Big 12, SEC Like Guards Antics
Despite having to change AAU teams, Robert Lee, a bouncy 6-foot-2, 170-pound
combo guard from Eastern Hills High School in Ft. Worth, Tex., hasn’t seen any
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ill effects in his recruiting. In fact, the only change he's seen in the
interest from colleges this off-season is that it’s become more intense.
Schools in the Midwest and Southeast have been extremely busy paying close
attention to his game.
"His stock has increased dramatically this spring and summer," said Eastern
Hills assistant coach Des Stewart. "All the Texas schools want to keep him at
home."
Practically every in-state school has been involved with Lee for quite some
time. Texas Christian has offered while Baylor, Texas A&M, SMU, and North Texas
have all been in contact. But Lee's scope has started to extend beyond the Lone
Star State. Recently Arkansas has been making a push, and SEC cohorts LSU and
Mississippi State have also called. It's at the stage where Lee is looking at
possibly leaving home.
"He is welcoming all options right now," said Stewart. "He's open to leaving
Texas."
Lee started out the AAU circuit with the Ft. Worth Lions program. However,
after a couple of events, a funding problem arose with the team and the squad
was unfortunately disbanded. Lee was left searching for a new team, but
quickly found a new home with Team Texas, for whom he has been able to shine.
This all comes off the heels of a solid junior season at Eastern Hills, where
Lee averaged 18 points, six rebounds, and three assists, pacing the team in
scoring. The Highlanders counted on him not only for his ability to score, but
his court leadership as well.
"Robert is very explosive," said Stewart. "He can take over games when he needs
to. He's done everything for us."
Lee is a sky-walking athlete who can leap with the best in the Dallas-Ft. Worth
area. His vertical lift in addition to his increasing strength allows him to
play inside against taller, bulkier players. He has improved on his shooting
and ball-handling, but can still stand to improve in a few more areas in
preparation for the college level, according to Stewart.
"Defensively he needs to step it up," said Stewart. "He's not a liability or
anything, but he could be better. He's very good with the ball in his hands,
but he also needs to do better in moving without the ball."
But Lee's jaw-dropping hops are something he's got down pat.
"Boy, he jumps out of the gym," said Stewart, recounting a play where Lee
grabbed the ball out of an opponent's hands on an offensive rebound in mid-air
and dunked the ball, all in a single motion. "He is nasty. He can sky."
According to Stewart, schools are recruiting Lee as a combo guard, with some
seeing him eventually moving to the point. While that is not his natural
position, Stewart feels that Lee is fully capable.
"I can see him making the transition to point guard," said Stewart. "But it
depends on what program he goes to. If they already have a good point guard he
could play alongside him. He's going to be a great combo guard though."
Lee will be playing in several events this summer with Team Texas, including
the Nike Peach Jam and the adidas Big Time. Be sure to keep checking back for
updates on his recruitment.
Jed Tai is a senior writer with Hoopville.com