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Pitt Hoop Group Jam Fest Day 1

PITTSBURGH, PA - With the April AAU Live Period underway, the first day of Pittsburgh Hoop Group Jam Fest didn't disappoint as some of the top talents in the event lived up to their hype. Here's a recap of the top performers from Pitt.
Chiozza Shows Off
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Coming into the AAU season, 2014 White Station (TN) point guard Chris Chiozza received a boost in his stock as a four-star prospect. The No. 90 player in the Rivals150, Chiozza is the heart of Team Thad (TN), especially with Leron Black out due to injury. With Kansas, Georgia Tech, Miami, Clemson and others were in to see Team Thad battle Atlanta XPress (GA).
Showing off a much improved jump shot, his blazing quickness, high basketball IQ and defensive tenacity, Chiozza did not disappoint in front of coaches.
With UMass, Florida, Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama, Kansas, Richmond and more on him, the Gators have turned up the pressure, and Missouri is in major need of a floor general now due to the recent decommitment of Anton Beard.
A top priority at the point for Missouri's Frank Haith, he would be the equivalent replacement to former Tigers guard Phil Pressey. As Chiozza continues to get better, schools will overlook his 5-foot-9 frame for his speed, defensive presence and improving shot.
Jones, Delaney Deliver in front of Coaches
With Villanova, Kansas, Syracuse, Xavier, Miami, Memphis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and others watching on, Tim Delaney was the appetizer, while Derrick Jones played the role of the main course. The 2015 duo for We-R1 (DE) showed schools and scouts alike that both deserve a boost in the rankings.
Jones, a 2015 small forward from Archbishop Carroll (PA), showed off his athleticism with a few impressive dunks, as well as excellent passes, improved handle and a dramatically better jumper.
Delaney, a 2015 power forward from Pitman (NJ), has a polished game. He was very aggressive on the offensive glass, created second chances for others and made long, accurate passes.
Jones wouldn't mind a look from Kentucky, while Delaney wouldn't mind a look from Duke. That being said, the long wing is being tracked hard by Syracuse, Villanova and Temple, while Butler, Oregon State, Villanova and others are coming on hard for the post player.
Both have a number of areas to improve on, but working together they could both reel in more then twenty offers each from the top schools in the nation.
Robinson Continues to Improve
After making his name known at Reebok Breakout Camp last July, offers and interest shot up for Devin Robinson. As he was primarily a power forward at that time, the 2014 Christchurch (VA) prospect is developing into a combo forward with the mentality of implementing as many wing skills as he can into his game.
An improved rebounder, whose handle is getting better over time, Robinson is running with the Richmond Squires (VA) and has the green light. Cincinnati, Auburn and Clemson, among others, were in attendance to see him on Friday.
At 6-foot-7 now, he holds offers from Auburn, Gardner-Webb, Xavier, Boston, Rutgers, VCU, George Mason, Virginia Tech, Towson and UConn. VCU is coming on the strongest, while Robinson hopes to check out the campuses of UConn and Xavier in the near future.
If he continues to improve, look for Robinson's offer list to continue to expand throughout the spring and summer.
New Names
Mid-major schools will be impressed with 2015 shooting guard Sean Downes of St. Thomas Aquinas (FL). The Team Wade (FL) prospect has a great combination of size, handle, IQ, court vision and a consistent shot. With Yale expressing the most interest, Downes has good grades and is continuing to get better. Notre Dame, Florida Atlantic, Stanford and UCF have also demonstrated interest in him.
Kaleb Johnson could be a very special option. With the plan to reclassify from 2014 to 2015, the Parkview (VA) guard is 6-foot-6 with plenty of upside as a combo guard. Radford, Xavier, Yale, Quinnipiac and Georgia State have expressed interest in Johnson, who will likely wind up at Carslisle School (VA). His handle and ability to play the guard position for the Richmond Squires (VA) this year will help him greatly.
For the latest in college basketball recruiting, head to TheRecruitScoop.com for the latest details and notes on offers, visits, commitments and more. To contact Alex Kline, you can reach him by email at MaryKlineClassic@gmail.com or on Twitter at TheRecruitScoop.
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