La lumiere is a top 5 high school. Humphries will improve his game no doubt, By being there. Mainly due to the fact that the game will speed up, similar sized guys to play against etc. if he went to Coe it would be based more on learning fundamentals.
I think Humphries(6'11+) will end up being 7'0-7'1 260 plus pounds. I guess what makes him unique is his mobility, his mid range shooting which is improving, ft shooting and tenacity. Something only seen in leaner players like Davis, cousins etc.
Maker(7'0) I can't see filling out much and will probably be 7'1 or 7'2 220-230 pounds. Definately a very mobile pf, with his ability to dribble and shoot. Great shot blocker and rebounder too.

Would make a good combo in the front court if they decide the play for aus.

I just asked a similar question on SEABL Thred

re: SEABL joins BA
Regarding comment from Bear.

"I actually think it could foster some very good juniors, but lets face it the best juniors we have will go overseas in some capacity before they come back here."


Always an interesting conversation point.... Not all of the best juniors head OS. I strongly believe we have great talent locally, peaking in their early 20's that never entertained USA college route.

Humphries is 7'0 / 250
Maker is 7'1 / 210

They've both shown how skilled they are, with really similar skillsets. Other than mix tape highlights, Maker's skills don't even seem that great. Humphries has shown time and time again what a talent he is (both in Australia and on the international stage). So with similar levels of talent, I think most people will go for the one that's a solid 20 kilos heavier - he'd absolutely dominate Maker down low.

Going to La Lumiere (which is the #4 ranked school in the US if I'm not mistaken), will only improve Humphries more. Playing against better athletes, a faster game. It seems as though it's only a matter of time before he gets the exposure (exposure he wasn't getting at the CoE because, let's face it, it's poorly run atm) he deserves.

Can't wait to see how both fare this season, and beyond!

How is the COE poorly run ?

As far as the development of players goes, the CoE has been great. Not denying that at all. World class facilities, round the clock treatment similar to that of a pro athlete.

But in regard to the politics behind certain things, including the way they handle their athletes with recruiting, etc - they've been terrible. And even Bogut would agree with that statement.

And it's not that the competition in US high school is 'better', the key is that it's different. I think it's important that, if you're looking to pursue basketball as a career, and you want to play college basketball at a high level in the US, then getting over for high school is very valuable. Again, not that the high school kids are better that SEABL players, they're not. The game, however, is a lot faster. Unbelievably faster. For someone like Humphries, or anyone for that matter, it's valuable to become accustomed to that style of play.

"if he went to Coe it would be based more on learning fundamentals."

Does the AIS/CoE actually teach the fundamentals well though? I'd say two of the biggest areas for improvement with Exum are ball handling and shooting. Conversely Ben Simmons' ball handling and shooting technique appear to have advanced a lot in his time at HS in the US.

Obviously passing, court awareness, vision, understanding of different systems etc. are fundamental skills as well, and they're skills both Exum and Simmons appear to have.

I'm not trying to make a sweeping generalisation about the AIS/CoE, but I wonder if there is anything to learn from the different development pathways of Exum and Simmons.