KS, Purdue, UCLA, UK, Others Chase Swingman

Over the years at the Spiece Run N Slam Tournament, many players have exploded up the national rankings. RivalsHoops.com was there five years ago when current Miami Heat small forward Caron Butler carried the Bray Center to the title.

One player who has a chance to make such a statement at this year's event is 6-6 small forward/swingman Malik Hairston of The Family program in Detroit, Mich.

Hairston absolutely erupted for 38 points on Saturday afternoon as The Family downed the Spiece Top Prospects, 73-59, to claim the pool title.

An exceptionally quick slashing big wing, Hairston heated up from beyond the arc in the second half as the Family doused any chances of a Spiece second half comeback. The long armed swing also did an admirable job on Spiece Star Robert Vaden, who was held to 13 points after victimizing his team's first two pool opponents.

Hairston told RivalsHoops.com that he is considering Michigan State, Ohio State, Purdue, Kansas, Missouri, UCLA and Kentucky.

If he continues his play this weekend at Spiece, he could establish himself as one of the truly elite prospects in the Class of 2004. He certainly moved his name up the ladder via his performance on Saturday, and The Family appears poised to make a deep run as the tournament stands at 16 teams entering Sunday's play.

As a junior at Renaissance H.S., Hairston averaged 22 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three blocks per game. He said he has a 3.0 GPA and will take the ACT in June.

Hairston will attend the Nike All-American Camp in July and continue to tour the spring and summer circuit with Durand "Speedy" Walker's Family program.