Sizing up the talent

Illinois’ 2009 class may be comparably down to past classes in the state, but according to veteran recruiting analyst Van Coleman of Hoopmasters.com, so is every other state.

“The ’09 overall may be the weakest class in the nation in the last decade,” Coleman said. “There are about 20-25 guys who are a step above everybody. There are 75 players who are high-major players. Everyone else is below that. It’s not a deep class nationally.

“The ’08 class in Illinois wasn’t a stellar class, but it was good. The ’09 class is a little down. Brandon Paul is the one guy who might emerge.”

After spending Monday and a bulk of Tuesday at Nike’s LeBron James Skills Academy, Coleman came away impressed by most of Illinois’ representatives.

Here are his thoughts on those who were invited to Akron, Ohio.

On Brandon Paul, Warren, Class of 2009:

“I thought Brandon Paul shot the ball very well. He’s been very consistent. I like it when the ball’s in his hands. He’s a better combo-point. He’s had to play a lot of off guard here. He’s a lot like Deron Williams in a lot ways -- he has good size, he’s a good shooter, he can handle the ball.

"I think he’s a kid who has been in the top one-third of the camp. He’s very solid. I think he’s a better point guard than a lot of guys playing at point in the camp. It’s hard to judge him that way because he’s not been given that opportunity. When he’s been on the break, he’s made some really nice passes. I can see that, but I can guess a lot of guys haven’t.”

On Jereme Richmond, Waukegan, Class of 2010:

“I thought Jereme Richmond had a really good night last night. Richmond’s been very, very good. Right now, I have him around six or seven in his national class. I think that’s about where everyone has him right now. He deserves that right now. He played well here. He’s going to be a top 20 in the camp. When he gets out in the team stuff, he’s going to have to be a guy who impresses coaches sand evaluators at that same level. I don’t see him dropping out of the top 10.

"He’s got a lot of spring; he gets to the hoop in a hurry, he’s really developed his off hand. He’s improved his jump shot, it’s more consistent than it was, especially his 15-17 jump shot. He really gives effort on both ends, really rebounds, runs the floor. As the jump shot gets better and better, the more everyone will like him.”

On Marcus Jordan, Whitney Young, Class of 2009:

“Marcus has played well. Tough, hard-nosed, just plays his butt off. He just works and works. Last night, he was taking people to the hole hard. He’s a guy who’s going to go to somebody and help them win a lot of ball games. He can never be compared to his dad because he’s not that type of athlete, but the desire and competitiveness part he got that from his dad. If he keeps on playing that way for the Rising Stars, he’s going to move up the national rankings.”

On Darius Smith, Marshall, Class of 2009:

“Him running the point, I think it’s a situation where it’s his first time at this level with these kind of guys. He was having a good solid camp. He wasn’t one of the top six or seven point guards at the camp, but he was solid. It’s an adjustment for everybody’s who news to these camps.

"He’s a guy who has to let it come to him a little bit. This is the year of the non-point guard. There aren’t a lot of high-major point guards, and the high-majors are looking for point guard. I think he’s going to get a chance to play for a high-major. Really a lot of mid-major pluses are going to be able to go to high-major schools."

On David Brown, Hononegah, Class of 2009:

“Solid. I thought a little bit he was trying to do a little too much. It was his first time on a major, major stage. Maybe trying to force the drive a little. You can see the talent is there as he did with the Warriors. If he lets it comes to him more, he’s going to be a high-major prospect. He has the ability to be a successful player at a camp like that."