LeBron James Skills Academy – Day 2 Evening Session

By Josh Cochran and Joel Steiner

LeBron and a team of pros battled the college campers to highlight the evening
of day 2:

Akron, Ohio – After a day and a half of intense instructional sessions, the high
school and college campers finally got a chance to go live in five-on-five full-court
scrimmages. Approximately one dozen NBA scouts were in attendance to take in the
action. Following the high school scrimmages, The University of Akron gym buzzed
with anticipation as LeBron James, Tarrence
Kinsey and Romeo Travis teamed with 2009 Cleveland Cavalier draft picks, Christian
Eyenga and Danny Green to scrimmage the
collegiate campers. Watching the college players in a competitive environment
with one of the best players in the world was certainly the highlight of the camp
thus far. Here are our notes from the evening:

* The absolute highlight of the evening occurred in the first game when Xavier
guard, Jordan Crawford penetrated the lane
and rose up for a thunderous two-hand slam over LeBron James. The gym erupted
with “oohs and aahs” from the 80 high school campers still in attendance. The
Indiana transfer clearly displayed his ability to drive the lane and his athleticism
with this play, but he’s still an unfinished product. He missed several open jumpers
on the evening due to his inconsistent form. He’s also a bit undersized for an
NBA two-guard, but Xavier fans should be excited to see this kid play this year.

* Wake Forest Sophomore forward, Al-Farouq
Aminu impressed with his knack for playing in traffic inside the lane and
his versatile scoring ability. Despite his unorthodox form, he knocked down several
jump shots and finished at the rim in traffic. He also flashed his defensive potential
with a clean block on Romeo Travis.

* One of the most consistent performers throughout the camp has been Patrick
Christopher, a Senior guard from Cal. Christopher looked very smooth throughout
the instructional drills, showcasing his athleticism and outside shot. He continued
that performance in Monday evening’s scrimmages by hitting several open threes
and pull-up mid-range jumpers. He drew high praise from camp instructor and ESPN
analyst, Fran Fraschilla.

* The surprise performance of the evening came from VCU’s 6’10” PF, Larry
Sanders. The lanky forward showed his instinct for rebounding and finding
the ball as he controlled the glass throughout the evening. His teammates, Greivis
Vasquez and Willie Warren did an excellent
job of finding Sanders on the block and cutting to the rim. Larry didn’t let them
down as he either converted those opportunities or got to the line. He showed
improved form at the charity stripe as he converted a high percentage of free
throw attempts. Larry dominated the paint on both ends of the floor, but he was
not as effective outside of the lane as he missed a few open mid-range opportunities.

* Oklahoma guard, Willie Warren proved why
he ranks very highly on many early 2010 mock drafts. He was clearly the most impressive
collegiate player on the floor this evening. Warren displayed a silky jump shot
while swishing several three-point attempts. He also displayed excellent ball-handling
skills and floor leadership as he often ran the point for his team. The 6’4” guard
led his teammates, Greivis Vasquez, Jeff
Allen, Edwin Ubiles and Larry
Sanders to victory in two out of three games versus LeBron’s team. Warren
capped off the evening with a vicious break away dunk to ice the rubber match
versus team LeBron.

* While one group of college players had an opportunity to play with and impress
Lebron James the other court in the arena was a scrimmage of college players only.
During the scrimmage Kyle Singler exhibited
the most diversified offensive skill set in the camp. Throughout the college player
games he showed his ability to pick and pop, convert tough baskets around the
rim and pull down tough rebounds. Singler is the best shooter in the camp with
consistent mechanics on every shot attempt.

* Kalin Lucas was impressive during the college
games. Lucas’s decision making was excellent. He knows how to create easy shots
for his teammates off the pick and roll but will drive to the hoop for an easy
layup or pull up for an open mid-range jumper if the defense gives it to him.
Lucas has the quickness to guard any point guard but is to small to guard most
off guards.

* Players that disappointed during the college player games were Devin
Ebanks, Cole Aldrich and Yancy
Gates. Ebanks disappeared for long periods of time and his rebounding was
non-existent. Aldrich looked slow compared to the other big men and never impacted
any of the games. Gates rebounded but was content to shoot 10-12 foot jump shots
rather than use his size and strength for post up opportunities.

College players attending the
camp are: