. He helped bring down an athletic department. The goal was to build endurance, strength, and of course, character. He was the 14th overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 1995 draft, playing for seven teams over 13 seasons. At the rec center, a certain, shorter, high-energy player drew his attention. [3] In his sophomore year, Dajuan played in 17 games and had a new career-high of 57 points against Pennsauken Tech on January 26. I get to see my grandson play. It's still an imperfect list, but it's closer to the true ranking. High school career [ edit] Camden High School, Camden (NJ) Basketball Players - RealGM But what no one knew at the time what no one dared dream . Hes a respectful kid. "I take a lot of pride in playing for Camden," he says. After being one of five finalists for Naismith Boys High School Player of the Year, Kentucky signee DJ Wagner was named Iverson Classic National High School Player of the Year. The Camden High Panthers ranked the best public school team in New Jersey and one of the top 20 high school basketball squads in America are entering the playoffs Tuesday after a 25-1 regular season, and their fans are cheering louder than ever. [19], Wagner has been a resident of West Deptford Township, New Jersey.[20]. In total, 12 Poets players went on to Division I basketball programs in college. This one is easy: The Newark native is one of the greatest centers in the history of the sport, a four-time NBA champion and a three-time NBA Finals MVP who scored 28,596 points in his career, more than all but seven players in league history. In a stunning turnaround, the same crowd that had been laughing at his size just hours before was now chanting his name. Milt Wagner said the expectations that surround D.J. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. High School Basketball Players Who Had 100-Point Games Tony Adame Scoring 100 points in a basketball game is an amazing feat for any player. Govan, who grew up in Jersey City, has the distinction of being only one of six players who played in each of the ABA's nine seasons. "That is the bright light in our city that everybody gets behind.". There will be no more rumors, never, ever. His advice to kids today? The6-foot-11 center, nicknamed the Whopper, is a member of the ABA All-Time team. He won a state title in 1979. There will be no more rumors, is he leaving next year. Add these hints to the . Select the second team from the drop down menu. "That was a big thrill.". On that night in 2015, in that high-rise lounge overlooking the city, Muggsy walked into his surprise birthday party and unexpected wedding. His family and friends eagerly chanted his name. [18] However, the league folded days later, after it was discovered that the founder was a con artist. 21 jersey in Camdens season-opener vs. Philadelphia Public League power Simon Gratz. He was born in Jersey City and played at St. Michael's High School in Union City, and in 1957 was named NBA Rookie of the Year ahead of teammate Bill Russell. His career over, Dajuan chose to go home. He wasthe team's second-leading scorer on March 2, 1962, with 17 points. The basketball, his dad has that and the kid has a lot of natural tools, Milt Wagner said. Few schoolboy players were more thrilling to watch than the Camden native, who scored 100 points in a game and led his public-school team to a state title. 3 in the nation at the Seagull Classic at Holy Spirit. California residents do not sell my data request. As recently as 1970, Camden was majority white, but the city is now 93% Black and Hispanic. D.J. Select the third team from the drop down menu. . Allen, who played at Shawnee High in Medford, started 73 games for the 2002-03 Miami Heat in his second professional season. He hoped and dreamed that high school was his. And that meant so much to me. Wagner and Bronny James, two of the top players in the class of 2023, according to a Masslive.com report. ; Step 2: Choose the . Coach Turner was there to watch. He led the Panthers to a 29-1 record in 2019-20, including a season-ending, 25-game winning streak. He has verbally committed to play at the University of Kentucky. With D.J. Wagner, who signed with the Wildcats during the early period, chose Kentucky over archrival Louisville. They knew each others games well. Brunson, a nine-year NBA veteran who served as an assistant with the Denver Nuggets, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Bobcats and Minnesota Timberwolves before joining the Panthers, is the reigning South Jersey Coach of the Year. The 5-foot-10 guard was lightly recruited out of Seton Hall Prep, but he went onto have an outstanding career at Stanford before becoming a reliable ball handler in the NBA who averaged 7.3 points and 6.1 assists a game during a 13-year career. Youre all good parents, I got the best parents. I didnt have a dad, I grew up without a dad so I can relate to these kids. