NBA camp provides key match-ups

The NBA Players Association top 100 camp tips off on Wednesday at the University of Virginia. And the players participating aren't there for just basketball.

Over a hundred top prospects will participate in the 14th annual summer camp, making a move from Richmond to Charlottesville this year.

Campers will play, practice and train under the watchful eye of former NBA players, coaches and player personnel directors work the camp as instructors and counselors, giving the youth a wealth of knowledge from the professional ranks.

The campers will also have daily seminars on the recruiting process, S.A.T. test preparation, NCAA rules and other topics important to college bound prospects.

The camp is loaded with talented big men, highlighting the class of 2008's overall strength. Unlike other top camp settings, the NBPA camp encourages big men to get touches in the flow of the game.

The unique setting allows on-lookers to see great match-ups that otherwise rarely happen because of shoe company divisions on the AAU circuit. Evaluators have a chance to see five-star centers B.J. Mullens, Ty Walker, Tyler Zeller and Kenny Kadji match-up.

Power forwards Samardo Samuels, Howard Thompkins, Derrick Favors, JaMychal Green and others will certainly lock horns during the week.

The point guard pool is thin in 2008 and that has been well documented throughout the spring circuit. Arizona commitment Brandon Jennings checks in as the top point guard in the field. Event officials said they are anticipating Iman Shumpert, one of the top combo guards in the nation, and Ohio State pledge Anthony Crater and North Carolina commit Larry Drew. All four players will make for interesting match-ups in the backcourt.

The official list of participants was unavailable on Tuesday afternoon.

USA Basketball is also hosting an important camp this week, pulling 30 players away from the NBPA camp. Greg Monroe, Jrue Holiday and Al-Farouq Aminu, the nation's top three players in the Rivals150, are confirmed to attend the camp in Colorado at the end of the week.

Rivals.com will be on hand for both events this week.