2006 Watch: Jamie Skeen

His name isn’t well known across the country just yet but ACC coaches know enough of sophomore Jamie Skeen to love him. The 6-foot-8 sophomore from North Mecklenburg HS in Charlotte, NC has had the attention of some big-time programs this season and rightfully so. He’s one of the top players in the hoops-crazy state and his potential is scary.

The 6-foot-8 Skeen averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds in the regular season but the sophomore really shined in the state playoffs, averaging 22.5 points and 11.5 rebounds. He exploded for eight straight double-doubles including a 35 point game and on the second to last game of the year, he pulled down 17 rebounds.

“I know coaches like to toot their player’s horns but Jamie is the real deal. He could be the best player to every play here and we’ve had guys like (former McDonalds All American) Jason Parker here,” North Mecklenburg head coach Duane Lewis said. “Jamie has the ability to be really, really good.”

While Skeen isn’t on the current 2006 rankings, expect that to change. He brings tremendous athleticism, good interior skills, developing range and improving ball handling skills.

“Jamie is just unbelievable down low. He doesn’t even know how good he is. He is still working on everything. He has a good jump stop, good moves on the blocks. I can’t really point everything out. He’s our second best shooter. He’s all over the place,” Lewis said.

“You know who he actually reminds me of? Sam Perkins. They both don’t really look like they are playing hard but when you look at the box score, they just killed you. He knows how to take a game over.”

Coaches from the ACC have already made it a point to visit Charlotte to see the youngster.

NC State, UNC and Wake Forest have all evaluated Skeen up close and personal. according to Lewis. The Wolfpack “are real involved. They love him to death,” Lewis said. Skip Prosser has been to Charlotte twice and the Tar Heels hosted Skeen for their early season match-up with U-Conn.

Lewis also said that Florida calls often, Georgia Tech, Penn State and UNC-Charlotte are also involved.

Skeen will play for the Charlotte Celtics on the AAU circuit. The team’s first stop on the national schedule will be at the Tournament of Champions in North Carolina. Skeen also has an invitation to play in the NBA Players Association camp this summer.

Stay tuned to RivalsHoops for more updates on Skeen and the rest of the rising underclassmen around the nation.