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Find out more. D.J. Whenever Lafayette and Cecil went up against each other, the whole city would come and fill the gym. With families sometimes struggling to make ends meet, the one thing these kids could count on was a ball and a hoop, and their local rec league team tearing it up. Do you have a blog? 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Tyrone Bogues and Reggie Williams both grew up in the Lafayette projects in Baltimore. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. The chemistry the team had was built years prior. Wright was arguably the greatest athlete Newark has ever produced. With a pastor and their family and friends present, there at the top of a high-rise apartment building, Bogues and his ex-wife, Kim, renewed their vows and were married again on January 9, 2015 some 30 years after they had first met and started dating. . The NBA might have deserted New Jersey a few years ago, but that doesn't mean the state has stopped producing many of its best players. Not one of em said can you reconsider., More: Coping with death: Camden senior Alijah Clark uses football to carry on in tragic year. The Columbia High and Seton Hall graduate had a long and productive career in the NBA, one that started in 1988 with Portland and ended in 2003 in Boston. His shirtless celebration after the Cavaliers won the 2016 championship -- with Smith starting all 21 playoff games -- became a big deal on social media. Melchionni, who starred at Bishop Eustace Prep in Pennsauken, was a reserve on the 1967 NBA champion 76ers before moving to the ABA, where he played seven years for the Nets. For Camden legend Milt Wagner, a grandfather's pride - Inquirer.com J." The Panthers won their second straight Group 4 state title. He knows that to get the best of himself, he needs to be surrounded by other talented players who are going to match his competitive energy.". The 2016 Rookie of the Year has started all of the 164 games in his career so far, and last season averaged 25.1 points and 12.3 rebounds for the Timberwolves. ClutchPoints was able to. They retired his No.. … I want to put my dreams on hold to make sure my kids who I started with reached their dreams.. … It brought me to call Camden back and say I think I made a mistake. Wagner has said he plans to attend college before going pro. First I got to see my son play and then its like reincarnation all over again, watch him do the same thing. "Coach John Calipariwas always straightforward and honest with me," Wagner said. It also was different -- the same sense of pride tinged with the bittersweet realization of the passage of time. "Do I think I'd be mayor if I hadn't played?" He was one of the inaugural members of the FIBA Hall of Fame and, in 2017, the eight-time Greek League champion was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame. High school basketball: Bronny James, D.J. Wagner, Jett - MaxPreps Yet, in the days following his decision, he couldnt sleep. I would say I dont see anyone quite like the game I played but Patrick (Beverley) and Rondo are the closest.. He averaged 10.3 points and 5.3 rebounds. Meanwhile, D.J. Dajuan Wagner was the 6th pick in the 2002 NBA draft who made a huge name for himself in High School scoring 100 points in a single game. They dont complain, theyre great. Brunson played college basketball for the Temple Owls . You got The High!" Thompson was considered the number one high school prospect in the land. He attacks the offensive end and is a versatile scorer, but he is equally as tough on defense. The annual HoopHall Classic, which brings together many of the . Bibby, who was born in Cherry Hill before moving to California as a child, played in 1,001 NBA games and averaged 14.7 points. ", Flashback: Bronny dropped to floor by top 2023 prospect D.J. 6 pick in the NBA draft in 2002. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. 6 pick in the 2002 NBA draft, but injury and illness derailed his career. Saint Augustine College Preparatory School. The Lafayette projects were just a quick stroll away from Dunbar High, and Wade knew of the troubles and struggles that his kids faced on a daily basis. About Sharing Tools. Ranking: 247Sports - No. That is like all we got here: Camden High School basketball. The following year, in 1981, Bogues transferred for his junior season (high school for them was just three years). The Camden (N.J.) 5-star combo guard is the second straight Kentucky signee to win the award, following Cason Wallace, who took home the honor in 2021. In one game against DeMatha, Muggsy went up for a layup, but was trapped by two defenders in mid-air. He became the second youngest player to enter a game in NBA history when he first stepped on the court in 1975, but skipping college out of Dwight Morrow High in Englewood might not have been the best decision. [12], His coach, John Calipari, revoked Wagner's scholarship after his freshman year to force him to enter the NBA, because Calipari believed that Wagner should not avoid the money he would receive as a first-round draft pick.