Memphis big man is making the grade

At 6-foot-7, Andre Thornton is like a lot of high school big men. Too undersized to be a big timer at the next level and not quick enough to play the wing. That's the things people say. Don't say that to Thornton or his coach at Mitchell High School in Memphis, Tenn., though. They don't believe it. And a number of high-majors don't either.

Jerry Johnson, Thornton's head coach, says that is a misnomer about the class of 2006 prospect.

"At 6-foot-6, 6-foot-7, a lot coaches see a power forward and wonder if he can do what he's been doing in high school at their level," Johnson said. "All I know is that I've been watching the (NCAA) tournament and I've been seeing them do things that Andre can do."

People are saying the same things Kentucky's Chuck Hayes heard when he was in high school. The same things Illinois' Roger Powell heard. And like the two college seniors, Thornton is getting it done in the classroom. He's scored a 22 on the ACT in the tenth grade. He maintains a high grade point average, too.

"He's going to be a solid, four-year student athlete and not a guy that's going to look to the pros after every year," Johnson said.

Playing with fellow 2006 studs and high-major prospects in their own right Thaddeus Young and Brandon Powell, Thornton has found his niche with the team.

"He's been my most steady rebounder and my best defensive player," Johnson said. "He does a lot of good for us."

Johnson said he's heard from Stanford ("They absolutely love him," Johnson said.), St. John's, Connecticut, Illinois, Auburn, Eastern Kentucky and UT-Chattanooga have all inquired numerous times this year, Johnson said.

While Thornton doesn't have any finalized AAU plans, Johnson believes Thornton will have plenty of options as a senior.