It's been rather quiet at the Nike Camp this weekend so far, which is refreshing.
At times the camp can be elbow to elbow with coaches and scouts. But with only
scrimmages and interviews going on until Monday, most are staying away.
Ije Nwankwo is in attendance as a late addition. So is Bloomington's Grant Gibson, who
got news he made the cut while in Phoenix and had to fly back to the camp. Other
Indiana players in attendance are Frankfort's Brandon Crone and Brebeuf's Sonny
Troutman. It was rumored Robert Vaden was going to attend, but he was not listed on
the camp roster.
I followed James Hardy around most of Saturday night, being one of Purdue's top instate
prospects in the class of 2004. His athleticism compares favorably with the other
players here, but I'm still waiting for him to hit his stride. He played mostly small
forward, and seemed to get open more that most of his teammates. 2003 Grant Billmeier,
a 6'10 center who showed interest in Purdue, has been impressive also. He's on Hardy's
team along with Shawn Pruitt, a 6'7, 210-pound forward from Aurora (IL) in the class
of 2004. Pruitt is also an active power forward worthy of keeping an eye on. Pruitt
was on the floor a lot with Hardy.
I didn't get to see Nwankwo on Saturday, but he will be my focus on Sunday. I will
be interviewing him at noon today. There's also another Nwankwo here, this one a 2004
6'8 forward from College Park, Maryland. His name is Davis Nwankwo, so make sure when
you read scouting reports you are reading about the correct player.
I wonder if the Purdue staff could use this line on Davis Nwankwo..."And if you choose
to come to Purdue, our announcers will already know how to pronounce your name!"
The most impressive player from Day 1 was rising senior Shannon Brown. Athletically,
he is ahead of the pack here, and showing he can play either shooting guard or point.
He is doing everything well from the start.
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