Arizona tops Brooks list

Every year there will be a number of young talents who put their names on the map with their play for the top travel teams in the country. 2007 three-star prospect Pierce Brooks will hop to do just this when he suits up for the Pump N Run squad this summer. Brooks, 6-foot-7, 190-pounds from Taft High School in Woodland Hills, Calif., already has one of the country's top programs tracking his play.

"Arizona is my leader right now," said Brooks. "I'm also interested in California, USC and Texas Tech. All of them have been showing interest, and Arizona has been to one of my games and to practice."

Brooks, whose high school team made it to the state tournament and finished 22-6, spoke glowingly about the Arizona coaching staff.

"I like Lute Olsen," he said. "You can see that he has a passion for the game. I also really like Assistant Coach Pastner. I just like the way they coach. I plan on going to there camp this summer."

An athletic and smart player, Brooks is diligently working to raise his ability to score to match his ability to defend.

"I need to continue to work on my offensive moves, shooting and my ball handling," he said. "I've been working with Darrin Day [former UCLA Bruin] and Ken Kroft. They are helping with my offense.

"I think my greatest strength is my defense. I can guard the post and the perimeter. I also think I'm a smart player and a good passer."