LeBron James camp college edition(front page)

News and Notes From the LeBron James Skills Academy

By Joel Steiner and Josh Cochran

Akron (OH) – The 2011 version of the LeBron James Skills Academy did not include the typical 30 plus NBA Scouts or the 2010 media blitz caused by LeBron’s pending free agency. However, it did not disappoint as 20 of the top collegiate players and 80 of the top high school players showcased their talents.

In previous years college coaches were prohibited from attending the camp but this year the camp was open. The final two days was a veritable who’s who of college coaching. When you look to your left and you see Coach K, Tom Izzo, Billy Donovan, Roy Williams, to name a few, you know this camp is important.

Buzz from the week:

* Start paying attention to Darius Johnson-Odom of Marquette. The kid is a bulldog that loves to defend and is showing a refined offensive game. Look for him to get some NBA looks with a strong season.

* Shabazz Napier may be one of the steadiest point guards in the country next year. When you watch him play you admire his ability to stay under control and has good feel for the game. He will play a major role for the defending champs with Kemba off to the NBA.

* Thomas Robinson is a physical specimen at 6’10/240. He plays with great energy and should be one of the best rebounders in the country next year. His touch around the rim and back to the basket moves needs improvement but his intensity will make him an offensive force for the Jayhawks.

* Anthony Davis did not disappoint, holding his own against the top college players and against LeBron himself. The 6’10/215 forward needs to add 20 pounds but he does a good job of creating space with his quickness and ability to handle the ball like a guard. He is an above average rebounder considering his thin frame and is extremely dangerous in the open floor with the ability to finish with authority. If Davis adds a back-to-the-basket post game he may be unstoppable.

* Speaking of unstoppable let’s talk about the best post passer in the college game today. Jared Sullinger may not be the flashiest player but he is the most complete big man. Sporting an improved body that looked toned at 6’10/281, nobody in the camp was able to match up with his physical style of play and improved 15-foot range. Without sharpshooters Jon Deibler and David Lighty, Sullinger will need to extend his range as he is sure to see more double teams this year.

* When you watch the Plumlee’s (Mason and Miles) during drills and during head to head competition they look somewhat mechanical.

* Will Rodney Williams Jr. ever realize his potential? He just looked like an average wing player this week.

* I think Tu Holloway and Ray McCallum have solid all-around games but they just don’t look like NBA players to me.

* Michael Gilchrist’s jump shot leaves much to be desired and his range is in need of vast improvement if he is eyeing the next level.

* We spent some time with NBA to College Coaches Kevin Ollie and Chris Jent. Both are great additions to the UCONN and Ohio State staffs as both rosters are full of NBA prospects ready to be mentored by veterans of the league.

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