An early entry candidate for the 2004 NBA Draft. Originally committed to play for DePaul. Transferred to South Kent Prep (Conn.) for a fifth year of high school. Spent his first four seasons at Leuzinger High School in California.
Career Highlights: Named the top prep school player in the nation by Basketball Times. Named the fourth-best high school player in the country by HoopScoop. Selected the 19th-best senior in the country by USA Today. Named MVP of the National Prep School Tournament after scoring 32, 35 and 41 points in three games. Participated in USA Basketball’s Youth Development Festival in the summer of 2003 and led his team to the bronze medal by scoring 29 points in the bronze medal game.
2003 Postseason All-Star Games: Tallied a game-high 24 points and seven rebounds in the Jordan Capital Classic. Scored 17 points in the EA Sports Roundball Classic.
Senior (2003-04): Named the Ocean League Player of the Year after averaging 29.0 points, 14.0 rebounds and 5.0 blocks. Scored 53 points on 25-for-37 shooting, with 20 rebounds in South Kent’s win over Lafayette.
Junior (2002-03): Averaged 24.8 points and 12.6 rebounds at Leuzinger.
Sophomore (2001-02): Averaged 17.0 points and 8.0 rebounds.
Strengths: Big-time athlete with decent shooting, passing and ballhandling skills. Excellent rebounder who uses long arms and great vertical leap to jump over opponents.
Personal: Played baseball in high school and was scouted by several major league teams.
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NBA Draft 2004