The Brooklyn Law and Tech Jets aren’t the toast of Gotham.
Far from it.
Far from it.
They lack the same fanfare, lofty expectations, the same hype and hyperbole as traditional Brooklyn breeding grounds such as Lincoln, Boys & Girls, or Thomas Jefferson.
The Jets aren’t equated with the same appealing status as New York area powers such as Christ The King, Cardozo, St. Raymond’s, and Mount Vernon.
You likely won’t find much on the Jets across the hoops blogosphere.
You certainly won’t find Law and Tech players smothered on the rankings pages and websites canvassing “who’s who” of Big East, A-10, or even NEC recruits.
You likely won’t find much on the Jets across the hoops blogosphere.
You certainly won’t find Law and Tech players smothered on the rankings pages and websites canvassing “who’s who” of Big East, A-10, or even NEC recruits.
…
And that’s just fine with them.
Led by a humble and prolific scorer in Matt Scott, the Jets would rather move in stealth fashion.
They did just that this summer, turning heads during a recent tournament at the House of Sports complex in Ardsley, N.Y.
They did just that this summer, turning heads during a recent tournament at the House of Sports complex in Ardsley, N.Y.
In the first-ever showcase, orchestrated by Lincoln coach Dwayne “Tiny” Morton, No.11 Law and Tech stunned No.6 Thomas Jefferson in a thorough 67-41 trouncing.
Morton has groomed a torrent of NYC’s top-shelf players at Lincoln High and Juice All Stars AAU. He extended the tournament invite to familiar foes such as Bishop Loughlin and Holy Cross.
Lincoln features a top-level recruit in combo guard Isaiah Whitehead, who has received budding interest from Indiana, Seton Hall, Arizona, and Miami.
The Jets lack that quality of star power and tradition. What they do have, is enough pieces to puzzle teams in ‘A’ this season.
Buoyed by an underrated 6-foot-3 guard in Matt Scott, the Jets sapped some shine away from more-decorated programs at the event. Scott was the catalyst, shredding defenders to the tune of a game-high 32 points.
Not being mentioned in the same breath as top-flight Brooklyn guards never seems to get to Scott. He doesn’t think twice about it. Throughout his career, he’s never been hampered by it.
Under the guidance of Brooklyn Law and Tech coach and AD Mike Levy and Lincoln assistant Kenny Pretlow, the Jets were bolstered by a rigorous summer schedule.
Scott never keeps tabs on his personal production. You’ll never find him hounding the stat keeper, eager for a glimpse into the book. He’ll never liken his own game to high volume scorers/playmaking guards who may be getting more ink.
He’s most concerned about day-to-day progression and his team’s production.
He’s most concerned about day-to-day progression and his team’s production.
“We have improved in many ways over the course of the summer,” explained Scott, who averaged 15 points and eight assists as a junior.
“We learned each other’s games and know what each other can and can’t do. We became a way better defensive team, getting stops and capitalizing on turnovers. Our biggest improvement, to me, was that in tough grind-out games we are a better executing team down the stretch. We’re making the right plays and limiting turnovers.”
That poise and late-game resolve will be critical for the Jets in 2013-14. BK Law and Tech enjoys flying under the radar, even in New York City’s hothouse hoops environment.
“We take pride in being a unsung team,” Scott said.
“We love to surprise and compete against top teams, because we do play a tough non-league and pre-season schedule. So when we do beat top competition, we feel we shouldn’t lose when season starts. It is certainly motivation.”
A southpaw and an honor roll student, Scott is known for his versatility.
He can operate at all five positions on the court. He’s capable of dissecting defenses with quick forays to the bucket and strong finishes in traffic. He’s developed a dependable mid-range game and a reliable shot beyond the confines of the arc.
Originally a point guard, Scott’s ability to handle the ball and locate his teammates bodes well when defenders collapse on him. If they sag off, he’ll take advantage of the deep jumper. It all renders him a unique threat to guard.
Embracing the jack of all trades concept, Scott said he patterns his game around an NBA player recognized for similar personal characteristics.
Embracing the jack of all trades concept, Scott said he patterns his game around an NBA player recognized for similar personal characteristics.
“I like James Harden because he can do it all,” Scott explained.
“He can shoot the three-ball, finish at the rim, he plays tough defense and gets his teammates involved because of his ability to penetrate and kick. I favor his game also he is very humble and doesn’t talk much.”
Like Harden, Scott initiates offense by getting his teammates involved first. Like Harden, he’s a lefty and quiet by nature. The Jets have the potential to make loud statements this season. They hope this racket reverberates to the locker rooms of Brooklyn AA foes.
As much as Scott has produced this summer, he’s clearly not alone.
Juan Ramos, a four-year varsity player, will assume the role of shooter. Ramos has recently shed the tag of one-trick pony, adding to his all-around game.
The Jets will also look to another versatile scoring threat in Brandon House, who has improved rapidly.
Juan Ramos, a four-year varsity player, will assume the role of shooter. Ramos has recently shed the tag of one-trick pony, adding to his all-around game.
The Jets will also look to another versatile scoring threat in Brandon House, who has improved rapidly.
