A Look At Nick Stafford

Nick Stafford, a 6-8, 190-pound forward from Worcester Academy in Massachusetts, did not score many points in the games we watched this past weekend at the Boy's Club Holiday tournament. But there are a high level of recruiting interest in his skills. And he is considered one of the top juniors in the class of 2003.

The impressive part of Stafford's game was displayed on Saturday against Blair Academy of New Jersey. In the first half, Luol Deng had his way with Worcester Academy. But head coach Mo Cassara tried different people in trying to stop Deng, a 6-8 skilled forward who might be in the top five players of 2003. Stafford was part of that rotation and he did a good job in keeping Deng from getting any big runs off in the second half.

According to Cassara, Stafford has been watched recently and has shown interest in Maryland, Virginia, Seton Hall, Boston College, Massachusetts, Hartford, Connecticut, Ohio State, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, and Providence.

Stafford has improved his overall game over the past year. "He is working hard to becoming a complete player," Cassara said. "He is working hard in practice."

Stafford is an athletic player who will need to improve his overall perimeter skills and shot if he is to be a high division one player. "I am just concentrating on my season," Stafford told us on Saturday. "I will worry about the recruiting later."