Gant goes from JV to ABCD

Darnell Gant, a 6-foot-8, 200-pound power forward from Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles, Calif., wore a huge smile all week long at the Reebok ABCD camp. He should. The class of 2007 prospect was a junior varsity player last year and now he's played himself into the eyes of some of the biggest programs on the West Coast.

Gant, an athletic and long power forward, shined as a rebounder at the ABCD camp. He was one of the highest rated players at the camp's end and had a modest eight point and 6.9 rebound per game average for the week. For a big man, that's a solid showing.

He is quick off the hardwood and grabs rebounds at a fervent pace. Offensively, he's an above the rim guy right now and his face up game is improving, he said. Not bad for a guy that didn't play any varsity hoops last year. That's why he wears a permanent grin on his face.

"I've never felt this good in my life," Gant said. "College are looking at me now. They all say that I'm playing good and that I should just keep doing what I'm doing and things will take care of themselves."

Gant said he's heard from ULCA, Arizona, Washington, Portland and Iowa recently and many more West Coast programs kept tabs on him last week in New Jersey. Gant said he grew up watching North Carolina and Louisville and would like to hear more from the two national powers. Who wouldn't, right?

"It's been insane," Gant said of his recent rise to the national forefront. "Nothing has really changed with me or my game but it's just been more people recognizing who you are. It feels good to know that people know who you are."

People definitely know how he is now and if he continues to play like he did at the ABCD camp, many more will join the race for his services.