LATEST CHAMPIONS - SUMMER SLAM II (LIVE - ATLANTA, GA) 17U (BATTLE)

LATEST CHAMPIONS - SUMMER SLAM II (LIVE - ATLANTA, GA) 17U (BATTLE)
LATEST CHAMPIONS - SUMMER SLAM II (LIVE - ATLANTA, GA) 17U (BATTLE)

LATEST CHAMPIONS - 2014 AAU TN STATE D1 CHAMPS - 17U (BATTLE)

LATEST CHAMPIONS - 2014 AAU TN STATE D1 CHAMPS - 17U (BATTLE)
LATEST CHAMPIONS - 2014 AAU TN D1 STATE CHAMPS - 17U (BATTLE)

Thursday, August 15, 2013

MR. LaDARRIUS CHESTER - Y'ALL BETTER ASK SOMEBODY...


NEW YORK CITY





There has been an urban legend about a combo guard from Tennessee who's all that.

M. Wingate
"Nobody in Memphis can guard me," said LaDarrius Chester
On Saturday at the Big Strick Classic, NYC got a chance to see that LaDarrius Chester and he is, in fact, the real deal. With the ability to jump out the gym, but also able to score off the dribble, knock down the long ball as well as facilitate, the 6'1" rising senior had people wonder where this kid came from.

NYCHoops.net caught up with Chester and his mentor, Bobby Bates to learn more about the relatively unknown rising star and find out how he remained under the radar for so long.

"I use to play timid," said Chester. A statement that's hard to believe after watching him play during the star studded event at the world famous Gaucho Gym in the Bronx, NY. Underneath the spot light against top level players from around the nation including Isaiah WhiteheadStephen ZimmermanIsaiah BriscoeChris McCullough and Cheick Diallo, Chester put on a show. Winning the slam dunk competition and coming in second in the 3-point competition was just a prelude to the 6'1 rising senior's potential.

"I can get to the rim at any cost," said the rising senior from Melrose HS. After his performance in the Big Strick Classic, Mike Libert, a writer for NYCHoops.net ,described Chester as, "[a player who] displayed great lead guard skills, breaking down the defense and finding open big men on the inside off the dribble. Incredibly bouncy, who was easily the biggest high riser of the event, Chester understood his role on this team and really was a playmaker for most of the game, but did show a step back shot along with a strong finishing touch going in, making him one of the better guards at the event."

M. Wingate
Chester showed his hops during the slam dunk competition
Whereas most players would have wilted under such an intense spot light, especially as a virtual unknown with no rep, Chester took it all in stride saying, "It was fun. I fit in well."

According to Bates, Chester is from a rough and rugged part of Memphis, TN called Orange Mound. "Let's just say, it's like [the TV show] First 48," he said.

Bates said that when Chester did play AAU basketball it was with Team Nashville but really hasn't had much exposure outside of the state.

"He's like a Josh Selby but more explosive," said Bates. That would actually be an accurate description. "He's the most gifted athlete I've ever seen," he added.

Although Chester has had limited exposure, he's started to receive interest from Wichita State, Creighton and Tennessee according to Bates. "We're not sure what we're gonna do next year," said Bates due to Chester's belated notoriety.

Focusing on the upcoming season, Chester confidently said this is going to be his breakout year. Why? "Because nobody in Memphis can guard me," said the once timid combo guard.

Chester said that he's always working on his game with a focus on dribbling and shooting even better but Bates believes as the high flyer hones in on his killer instinct, "the sky's the limit."


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