Lillard stock rising off the charts

After playing in a limited role at St. Joseph High School in Alameda during his sophomore year, Damian Lillard transferred to Oakland High (Calif.) where he set the OAL on fire. Lillard averaged 21 points and six rebounds a game and was voted first team All OAL.

Still, as the spring and summer circuit approached, he remained anonymous. However, playing for the Oakland Rebels with the likes of James Albright, Damon Warren and Gabe Kindred, Lillard exploded on the scene.

"Damian did everything that I needed him to do for our team to be successful," said Ray Young, head coach of the Oakland Rebels. "He scored, played defense and he was a leader on the floor and off the court."

Young said he was very good in early spring, but his game went to another level during the summer.

"During the Great American Shoot out in Denton, Texas at North Texas University, he had his breakout game as a player," continued Young. "He made plays, made shots and he carried us in the tournament."

The Rebels advanced to the semi-finals, where they lost to the T-Mac All-Stars. Lillard continued to shine in the adidas Super 64 tournament, as he led the Rebels to a 4-0 record, before they lost to EBO, the powerful Fresno-based club, in the second round of the tournament.

Lillard scored 35 points in that game, hitting an assortment of 3-pointers, floaters and jumpers in the lane. He also showed his explosiveness, barely missing a dunk in traffic over 6-foot-9 Brendan Lane.

The 6-foot-1 guard averaged 24 points a game during the summer as scholarship offers began pouring in. The list includes Santa Clara, St. Mary's, San Diego, San Diego State, Fresno State, Weber State, Boise State, SMU, Oral Roberts, Wichita State, Bradley and Montana. Others expressing interest include Washington State, Utah, and Gonzaga.

Lillard is taking all of the attention in stride and plans to wait before announcing his college choice.

"I will probably not make a decision until November just before basketball season starts," said Lillard. "But, if I feel that I have to rush into a decision and I am not comfortable with my choices, I just might wait until the late signing period after the high school basketball season is over."

All indications are he favors schools in the Midwest but is still wide open.

"I have always liked Marquette, but it might be too late now," said Lillard. "I am not worried about the level of the school. I am more interested in rather if it is the right fit for me and how I play. I am looking for a school that runs and plays at a nice pace."

Young said that Lillard has a 2.5 core GPA, but he has not taken the SAT yet. However, he expects him to be a full qualifier and a very good pickup for colleges looking for a scoring point guard.

"Damian will be a very good division I player, based on his work ethic and how he has improved each year as a player," continued Young. "He is a gym rat who works on his game. He has to get stronger and tighten up his handle a little better for Division I basketball, but the sky is the limit for him as a player."