The evidence that the Playaz again will be terrific this upcoming season was in full swing this past weekend at IS8 in Jamaica, New York. Salmon's older and younger AAU teams came away with some impressive victories. Brandon Costner, bound for North Carolina State, Ryan Ayers (verbal to Notre Dame), and Gerald Inman (Rutgers bound) are three key members of the "older" team. Their outstanding efforts over the past year have been well-documented in our business.

It was expected.

It is also now expected that Salmon's AAU programs will be among the best in the country this upcoming season. This past weekend, two top McDonald's All American candidates -- Gerald Henderson and Wayne Ellington -- had some great games at IS8.

Each of them, given the ability to create offensively by Salmon has thrived under his offensive system. Henderson nailed down 34 points in one game while Ellington cooked another AAU team for 33 points. They have become one of the country's top 1-2 combo's on the AAU circuit.

For players who come from Salmon's AAU program to be top candidates for such a highly regarded All Star game, it is expected too. After all, J.R. Smith propelled himself into the spotlight two seasons ago when he first started playing for the Playaz. He was recently selected in the first round of the NBA draft.

The momentum continues for the Playaz AAU program. It is now expected.

The rich tradition of the Playaz goes back several years. Among the more eye-popping names are Tim Thomas, Eddie Griffin, and Vince Carter. The list is long and extensive of players landing scholarships too.

It is also expected that the Playaz compete in the toughest tournaments and events across the country. Each summer, the Playaz do not duck the toughest competition but seek them out.

Ellington and Henderson have several high major offers and a tremendous amount of interest in their skills. It's likely over the next year each will be followed by the top programs on the AAU circuit. Ellington and Henderson both list several Big East and ACC schools. And it's likely both are in a good position if they continue their great play to be highly considered for the McDonald's All American game.