Lenny Cooke, a 6-6 wing forward from Northern Valley High School in Old Tappan, New Jersey, is one of those players on another level.

A level for the most part that exceeds the majority of players in the class of 2002. In fact, he could be the best player in this year's upcoming senior class.

Cooke told us that he realizes the high school players coming out this year are what he will be watching for in the NBA draft.

"Every year is different in the amount of talent that comes out," Cooke told us. "I think I am a better skilled player than those who are leaving to the NBA this year. But next year might be different."

Cooke said he has not made up his mind whether to go college or pro. But he hopes to make a college decision at least in the Fall. "I am interested in St. John's, Seton Hall, Duke, North Carolina, Cincinnati, Miami, and Ohio State," Cooke said.

Is he good enough to jump from high school to the NBA? Well, if you match his skills compared to those who jumped this year from high school as Cooke has said too, it's a no-brainer. His AAU coach Gary Charles believes Cooke can do it.

"He is a level above the best players out there," Charles said. "He is a beast on the offensive side. He has that heart to succeed."

Cooke played a weekend ago at the Tournament of Champions. And he was very impressive. Maybe the best player there. Charles thinks so. Cooke said he just tries to play hard all the time.

"He might be the best player in the class," Charles said. "He does so many things well and can score in bunches for you."

And he is a terrific ballhandler and passer. He can razzle and dazzle you with a behind the head pass or a between the leg bounce toss. Teammates must keep their heads up when Cooke has the ball because Lenny has great court vision and can slice a defense up with a nifty pass.

According to Charles, St. John's is the leader right now.