In what has become a one of the best concentrations of high school talent over the last decade, the Iverson Classic welcomed some of the best seniors in the country over the last several day. Purdue signee and Indiana Mr. Basketball Luke Ertel joined nineteen other players at the event that honors former Georgetown and NBA great Allen Iverson in Iverson’s hometown of Hampton, Virginia. Ertel showcased his high ceiling and showed he deserves the high praise he received following an incredible senior season
that saw the point guard average 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Ertel was also named Gatorade Indiana Player of the Year and ranked 41st nationally on 247.
At the Iverson Classic, there are two scrimmages leading into the main event and that is where Ertel really shined over the first weekend of May. Ertel’s style of play found him being given the Crossover Award, an award that focuses on the player who embodies the shifty and elite ball-handling that separated Iverson so many others throughout his career. Noted during these scrimmages, Ertel frequently used his his high-level dribbling ability to get into the paint, collapse, the defense, and spray out to shooters and handling the high level pressure that these events tend to lend themselves to, at times.
During the final of the weekend, Ertel didn’t shoot a lot as he went just 1-5 but connected on all four free throws and finished with 7 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block while not turning the ball over could be a preview of what Purdue fans could see next season. Ertel will compete with returnees CJ Cox, Omar Mayer, and Antoine West for the starting point guard spot for the Boilers with the departure of NCAA assists leader Braden Smith.
Adam Finkelstein, 247’s Director of Scouting, had this to say about Ertel:
A former football quarterback turned point guard, Ertel is as good as it gets in terms of toughness and competitive intangibles. But beyond his motor, the southpaw is also skilled and smart with evolving playmaking ability. In short, he may not have glaring physical upside, and is older for his grade, but has all the makings of a classic Purdue overachiever.
He made 37% of his threes in 3SSB play, but a whopping 53% on unguarded catch-and-shoot attempts, with a quick release when in rhythm. His head is constantly up off the dribble and he’s a good passer with both hands (5.9 assists to 2.4 turnovers). He’s strong with the ball, changes speeds to get into the lane, and has a floater game. While he lacks elite length or athleticism, and shot just below 50% at the rim, there’s nonetheless growing pop and physicality in the lane.
He’s going to be at his best defensively in gaps, and when not overextended, but his intelligence, toughness, and quick hands (1.9 steals) are all major assets on that end. He’s also a terrific rebounding guard, who even sneaks into the offensive glass at times.
The star of the game was Illinois commit Quentin Coleman who won the game MVP honors going for 31 points on 11-16 shooting with 12 rebounds. Other notable names include twins Adonis and Darius Ratliff (USC), Junior County Jr. (former Purdue target and UCONN commit), Tahj Ariza (Oregon), Chris Washington Jr. (Tennessee), Marcis Ponder (FSU), Bo Ogden (former Purdue target and Texas commit), Elias Obenyah (Stanford), Anthony Felesi (Okie St), Jalen Montonati (Okie St), Ikenna Alozie (Houston), Davion Adkins (Kansas), Dakari Spear (Texas Tech), Colben Landrew (former Purdue target and UCONN commit), Cameron Holmes (Arizona), Anthony Brown Jr (Vanderbilt), Alex Constanza (unsigned), Abdou Toure (Arkansas), Adama Tambedou (Maryland), and Gage Mayfield (Oklahoma).
Vaughn Karvala (Indiana), Tyran Stokes (Kansas), Tarris Bouie (Alabama), Miles Sadler (WVU), Latrell Allmond (Okie St), Deron Rippey Jr (Duke), Bryson Howard (Duke), and Arafan Diane (Houston) did not participate after receiving an invite.
