News and notes from Pangos Camp in California

The Pangos camp began Friday night

The 2nd annual Pangos All-American Camp kicked off Friday night in Cypress (Calif.) with close to 100 prospects, including several ranked by Rivals.com, in attendance.

The camp began with individual instruction by coach Dave Miller then two sets of games were played on three courts at 8:30 and 9:30 with the camps players distributed equally on 12 teams.

West Coast big man set to announce Monday

Toledo (Wash.) High School power forward Artem Wallace took an official visit to Washington last weekend and rumors quickly surfaced that the powerful low post threat had committed to the Huskies.

“Nothing is offical yet but I am likely headed to Washington,” Wallace said. “This weekend I’m going to spend some time thinking about it and if it feels like the right decision I’m going to announce sometime next week at a press conference at my school.”

Wallace, 6-foot-8, 230-pounds, indicated that his visit to Washington was impressive.

“I really like the Washington staff and I felt comfortable on my visit. They have all been honest with me and I can play there early,” Wallace said. “The players made me feel welcome and it felt like the place for me. I think they have a bright future.”

2006 standout compiling offers and favorites

Big forward Lance Thomas from Scott Plains High School in Fanwood (N.J.) has picked up three offers and currently lists seven schools among his early list of favorites.

“Arizona, Georgia Tech and Syracuse have offered me and I’m hearing regularly from Duke, Kansas, Maryland and North Carolina,” Thomas said. “Those seven are my favorites but I’m more concentrated on getting better.

“I’ve still got two more year before I have to worry about recruiting.”

Thomas, 6-foot-8, 195-pounds, stated that he currently is working hard in the gym every day to develop the skills for the college level.

“I’m in the gym as much as possible, working on every aspect of my game,” Thomas said. “I want to be a small forward in school and I’ve got to develop a better handle and outside shot. I also need to get bigger and stronger.”

Friday night player observations

Shooting guard Christian Polk is a consistent shooter from 17-feet or from deep outside the arc. Polk, 6-foot-3, never wastes a movement on either end of the floor and plays with a smoothness and confidence that will benefit him in college. Defensively he has great anticipation and quickness.

Atlanta point guard Javaris Crittenton has impressive size for his position and a strong frame. While his outside shot is still a work in progress few guards can match-up with him physically and he continues to drive to the basket and finish. The rising junior also did a nice job of controlling the tempo and finding cutters for easy baskets.

With the exception of Greg Oden, power forward Alex Stepheson from Studio City (Calif.) is as impressive as anyone in the 2006 class. Stepheson, 6-foot-9, has a great frame that can easily carry 20 more pounds and likely will when he hits a college weight program. In addition to his strong post game he also is capable of stepping out on the perimeter and making jumpers.

Arizona commitment Fendi Onobun is showing flashes of the small forward he will eventually become in college. The 6-foot-7 forward continues to attack the basket and prove to be a man child underneath the rim but several times he showed that with repetition he should be able to knock down the mid-range shot in college.

California shooting guard Seketoure Henry knocked down a couple of early 3-pointers and has a nice outside shot. But Henry, 6-foot-3, never put the ball on the floor instead preferring to wait for a look on the perimeter. His shot is good enough for him to wind up at a high major.

Washington power forward Artem Wallace is quicker and more athletic than he appears at first glance. His ability to post in the paint is solid and he shows a nice face up game that extends to 17 feet. Wallace has a nice frame and is solid on defense.

Houston journey man Rashad Woods was especially impressive showing an inside-outside game than makes him hard to defend. With a strong build and solid handle he can put the ball on the floor and get to the basket but also has a dangerous enough jump shot to keep defenders honest.

New Jersey big forward Lance Thomas runs the floor as well as any big man in his class. On several occasions Thomas beat the defense down the floor, caught the ball without breaking his stride and finished with a dunk. But Thomas is no one trick pony as he showed a strong low post game and an mid-range jumper that will give defenders fits.

2006 power forward Matt Shaw has been one of the most consistent players this summer and Friday night was no exception as the Los Angeles native continued to show play well on the blocks while also managing to control the boards.

Shooting guard Anthony Goods from Centennial High School in Corona (Calif.) is a well put together prospect that is equally effective while driving to the basket or shooting his jumper from deep range. Goods has no problem getting his own shot or coming off a screening for an open look.

Berkley (Calif.) combo forward Dior Lowhorn gave a workman like effort on both ends of the floor. In transition Lowhorn, 6-foot-6, did the job by filling the lanes and finishing at the rim. In addition he banged in couple of mid-range jump shots.

Heading into his sophomore season at Dunwoody (Ga.) High School Albury Doss is beginning to show a beyond his years maturity on the court. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard waited patiently on the wing for open looks and never forced a bad shot.

News and Notes

Several prospects were not able to make it in for Friday nights tip-off but are expected to arrive sometime on Saturday. Among the highly regarded players who will be arriving are Brandon Rush, Brett Hoerner and Bryan Harvey