The firsts of many for the class of 2007

After being ruled ineligible to compete for a Mississippi high school last winter, elite prospect PF Renardo Sidney has moved with his family to the Los Angeles area and says he's all set to play as a sophomore this season for Lakewood Artesia High--the school that produced UCLA's O'Bannon brothers.

Sidney ranked among the best players at the Reebok ABCD Camp because of his athleticism, extraordinary skill and toughness. "I love contact," he says. "All the easy buckets come from the paint." > PG Jerryd Bayless of Phoenix called being a part of the USA Basketball team that won the U-18 qualifying tournament for next summer's World Championship a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." But he'd like to get that opportunity again. He says he'll definitely try out for the team in 2007 if asked, "and hopefully someday I'll be able to be part of the Olympic team." Bayless originally committed to attend Arizona in the fall of 2007 but has decided to consider Texas and Kansas, among others. A pulled groin muscle kept him from competing at the Nike All-America Camp. > One of the fastest-rising prospects is PG Jonny Flynn of Niagara Falls, N.Y., who led the U.S. qualifying team with 21 assists and committed only eight turnovers in its four victories. Committed to attend Syracuse, Flynn has struggled with his jump shot this summer but is an extraordinary leader who is in full command of his team. He's also a dynamic athlete some compare to Knicks G Nate Robinson. > With new Indiana coach Kelvin Sampson not permitted to join off-campus recruiting activities because of NCAA sanctions, his assistant coaches did what they could to make sure IU's presence was noticed at the first events of the summer. Assistant coach Rob Senderoff wore shirts with the largest possible lettering that spelled out I-N-D-I-A-N-A so prospects the Hoosiers covet might notice the program's interest. > The recruiting steal of the 2007 class might be 6-6 PF Jeff Allen of Virginia's Oak Hill Academy, who has committed to attend Virginia Tech. Particularly adept at grabbing rebounds and dribbling to start fast breaks, Allen could be a more skilled version of Connecticut tough guy F Jeff Adrien. > Although it was harder to see him, it was hard not to notice LSU C Glen Davis among the counselors working out at the Nike Camp. Davis, who ran out of energy in LSU's Final Four loss to UCLA, has slimmed down to 287 pounds. Organic oatmeal now is a staple of his diet. > UNLV took advantage of the NCAA's curious new rule that allows players who have graduated from college with eligibility remaining to transfer and compete immediately. The Rebels will get SG Kevin Kruger, a workhorse who averaged 15.0 points and 39.9 minutes last season at Arizona State. He's also the son of coach Lon Kruger. The Rebels could use Kruger's scoring punch. Former Marquette PF Ryan Amoroso is expected to transfer to UNLV as a walk-on, but he won't be able to compete until 2007-08.