D.J. White Has Top Four

The state of Alabama is loaded with top quality basketball prospect for the class of 2004 and arguably the top player is D.J. White from Hillcrest High School.

Last season White, who is rated 5-stars and the 4th overall prospect among Southeastern players by RivalsHoops.com, averaged 15 points and 9 rebounds for Thad Fitzpatrick at Hillcrest.

"DJ is a very fundamentally sound young man. He puts a lot of effort into improving his overall game," Fitzpatrick said. "Really, he is only at the beginning of his potential. He has improved every year and I think he will continue to do so."

White, 6-foot-8, 230-pounds, enjoyed an impressive summer this year while playing with the Alabama Lasers AAU traveling team. The highlight of his summer tour came at the Nike All-American camp with his strong play against some of the nations top rising seniors

"I held my own at Nike," White said. "It was a chance for me to test what I could do against some of the better players and I think that I played well and a lot of people told me that as also."

While it is still early in the recruiting process White indicated that several teams had grabbed his attention but a few have stood out from the rest.

"Indiana, North Carolina, Florida and Kentucky are schools I really like," White said. "I've still got a long way to go before I decide on a top five but right now I am interested in those four."

White is the rare big man who gets the majority of points in the paint with his back to the basket. Seldom does he gravitate outside of the lane but he is capable of knocking down the 12-footer when needed. His low-post game is advanced and he has a wide arsenal that allows him to use his strength and athleticism to score. Defensively he uses his long arms, quick leaping ability, and strong body to rebound well and block shots.