[13][14]. [2] For his senior year he debuted on December 15 scoring 36 points against Eastern, followed by a 50-points performance against Bishop Eustace. the former Temple standout and NBA player, coached the Panthers, who . Barry, who was named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players in 1996, is the only player in basketball history to lead the NCAA, the ABA and the NBA in scoring for a single season. Coach Wade pounced on that, and preached teamwork and togetherness. He finished with 999 career assists. Wagner is considered a five-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals . 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Camden native now lives out of the spotlight. Under all the circumstances, all the hoopla, I think he played well. West, a Teaneck native, has turned down millions in pursuit of the one thing he has lacked in his career: A championship ring. Between games, he laughs with his teammates, peeks in on the competition and cheers on Scholars squads playing in younger age divisions. But he was also, more importantly, a loyal friend, a proud father, and a loving husband. CAMDEN, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Rick Brunson is bringing the same fire and intensity he did as a star player at Temple University and in the NBA to Camden High School, as the new boys' basketball coach. He was an eighth-grader competing for a middle school championship the first time he played a real game on the court at Camden High School. Melchionni, who starred at Bishop Eustace Prep in Pennsauken, was a reserve on the 1967 NBA champion 76ers before moving to the ABA, where he played seven years for the Nets. Confirm that your trade proposal is valid according to the NBA collective bargaining agreement. The 7-footer from Union Citywas part of the franchise's 1974 championship and played for nine seasons in the NBA. The city has demolished hundreds of vacant homes, and new buildings, including Camden's first hotel in a half century and a training center for the Philadelphia 76ers, have risen along the waterfront. High School: Camden High School. Former Temple star, NBA player Rick Brunson coaching Camden High School We had so much feedback on the list that we decided to take another swing at the ranking, added several players that readers rightly said were missing. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Monday, May 1, 4:39AM. Many recruiters were known to be corrupt, especially as drug dealers started to sponsor basketball teams in the area. [8][9], Wagner considered offers from Connecticut, Kentucky, Louisville, Memphis and Miami (FL),[10] and signed with Memphis in June 2000. Brunson is back for this season and the foreseeable future. 1-ranked recruit Wagner chooses Kentucky", "Can this 14-year-old phenom become the first third-generation NBA player? … Im committed to the long haul at Camden High.. Wagner at the start of his high school career are similar to the excitement in the city when Dajuan Wagner took the court for the Panthers in the fall of 1997. Everyone says thats your calling and Im like yeah, yeah, yeah, Brunson said. Lines forms outside the gymnasium long before they take the court. The Panthers bring back the majority of last years team, including star sophomore DJ Wagner and seniors TaQuan Woodley and Jerome Brewer, and are currentlyranked No. Milt Wagner - Wikipedia The 48-year-old Washington Township resident reached out to the school and rescinded his resignation. Noticing that players would start to falter defensively in the second half, he would have his players hold bricks while doing their workouts and sprints. In an area where most kids dont expect to live past 20, Bogues and Williams retreated to basketball. 12 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. He was drafted 6th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2002 NBA draft. Phil Anastasia prefers standing on the sidelines at high school football games on Friday nights to sitting in the press box at Eagles games on Sunday afternoons . Milt Wagner grew up in Camden and played in the city's youth leagues. D.J. Basketball became a source of pride for kids in the inner city. Compounding matters, they finished second in the state tournament eight times between 2001 and 2017. The first family of Camden basketball: Freshman guard D.J. NBA & ABA Players Who Attended High School in New Jersey Camden named a street outside the school after the team's first big star, Ron "Itchy" Smith. In these cases, the average was taken. He grew up here or attended high school here.