Shamarcus Brown Recruiting Update (2019)
March 1 Bearden Bulldog Shamarcus Brown collected Region 2-AAA Tournament MVP.
Playing without Drew Pember (minor injury) the Bearden Bulldogs needed heftier frontcourt contributions deep in their 2017-2018 playoff run and Shamarcus Brown dutifully provided them.
As Pember returned March 14 for the Class AAA State Tournament battle with Mt. Juliet, Shamarcus receded slightly into a rugged rebounding role.
A 6-foot-4 forward, Brown was clearly unafraid of contact. He consistently battled on the blocks, welcoming harmful fouls. Pember and Brown tied for top honors with eight rebounds each in the victory over Mt. Juliet.
Then Bearden faced the biggest challenge Tennessee could offer…the mighty Memphis East team. Rarely will a 38-1 team enter a basketball game cloaked in underdog garb, but Memphis East sure will do that to a team.
Following Bearden’s special Class AAA State Tournament showing, five BHS players landed in the PrepHoopsTN Class of 2019 player rankings. In fact, Drew Pember debuted at a startling #17! Trent Stephney, Ques Glover, Roman Robinson, and Kordell Kah found their way into the expansive list of top Tennessee-based hoopers.
Where did Shamarcus land?
That is the thing. Shamarcus Brown did not and does not yet appear in the Class of 2019 player rankings though he should. It speaks to the workmanlike no frills spirit to his game. Some games it takes a second look to realize how impactful Shamarcus’ contributions were.
Fearsome East
Competing against a frontline composed of, at a minimum, one future NBA player (James Wiseman) and two high major forwards (Chandler Lawson, Malcolm Dandridge), the 6-foot-4 bulldog Shamarcus Brown wrangled seven rebounds in 18 minutes of action. He pulled down an astonishing four offensive rebounds!
Sadly for Bearden High the Bulldogs fell to East, 72-60.
Next Stage
Now Shamarcus Brown is carrying over his late season success in to a formidable AAU campaign.
Brown is a member of EOTO-TN with high school teammate Trent Stephney (PrepHoops #31). Twice PrepHoops.com/Tennessee released 17u team rankings and twice EOTO-TN earned a ranking of #7.
College coaches spent some time in April watching Shamarcus and the entire EOTO-TN 17u team play, mining the program for college prospects. Which college programs matured in to significant interest?
Glass cleaner post scoring class of 2019 big Shamarcus Brown @Boii567 live period Adidas Gauntlet highlights @BeardenHoops pic.twitter.com/onK6xHRTPH
— EOTO2019KnoxTN (@Eoto2019KnoxTN) April 29, 2018
Recruiting
Navy evaluated Shamarcus Brown favorably.
“That came up all of a sudden,” said Brown’s mother Rhonda Nesbitt-Brown. “We were on the way to a tournament, I think it was Indianapolis and Coach Parrott (Bearden) called and said, ‘Navy coach is going to be there and watching you.'”
Navy does not have scholarship limits like most NCAA basketball programs; therefore, the Naval Academy can bring in any number of freshmen hoopers. Graduate of Summit High John Carter spent a single year at the Navy Prep Academy, just graduated last week, and now joins Navy as a freshman.
“Presbyterian just texted Shamarcus out of the blue,” said Mrs. Nesbitt-Brown. “We didn’t know they were watching him.”
A Presbyterian College coach continues to communicate directly with Shamarcus via text message.
“Maryville, Coach Parrott has heard from Maryville,” shared Mrs. Nesbitt-Brown. “Bryan College really likes him. LMU (Lincoln Memorial) had looked at them earlier. I know ETSU, as well.”
Bryan College continues to make quality evaluations in eastern and central Tennessee.
“Bryan College sent me a message and say they are extremely interested in Shamarcus in the way he plays and things like that.”
According to Mrs. Nesbitt-Brown Bearden High Head Coach Parrott sent mid-season highlights to Tennessee Assistant Coach Lanier.
“(Coach Lanier) broke down Shamarcus and loved the way he played. Of course, he is a 6-foot-5 forward and that can be tough. He thinks he is a DI player, could play DII whatever. Really liked his game. ”
Look for Shamarcus and Bearden to camp in June with a couple of colleges. Tennessee Tech, Lincoln Memorial are likely team camp stops. Thankfully Shamarcus attracted college looks prior to the integral July LIVE period.
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