Interest growing for Nashville guard
One of the top players in Middle Tennessee is starting to grab the attention of several college coaches.
Jamie Graham, a 6-foot-0 junior point guard at Whites Creek High in Nashville, has landed scholarship offers from Colorado, Appalachian State and Furman. Belmont, Evansville, Lipscomb and Tennessee Tech are showing interest.
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Graham said he isn't leaning anywhere yet. He's hoping to gain the attention of more major programs first, one in particular.
"I've always liked Rick Pitino so obviously I'd like to hear from Louisville," Graham said. "Academics are also important to me. Not everyone goes to the pros so I'd like to play for someone with a good program and good academics."
Graham showed why he is an emerging prospect at the King of the South tournament in Nashville last weekend, helping lead the Nashville Celtics to the 17-under title.
Graham consistently broke down defenders down off the dribble, nailed mid-range jumpers and created easy scoring opportunities for teammates. He shot 49 percent from the field (29-of-59) and averaged 11.1 points and 3.3 assists during the event.
But, Graham's biggest contributions came on defense. He often guarded the opponent's best perimeter player and forced a handful of key turnovers.
"Jamie is a terrific on-the-ball defender," said his AAU coach Alex Waddey. "That is probably what stands out most about him. But, he is also a catalyst on offense and a good finisher."
Graham embraces the role of being a defensive stopper for the Celtics.
"I'm just doing my part out there, which means making the extra pass and trying to be a big scorer," he said. "I'm really focusing on defense and hustling."
It's a different story at the high school level. Graham carried Whites Creek offensively for long stretches last season, including through its deep run in the state tournament.
Whites Creek, which went 26-7, reached the Final Four before falling to eventual state champ and nationally-ranked Hamilton High out of Memphis, 77-65. Graham scored 22 points and added three steals in that loss.