Can You Feel The Pain

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA -- When watching 6-10, 305-pound center James Lang post up smaller opponents, you can't help but feel sorry for those who feel the physical pain the young man dishes out in the paint.

Lang, who played for the Alabama Ice this past weekend at the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions event, beat up his defenders with low-post, bruising and punishing power down low on the blocks.

"I am trying to get better with my ballhanding and moves," said Lang, who played last year at Central Park Christian in Birmingham, Alabama. "I really am working on all parts of my game."

The one part of his game that is his strength is well -- his strength. Lang does a nice job of shielding his defender with his wide frame. This allows easy access for entry passes to him near the basket. And when his guards seek him out, he is tough to stop.

Lang had a great second half in a game RivalsHoops.com watched this past weekend. He dropped in 16 second half points to lead his team to victory. Most of these points came on post-up moves. The Kappa Magic just couldn't match up with his strength and size.

Many of the reasons spoken about above have several high division one programs seeking his skills. But it was obvious after speaking to Lang that Alabama was the team to beat in this recruiting race. "Alabama has offered," Lang said. "But I am also interested in Duke, Kentucky, Wake Forest, North Carolina, South Carolina, and North Carolina State."

Lang told us he has already taken unofficial visits to Alabama, Duke, and South Carolina. "I want to sign in the Fall," Lang said. "But I am still looking at other schools."