Decision nearing for Summers

Covenant High School in Redford, Mich., is off to a slow start at 2-3, but Durrell Summers is playing strong at 27 points and 13 rebounds per game as he adjusts to his new high school teammates. One of Summer's AAU teammates Kalin Lucas recently verballed to Michigan State, and Summers, the No. 13 ranked player in the class of 2007 might soon follow.

After listing Michigan State, Syracuse, Connecticut, Miami, Kentucky and Memphis as his schools of interests, Summers, a 6-foot-5, 195-pound shooting guard, did identify his two favorites.

"Michigan State and Syracuse are my two favorites," said Summers. "I love Michigan State's up temp style and they way they get up and down the court. They also run their offense for their wings. They play good team defense, and Coach Izzo produces a lot of pros. I also like the positive attitude of the program.

"Syracuse plays a similar style with a fast offense. When I talked with Coach Boeheim when he came to my school, he showed me how they tried to set up their wings in the offense. Also, that zone defense isn't so bad, because it gives you a chance to get a little rest on defense."

Although Summers is listing two favorites, his adjusted timetable indicates that his home state school has the advantage.

"I've changed my timetable," he said. "I'd like to make a decision sooner, like in either January or early February. There is a good chance that I will decide before I visit Syracuse or any schools."

Another advantage for Michigan State is the recent commitment of Lucas.

"Kalin committing to Michigan State is a positive thing for Michigan State. He is someone I know and have played with a lot. If I'm ever going through bad times in college, he is a person I know I can talk to. We also know each other's games."

As good as Summers played this summer, he feels that he has made significant improvements in his strength and skill game.

"I'm a lot more focused on getting stronger," he said. "I tried to lift last year, but it was off and on. Ever since this summer, I've been very consistent in my lifting. I've also improved at creating off the dribble to get my shot. My defense and my passing and decision making have also improved."

Durrell Summers scouting report:

A shifty athlete with great explosiveness, Summers is a threat to score in a number of ways. He shoots with range, pulls up well off the dribble and can dunk with authority in traffic. With his body still developing, Summers has an excellent upside. As he gets stronger, he is developing into a very good rebounder and defender. His passing skills have the most room for improvement. Summers is an elite prospect with definite NBA potential.