Nelson off to strong start

After being a dominant force on the travel circuit in the spring, 2009 five-star prospect Reeves Nelson saw limited action in the summer with an inflamed foot tendon. Despite being less than 100 percent, Nelson put up impressive numbers in Modesto (Calif.) Christian High School's opening game.

The 6-foot-7, 215-pound forward exploded for 33 points and 15 rebounds even though he places himself at 75 percent effectiveness due to his injury. With his focus on getting healthy and improving his game, Nelson hasn't given a lot of thought to his recruitment recently.

"I don't have a hard list, and I haven't even been paying attention to recruiting at all," Nelson said. "I'll get more serious about it after the high school season. I do know that I have offers from USC, UCLA, Cal, Duke, UNC, Georgetown, Arizona and some others."

Most effective around the basket as a power player, Nelson expects to expand his game so he can play on the wing in college as well as the power forward position.

"I'm working hard on my ball handling and midrange shooting," he said. "Defensively, I need to get quicker as well."

Nelson is the No. 23 ranked prospect in the class of 2009.

Built like a brick but also possessing strong athleticism, Nelson is a throwback-type player who competes on every possession. Offensively, he can score with his back to the basket, but is also dangerous attacking the basket with a couple dribbles. His jumpshot needs refinement, but he is capable of stepping out and hitting jumpers. Rebounding on both ends of the court is his greatest strength.