Jeff Halbert Having Solid Spring

BRONX, NEW YORK -- Jeff Halbert, a cerebral 6-5, 205 pound small forward from White Bear Lake H.S. in White Bear Lake, Minn., had a terrific weekend at the Rumble in the Bronx held on the campus of Fordham University.

Halbert helped his team win the Rumble in the Bronx with a dramatic overtime victory over the Riverside Church program. Halbert has also been special at other tournaments including the competitive St. Louis Eagles Invitational.

Halbert was named all-tournament and helped lead the Howard Pulley Panthers Blue squad to the title game of the event. Pulley lost to Boo Williams in the final at the St. Louis Eagles tournament.

Although he may be a step slow speed wise, Halbert has an excellent understanding of the game of basketball. He shoots the ball well, especially from mid-range, and is an alert passer. He has the ability to hurt defenses in many ways. What he did this past weekend is establish himself as a player to watch this summer.

While he does not have any scholarship offers on the table at this point, Halbert told the Insiders Report that he has seen early interest from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Purdue, Wisconsin, Iowa State, Marquette and Northern Iowa. If Halbert continues to progress in his overall game, it's likely there will be plenty of offers at the end of the summer.

Halbert has taken unofficial visits to all of the above schools except Purdue and Illinois, but he hopes to trip to Purdue in the near future.

As a junior this past season, Halbert averaged 22 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He said he has a 3.3 GPA and has achieved a qualifying score on the SAT exam.

Halbert will tour the Nike circuit this summer with Howard Pulley.