High school hoopers

Sporting News, The, August 18, 2003

Prospects whose names rose or fell dramatically during the summer recruiting period, according to college basketball insider Mike DeCourcy:

Josh Wright, 6-1 PG, Proctor High, Utica, N.Y. He went from a solid prospect to an elite one at the adidas ABCD Camp. He stood out by running his team with authority, which isn't easy when players are unfamiliar with each other and there's no definitive system.

Randolph Morris, 6-11 C, Landmark Christian, Fairburn, Ga. Attention was tough to get so close to studs Josh Smith and Dwight Howard. It was hard to get the ball, too, but many noticed Morris' progress, polish and selfless commitment to team success.

Russell Robinson, 6-2 SG, Rice High, New York. New York's resurgent Gauchos club won two major events. Robinson's varied scoring skills were a key ingredient. He's elusive, attacks defenses and makes big shots. He will be a nice addition for some team.

Kyle Lowry, 5-11 PG, Cardinal Dougherty, Philadelphia. He has strength, shooting touch and a feel for the game. But he entered summer facing questions about his demeanor, then was ejected from a game. Two major schools have stopped recruiting him.

LaMarcus Aldridge, 6-11 C, Seagonville High, Dallas. Ranked among the top five by some analysts, Aldridge is that talented. He is long, quick off his feet and has offensive skills. But he doesn't play physically or with hunger. He needs to develop toughness.

Darius Washington Jr., 6-0 G, Edgewater High, Orlando. After a first-day besting of star PG Shaun Livingston, Washington was caught up in individual duals and did not demonstrate a command of offensive basketball. Will he ever really become a point guard?