6-8 Junior Is Son Of Famous Tennis Star

A name you'll be hearing more of in the coming year is Joaquin Noah. Noah, the son of former French tennis star Yannick Noah, is a New York City native and big man in the Class of 2004 who is gradually coming into his own.

Noah, who attends Poly Prep Day School in Brooklyn after transferring in from The United Nations School in Manhattan, is a spindly 6'8'' 180 pound power forward/center with a developing game. At this point, Noah excels as a shot blocker, possessing good timing, and attacks the glass. His offensive game remains very raw, but he's shown flashes of potential on the offensive end. Noah is still getting used to the game of basketball, and doesn't have much playing experience under his belt. Joaquin has pretty good hands and coordination. With a father whose signature move as a tennis player was the batting of the ball between his legs to symyie his opponents, coordination might not be a problem for Noah.

Joaquin is extremely thin at this point, however, and gaining strength should be a top priority over the next two years. Noah told us he is 6'8'', but he looks like he could be closer to 6'9''.

Noah will compete with Gary Charles' Long Island Panthers on the AAU circuit in the coming year. He is already suiting up with The Panthers in the IS8 League. Joaquin's is one of the better stories on the New York City hoops circuit, and his size and developing game make him a player to keep tabs on.