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Centers of attention Quality post players abundant in class of 2001
Posted: Thursday June 01, 2000 12:34 PM
Over the next three weeks, talent scout and recruiting writer Clint Jackson will preview the centers, forwards and guards that top the 2001 recruiting class. This week: Centers. By Clint Jackson, Special to CNNSI.com The recruiting season is getting into full swing, and most analysts think that the class of 2001 could be better than its predecessor in terms of depth and overall talent. The class of 2000 featured such names as Eddie Griffin, Omar Cook, Darius Miles, Chris Duhon, Zach Randolph and Jared Jeffries. Over the next three weeks we will preview the new kids on the block who are sure to be the centerpiece of future recruiting battles. We begin by looking at what I consider the strength of the class, which is the center position. Eddy Curry, 6'11, South Holland, Ill., Thornwood HS Curry is perhaps the closest thing to Shaquille O'Neal that the nation will see for some time. The 285-pounder makes a living in the paint, posting up and using sheer power and drop steps to get to the hoop and to the free-throw line. He suits up for the Illinois Gold AAU squad and is the main focus for opposing defenses. Curry is constantly drawing double- and triple-teams at the prep level and looks twice as big as most opponents in terms of both the width of his large frame and girth of his upper body. He is simply too much for anyone to handle in high school -- and maybe in the NCAA as well. Though he is looking at selected colleges, Curry's likely destination next year is the NBA draft. Curry frequently mentions the likes of North Carolina, Illinois and Duke, but don't count on him playing a minute of college basketball. Tyson Chandler, 7'0", Compton, Calif., Dominguez HS Chandler has been a household name for recruiting fans since he was an eighth-grade prodigy featured on 60 Minutes, in which he said that he might leave high school early to go to the NBA. He is the best shot-blocker I have witnessed in years, so confident in the manner in which he approaches his defense. Chandler patiently waits as opponents rise to finish, and he times his jump to perfection and blocks cleanly with either hand (in some cases, both hands). Chandler is a quick center with good ballhandling skills and range on his jumper out to 16 feet. He is always a threat to grab and dunk long rebounds, deflections and nearly anything near the hoop. He is also very likely to skip college, but if not, UCLA is rumored to be his leader. Kwame Brown, 6'11, Brunswick, Ga., Glynn Academy Brown is a very athletic C/PF who has unbelievable skills for someone of his height. Brown showed off his array of perimeter ballhandling skills, aggressive shot-blocking and relentless rebounding to earn MVP honors at the recent Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions. Observers -- myself included -- were in awe of Brown's obvious athletic talents. Brown plays summer basketball for the Georgia Stars and is certainly the top contender for Georgia player of the year next season. Sorry coaches, this guy is off the market -- he has already verbally committed to the Florida Gators. Ousmane Cisse, 6'9", Montgomery, Ala., St. Jude HS A native of Somalia, Cisse is a raw, chiseled warrior who needs only coaching to be an elite player on the college level. He is another shot-blocking and rebounding machine who is very aggressive in the paint, refusing to be denied any caroms. Cisse is an absolute talent in the early stages of his development. Louisville has signed his older brother, Daouda, and hopes to land the younger sibling to solidify its program. Schools such as Duke, Iowa, Louisville and UCLA are also interested, but it's difficult to get a good read from Cisse on his favorites because his legal guardian, attorney Don Jackson, handles all reporters' and scouts' questions. DeSagana Diop, 7'0, Mouth of Wilson, Va., Oak Hill Academy Diop is another huge center -- 290 pounds with long arms -- who plants his feet in the paint and locks himself into place. He knows his forte is inside play, so he doesn't roam the perimeter. He has started to show scouts a baby hook shot and some decent footwork in the paint. He has not been playing basketball that long and it's scary to think about how good he would be if had. His early college list includes Virginia, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, North Carolina and Missouri. David Harrison, 7'0", Nashville, Tenn., Brentwood Academy Harrison is a prototypical center with broad shoulders, a developed frame and powerful legs that propel him off the floor for many loud blocks and dunks. He needs to show more consistency in his approach to every game, but when he brings it he is awesome. He gives an early list comprised of Tennessee, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Colorado, UCLA and Duke. His father is an assistant football coach at Vanderbilt, which is sure to play a role in his decision. North Carolina has really been recruiting Harrison hard and will be considered a major player for his signature. Clint Jackson is editor of HighMajorHoops.com.
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