Friday night standouts from Las Vegas

With division one college coaches being held at bay until Saturday morning, the majority of the top college prospects were not in action during Friday’s opening games in the Las Vegas Showcase and Pump ‘N Run Spring tournaments.

However, RivalsHoops.com witnessed a few of the nation’s elite players and several who impressed.

Rising seniors who impressed

J.P. Prince (Memphis Pump 'N Run)- Nice size for the small forward position, Prince proved to be versatile on the offensive end with a nice jumper and strong drives to the basket. He is a very smart player who feeds the post well and finds ways to be around the ball. He is interested in the all of the SEC schools.

Terrence Williams (Rotary Select)- Probably not one of his better efforts, Williams was held to 14 points in the opener. Explosive athlete who will make a lot of people jump from their seats. He never seemed to get comfortable with the ball in his hands but did a nice job of getting to the rim. Arizona and Washington have offered and are among the early favorites for his signature.

Marcus Williams (Rotary Select)- Long, smooth shooting guard with a pure stroke but slow release. He uses his body well and isn’t afraid to drive in with the big boys. His size causes a lot of problems.

Jordan Wilkes (Pump 'N Run)- Potential is a word that is loosely thrown around but that is something Wilkes has plenty. With still plenty of room to fill out, Wilkes has a nice long frame and long arms. As expected, he is an imposing shot blocker and solid on the boards.

2006 class is shaping up nicely

John Kreft (Coast to Coast) - A legit 6-foot-11 center who is expected to continue growing, Kreft is an active big men who gets up and down the floor well. Another benefit is his passing out of the post. The fundamentally sound prospect needs to become more aggressive on the offensive end. Florida State, Duke, Syracuse, UConn and Virgina Tech are showing interest.

Alex Stepheson (Pump ‘N Run) –Big, powerful post player who cleans the glass on both ends of the floor, Stepheson has a great frame and is very active. A nice post player who also can get to the rim or knock down the mid-range, he has high major written all over him and will be nationally ranked.

Christian Polk (Arizona Magic White) –Smooth point guard with a nice stroke from the outside, Polk is a natural scorer with a good feel for the game. Athletic and quick, he did a nice job in transition and getting his scorers the ball.

2007 guards staking their claim

Jerryd Bayless (Arizona Magic White) –Perhaps the most exciting player in Friday’s games, Bayless is an excellent athlete with big time ups. Defensively he was all over his man forcing several turnovers. A nice outside shot is complemented perfectly with strong drives to the basket and nice finishes.

Max Groede (Coast to Coast) –A 6-foot-5 scorer with good athleticism and build, Groede has a nice jumper with an ultra-quick release. He is a prolific scorer who has a wide arsenal which extends from outside the arc to on the block. Big time prospect that will be ranked among the elite’s in his class.

The big dogs start barking early

Andy Poling (Portland Panthers White) –The 6-foot-10 2008 center prospect is extremely coordinated for a young big man. Along with a nice feel for the game, Poling has a nice jump hook and good hands. He is an impact player who has a chance to be special.