Four recently involved with Sidney
Top ten prospect Renardo Sidney didn't play at the level expected of him over the summer, but the Los Angeles Fairfax power forward is on the right track this fall according to Fairfax head coach Harvey Kitani. Coach Kitani also noted that a west coast vs. southeast battle is developing for Sidney.
Last week head coaches from hometown USC and UCLA were at Fairfax recruiting Sidney. Today Trent Johnson of LSU is on the Fairfax campus.
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And don't forget that Sidney is originally from Mississippi. On a recent family trip back to his home state, Sidney took an unofficial visit to Mississippi State.
Although Sidney is still struggling to make a decision, he would like to commit by the early signing period in two weeks according to Kitani. At the same time, Kitani noted that although it looks like Sidney will sign early, that very well might not materialize.
Another scenario that Kitani doesn't necessarily expect to happen is Sidney following in the footsteps of former travel team teammate Brandon Jennings and play in Europe instead of going to college.
"Whether or not he plays in Europe, that I don't know," said Kitani. "Renardo and his family have never said anything about doing that to me."
Of more importance to Kitani, however, is the way Sidney, 6-foot-10, 250-pounds, is looking on the court.
"I know Renardo put on some weight over the summer, but he is in much better shape right now," said Kitani. "He is a 100 percent better conditioning wise than he was last year at this same stage. He's been working hard since early August.
"He's figuring out that he can drive the ball to get what he wants and doesn't need to settle. I'm excited about that and excited to know that he can still get in better shape. Around Christmas time we might see a No. 1 type player again."
Renardo Sidney scouting report:
An elite prospect, Sidney has size, athleticism and is skilled with the basketball. He has three-point shooting range and is a dangerous player in both the low-post and high-post. He passes and handles the ball well and can also be a physical rebounding presence down low.