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Coaches flying south to see Loucks

Meet Florida's 2008 version of Nick Calathes. Clearwater (Fla.) High School's 6-foot-4, 192-pound point guard Luke Loucks has a basketball IQ that is off the charts and is an exceptional passer. At least seven high-major schools are planning to watch the four-star prospect workout this month.
According to Loucks' travel team coach Ryan Pannone of Team Breakdown, Florida State, Kansas, Auburn, Purdue, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech and West Virginia are all coming down to Clearwater to watch Loucks workout.
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South Florida, Central Florida and Florida Atlantic have offered, and Pittsburgh has tendered what Loucks referred to as a soft offer, but five other schools standout at the moment for Loucks.
"I like Florida State a lot," said Louks. "I just got off an unofficial visit there and loved it. And I've always loved Florida. They have been my dream school since I was a little kid.
"With out of state schools, I like Iowa and Steve Alford a lot. I think I would fit in well there. I also like what West Virginia does, and Coach Greenberg came down here last season and I like Virginia Tech."
Having a strong season this year as a quarterback, Loucks is also picking up interest as a football prospect.
"I've just started getting letters for football, and that is getting a little nuts," he said. "But I doubt I will play in college."
Central Florida, however, would love for Loucks to play both sports for them. Loucks brother is presently a junior on Central Florida's basketball team.
Now to the Calathes comparison, Loucks has the same high level feel for the game that Calathes possesses, but Loucks is more of a passer and not the scorer that Calathes is. Physically, Loucks is stronger than Calathes but not as quick as the Florida commitment.
"I actually think Luke is a slightly better passer than Calathes, but Calathes scores better," said Coach Pannone. "We actually breakdown tape of Calathes and implement his scoring moves into Luke's workouts."
Loucks is the No. 80 ranked prospect in the class of 2008.
Luke Loucks scouting report:
Loucks, who can play either backcourt position, has an exceptional basketball IQ and is a terrific passer. Has the size and feel for the game to be a tough rebounder and is a physical defender. He does need to improve the consistency of his outside jumper and improve his lateral quickness in order to guard speedy point guards.
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