Around mid-week it looked like Curtis Kelly was going to be a no-show for the Boo Williams. The charismatic 6-foot-9 forward from Rice High School had his hands full of high school homework and other things involving the classroom. Ah, the life of a 16-year-old. But the five-star hoops prospect got his work done early at home and jumped at the chance to roll with his New York Gauchos AAU club for the weekend. Boy, did he ever shine on opening night.

The Gauchos strolled into Kecoughtan High School with only six guys on Friday night and no one was more important to the team than Kelly, the No. 13 ranked player in the class of 2006. And to only think he could have been at home instead. Kelly is a quick study.

"I had a project to do but I got it done. I'm glad I did. I wanted to be here so bad," Kelly said.

One of the few questions surrounding the versatile five-star prospect is his ability to get it done with the books. Kelly said it's time to put that to rest.

"I'm trying to push 90s but I'm in the 80s right now. I can do better," Kelly said. "I know I need to be good in school because I've got a lot of colleges looking at me."

He's not kidding either. Kelly said St. John's and Georgia Tech. Texas, UNC, Syracuse and UConn all planning to come by to see him at Rice High School in the near future.

There is a reason why the high-majors are all making the trek to see him. He's a competitor. He's got a fire in his belly with hoops. He's a tough player to defend because of his Lamar Odom like versatility. The lefty incredibly effective inside on the offensive end of the floor. The list goes on and on.

Kelly down played his great 21 point, 12 rebound come-from-behind win over Ferrari Youth.

"It's my team, man. They were the stars tonight. I just helped out. I need to be more aggressive on both ends of the floor," he said.

More aggressive? There was no one more aggressive on Friday night. Trust us. And to think he almost stayed home.