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Forward thinking Inside or outside, this class has what you need
Posted: Thursday June 15, 2000 06:00 PM
This is the second of three installments in talent scout and recruiting writer Clint Jackson's preview of the 2001 recruiting class. This week: forwards. By Clint Jackson, Special to CNNSI.com The class of 2001 has an abundance of talented and versatile forwards who can do everything from bring the ball down the court to post up in the paint. Start familiarizing yourself with the names profiled below, but don't overlook those who, at this stage, only receive Honorable Mention status. By the time fall rolls around, things may shake out differently. James White, 6'7", WF, York, Pa., Crispus Attucks HS The most exciting athlete of the class of 2001. White draws comparisons to Vince Carter, and I think rightfully so, having seen his recent performance at the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions. He has worked hard to improve his overall floor game, showing improved form on his jump shot and a new level of confidence in his offense. White is the best leaper and dunk artist in the class and draws crowds that largely outnumber any other player in this prep class. He played last season for Newport Prep in Kensington, Md., but has decided to transfer to Crispus Attucks this fall. White has many big-name schools involved in his recruitment, including North Carolina, Duke, Maryland, Florida, Seton Hall, Georgia Tech and UCLA. David Lee, 6'8", WF/PF, St. Louis, Chaminade HS Lee blasted himself onto the national scene earlier this spring at the Boo Williams Nike Invitational in Hampton, Va., and has had many spectacular performances since then. He is a left-handed combination forward who has virtually unstoppable post moves, utilizing solid footwork and both hands. Lee can step out and hit the perimeter jump shot as well as drive the lane and finish with authority. Lee -- who says, "I currently have no leader" -- gives us a list comprised of Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, Duke, North Carolina, Florida and St. Louis. Robert Whaley, 6'10", PF, Benton Harbor, Mich., HS Another big prospect out of the state of Michigan, which has produced an abundance of hoop stars as of late. Whaley has been a well-known player in the recruiting world since he was a freshman. He has the talent of a big-time star yet sometimes seems to play with a lack of intensity. He has a big, athletic frame, long arms and a soft touch near the basket. He also likes to face up on occasion and drive by defenders. Whaley plays AAU basketball for the talented and loaded Michigan Mustangs, and his coach, Chris Grier, says that Missouri is the early leader for Whaley's services, followed by Michigan State and Cincinnati. Greg Tinch, 6'5", WF, Albany, Ga., Westover HS Another incredible athlete with slashing ability similar to White. Tinch is the ultimate competitor, often heard growling as he rips rebounds away from post players. He attacks the basket with bursts of speed and is one of the best alley-oop finishers we have seen this spring. Tinch did not have a great performance in the Tournament of Champions, particularly shooting the ball, but he impressed onlookers with his overall defense, aggressive nature and imposing physique. Tinch bench presses in excess of 300 pounds and uses his strength to his advantage on the court. Seton Hall, Villanova, Tennessee, Duke, UNC, Miami and Maryland are on Tinch's list. Jawad Williams, 6'8", WF/PF, Lakewood, Ohio, St. Edwards HS Coaches love this combination forward because of his versatility and upside. Comparisons have been made to Lamar Odom, in terms of talent and appearance. Williams can handle the ball in the open floor, has excellent court vision and is an accurate, albeit streaky, shooter from the perimeter. He was forced to play inside for his high school team, but most analysts see him as a small forward who will handle the ball at the collegiate level. Williams says Maryland leads Cincinnati, Ohio State, Duke and North Carolina, with UCLA now rumored to be involved as well. Rick Rickert, 6'10", PF, Duluth, Minn., East HS Rickert is a multidimensional forward who can shoot with range out to beyond the three-point line, handle the ball in the open floor and has some very nice post moves. He utilizes well-coached footwork, both hands and a jump hook. Rickert is similar to ex-Duke star Christian Laettner in terms of style of play. Rickert has the work ethic and desire to improve that many lack and is a priority for such schools as Iowa, Duke, Florida, Arizona, Michigan State and Minnesota. He has said that he will be a late signee in order to see which players on the aforementioned teams exit early for the NBA. Josh Childress, 6'6", WF, Lakewood, Calif., Mayfair HS Childress is a polished player that will make an immediate contribution wherever he decides to play in college. He possesses a crafty pull-up jump shot and has a lanky body which allows him to get by defenders with his long strides. He is not the most flashy wing player, but puts up solid numbers on a regular basis. Childress plays for the Southern California All-Stars, one of the most powerful AAU teams in the nation. In addition to being a great basketball player, Childress is a top student and lists Kansas and Arizona as early leaders. Other schools mentioned often in his recruitment are Stanford, North Carolina and Duke. Dennis Latimore, 6'8", PF, Halstead, Kans., HS Latimore battles in the paint on a consistent basis and has performed well against many of the top big men in the nation, including Tyson Chandler. He told us recently that Arizona and Kansas are at the top of his rather long list. Latimore has been rated among the best forwards in the nation for the last two years. He has bulked up his body and now holds his position in the post better than last year, and he continues to be impressive on both ends of the court. Harvey Thomas, 6'8", PF, TBA Thomas is a passionate player who many analysts do not consider an elite-level talent, but we feel he is worthy of higher marks. Last fall he attended Mt. Zion Christian Academy, then transferred to Emmanuel Academy after coach Joel Hopkins left Mt. Zion. Thomas, who has both interior and perimeter skills, plays with an aggression that intimidates many foes, similar to college player of the year Kenyon Martin. He has outplayed high-profile opponents recently and continues to show progress with his turnaround jump shot and footwork in the paint. Thomas is a good shot blocker and intense rebounder who is wide open with schools at this time. N.C. State, Rutgers and Maryland are currently showing the most interest. Julian Sensley, 6'8", WF/PF, Oakdale, Conn., St. Thomas More Academy Sensley is a native of Hawaii who has already given a verbal commitment to the University of California. He is another multi-faceted player who excels in the open court with great ballhandling skills and shoots with consistently out to 17 feet, while also being able to play down low. Sensley is one of the most skilled players on the perimeter for his size, and will once again be a terror for opponents in New England this fall. Honorable Mention Marcus Spears, 6'5", WF, Baton Rouge, La., Southern Lab HS
Clint Jackson is editor of HighMajorHoops.com.
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