Samardo Samuels, 6-9, F, Newark, N.J.
Summer team: Metro Hawks (Nike)
Schedule: LeBron Academy, Peach Jam, AAU 19-and-unders
Skinny: Samuels' decision to attend Louisville was the biggest commitment so far in the class of '08. He is definitely a hoss, but during the games I watched him play at the NBA camp he seemed disinterested, which I'm told is something of a pattern with him. However, I have seen him play inspired in the past, and I know how devastating he can be. Once he gets into good condition he'll be ready to make an impact in college.
Andrew Steele, 6-3, G, Birmingham, Ala.
Summer team: Alabama Challenge (Nike)
Schedule: Peach Jam, Super Showcase, and AAU 19-and-unders
Skinny: Steele's brother, Ron, is the starting point guard at Alabama, and from what I can tell Andrew is every bit as good, if not better, than his big bro. He can play either guard spot and does a great job jumping into the passing lanes on defense. All the coaches at the NBA Camp raved about his character, as well. He took the skills sessions seriously and answered every instruction with "yes, sir." Trust me, this kid is a gem.
Lance Stephenson, 6-5, G, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Summer team: Juice All-Stars (Adidas)
Schedule: It Takes Five, Super 64.
Skinny: When you're a precocious point guard at Lincoln High on Coney Island, you get scrutinized beginning at a young age. When I watched Stephenson play in Colorado Springs, I was impressed with how much bigger he has gotten. As one of the few juniors at the festival, Stephenson definitely showed that he belonged, but he was also the most immature player there. He carped at the refs, he chastised his teammates and he even had to sit out the first quarter of the gold medal game because he blew a curfew the night before. Stephenson clearly has the talent to be a big-time player, but like most juniors in high school he has a lot of growing up to do.
Elliott Williams, 6-4, G, Collierville, Tenn.
Summer team: M33M Magic (Adidas)
Schedule: Rbk U Camp, Super 64, Best of the Summer.
Skinny: Williams has been under the radar the past two years, but at this point the secret is out. He was originally discovered by Virginia coach Dave Leitao when he was a sophomore, but now Leitao has to fend off a number of schools, including Duke and Tennessee. An excellent student, Williams is a skinny, lefty combo guard with great quickness. I especially like the way he's always seeking to initiate the action.
Tyler Zeller, 7-1, C, Washington, Ind.
Summer team: Indiana Elite (Adidas)
Schedule: It Takes Five, Super 64, Best of the Summer.
Skinny: Tyler, whose older brother, Luke, is a rising junior at Notre Dame, is the most intriguing big man in the senior class. He is extremely tall and long, and, though he is rail-thin, he is quite skilled and runs extremely well for a player his size. There's none of that youthful awkwardness you often see in 7-foot teenagers. Tyler told me he is considering nine schools (including Notre Dame, Purdue and Indiana) but hopes to pare down the list in the next couple of months.
