Power play

Jefferson's sizeable presence dominates Nike Camp

INDIANAPOLIS – Since LaMarcus Aldridge was sidelined with a knee injury, Nike Camp was wide open for someone to step up to fill his void. What happened was a little blend of the old and the rise of a new face.

Al Jefferson, one of the three best players in the Class of 2004, was a captivating presence at the camp. His body, aggression and relentless pounding style of play kept the spotlight on him most of the week.

Though some young guns like Greg Oden (2006) were able to slow the freight train down, they were never able to derail it.

Jefferson, who led his Prentiss (Miss.) High team to the Class AAA Championship, verbally committed to Stan Heath and Arkansas in June. The power forward chose the Razorbacks over Florida, LSU and Alabama.

Al Jefferson Profile Position: PF Projected: PF Height: 6'9" Weight: 265 HS: Prentiss, Miss. Class: 2004 Senior Bio: Has spent time at the top of the 2004 class rankings and rightfully so. Jefferson is a specimen with size, skill and more importantly he produces results. He’s a load and loaded with athleticism. Can really score on the blocks, make key rejections and punches the clock each time out. Super prospect. High point total was 46.

Had Jefferson not shown up for Nike, the story of the week would have been small forward Rudy Gay. The athletic Gay was the talk of the camp the first three days of action. He took on all comers, rebounded with authority, showcased a reliable jumper and played high enough above the rim to draw the attention of onlookers each time out.

Shortly after displaying an impressive array of skills, power forward D.J. White succumbed to an injury and missed a significant portion of the camp. However, before taking a front row seat for the action, he did more than enough to call him one of the five best campers there. He also did the Indiana Hoosiers a big favor by ending any suspense and committing to Mike Davis at a news conference.

After not playing up to his reputation at a few spring and summer events, power forward Brian Johnson had something to prove at camp and he finished the event strong. Shooting guard Joe Crawford continued his summer heroics with another strong effort but then broke Tommy Amaker’s heart by rescinding his commitment to the Wolverines during the event.

Over the course of the week, three guys in our eyes took their reputations to another level. For starters, power forward Charles Thomas, was a monster. He was banging jumpers, throwing down dunks and never once slowed down his torrid pace.

Swingman Corey Brewer’s offensive package inched closer to meshing with his defensive abilities and he had a big week. Fellow Tennessean Shawne Williams, another small forward, used scary athleticism to impose his will at camp.

Still, despite the efforts of the seniors, in retrospect, the great strength of the camp was probably the talent and depth of the underclassmen. Entering the summer, Derrick Caracter was widely viewed -- and rightfully so -- as the top dog in the 2006 class. Caracter is a freakishly skilled 6-9, 287 pounder but he's not the best center prospect in the class.

That honor belongs to Oden. At 6-11 and 235 pounds, Oden has the most potential we’ve seen in a young big man in the last few years.

Not to be overlooked were the performances of a number of 2005 kids, including winger Martell Webster and big man Amir Johnson.

More Recruiting Hot News from TheInsiders.com

 

Related information

Multimedia

Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video