ACC Schools Love Jamie Skeen

Coming to the Tournament of Champions in North Carolina is one of the highlights of the AAU season. Playing at Duke, NC State and North Carolina are rare instances for any hoopster. For rising junior Jamie Skeen it may have been a preview of what’s to come. The 6-foot-8 forward from North Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, N.C., is looking at three ACC programs and had a chance to see two of his suitors up close and personal last weekend.

Skeen, who is ranked No. 33 by Rivals.com, was one of the highlights at the TOC. He was named to the all-tournament team and gave on-lookers an idea of what to expect when he suits up one day for a school in the tradition rich ACC. For Skeen, he just relishes in the opportunity to play at the highest level.

“I’m just out here trying to make myself better,” Skeen said. “All of these camps I’m supposed to be going to will only help. I love competition. I love to play against the best of the best. That’s my game.”

His game is loaded with potential. At the prep level, he dominated the Charlotte, N.C., area as a power forward, going for a double-double in nearly every game in the second half of the year. Playing with the Carolina Celtics this summer, he’s trying to expand his game outside of the paint.

“Since it’s AAU season, I’m trying to work on other things in my game,” Skeen said. “I’m trying to work on other things, not just in the post. I know that at the next level I’m not going to play just the post because I’m not that strong just yet.”

While he’s still perfecting his jumper and lateral quickness, Skeen remains one of the top players in the class of 2006. In fact, He may be the best high school player from the state of North Carolina in high school basketball right now. That is why NC State, Wake Forest and North Carolina are trying to land the home grown product.

The three ACC schools top his list as favorites right now. All three programs have made a strong push, as much as they can, with the rising junior. The Wolfpack and Demon Deacons have extended scholarship offers and Skeen has been to each of the three campuses for unofficial visits.

“It’s different things with all of the schools that I like,” Skeen said. “I like the basketball part of Carolina. The tradition speaks a lot about it. I like that. NC State - the coaches are cool. I’m cool with all of them. At Wake Forest, the coaches are cool, too, but I also like the academics of it all.”

While Skeen says he’s not focused too much on recruiting, he has been a hot topic for each of his favorite schools. Coaches from each program will keep tabs on him throughout the summer. An early decision wouldn’t be a big surprise. But for now, Skeen is staying focused on winning the top honors in North Carolina next year.

“We are going to try to win state. We are getting serious about it,” Skeen said. “We said that last year. When it’s time to step up, you gotta do it. The challenge is there.”