Hollis finding ways to get through Wilma

When Mother Nature topples buildings, de-roofs homes and turns palm trees into toothpicks, recruiting becomes trivial. As his community continues to regroup from the aftereffects of Hurricane Wilma, Damian Hollis is keeping his legs fresh on the playground courts all the while keeping one eye on the schools recruiting him.

Still without power, and probably that way for another week, the 6-foot-7, 180-pound small forward from Coral Springs High School in Taravella, Fla., is making good use of his time out of school.

"I've been playing outside on a blacktop," Hollis said. "I guess you could say I'm a street baller now."

He's taken the role of unifier with his team and holding impromptu practices at a local blacktop. He believes this time of inconvenience will only make his team stronger this season.

"This is drawing us together," Hollis said. "We are growing up everyday."

As Hollis grows, he knows he has to make some grown up decisions. Recruiting is something he knows he has to tackle, tragedy or not. There are a number of schools in the picture with the silky shooter.

Florida Atlantic, George Washington, Nebraska, Rhode Island, Seton Hall and UAB are all involved and have offered a scholarship, Hollis said. The long and lanky wing forward has already made official visits to Rhode Island and Seton Hall.

"Rhode Island was nice. I got to see their Midnight Madness. It was cool," Hollis said. "Seton Hall was pretty cool. I played pick up with their guys and got a feel for their team. We walked around campus after that."

Hollis said he has plans to visit George Washington later this month. With all of his trips and schools involved, the three-star prospect does not intend on inking his name in a week and a half.

"I'm just going to wait until the late signing date," Hollis said. "I'd like to save some visits for the cold weather season. I was born and raised in Florida. I've never seen snow. That's going to play a big role in my decision."

There is one school Hollis hopes comes into the picture as the season starts.

"Hopefully Maryland comes out and recruits me," Hollis said. "I just like them a lot. I've liked them and watched them ever since I was real small."