Nike Camp Standouts

The Nike All-American Camp held in Indianapolis, Indiana was host to some of the nation’s most talented prospects in the 2004, 2005, and 2006 classes.

Below is a list of players from the 2004 class that Rivals.com felt proved worthy of their accolades and a few who surpassed expectations.

Cementing their Reputations

While most of the talk around Joe Crawford centered on his de-commitment from Tommy Amaker and the Michigan program, his play on the court was as impressive as ever. Crawford, 6-foot-4, 205-pounds, is built like a linebacker and at times he plays like one, using his size and strength to get to the basket and rebound on both ends of the floor. His offensive weapons include a nice three-point shot and the ability to pump fake, take a couple of dribbles and knock down the 15-footer. Crawford is a versatile player who will likely play the shooting guard position at the next level. His recruitment is currently wide-open but Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Michigan and North Carolina are among the schools he is considering.

Baltimore native Rudy Gay has been impressive all summer and this past week was no exception. Faced against some of the nations top forward prospects he stood out with his quickness and exceptional offensive attack. Gay, 6-foot-8, 205-pounds, proved a difficult task for defenders by using his length around the basket, including a nice jumphook or by stepping out to hit the jumpshot. Often the defense would have to come out and defend his jumper and he would simply put the ball on the floor and explode towards the basket. He currently has a long list of suitors that includes Arizona, Clemson, Connecticut, Florida Sate, Indiana, Kentucky, Marquette, Maryland, NC State, St. Johns, Syracuse, Villanova and Virginia.

Early Texas commitment Daniel Gibson continued to impress with perfect form on his jumper and his ability to knock it down from long range. Gibson, 6-foot-2, 200-pounds, showed his extended range from 23 feet and in while also proving to be a playmaker by getting out quick on the break and forcing the action. His dunk on Mohamed Tangara proved to be one of the highlights of the camp and also displayed his athleticism. Gibson plays under control and could choose to showcase himself more, instead he got his teammates involved which is important because in two years he will play with one of the nation’s top freshman classes and will be counted on to lead the Longhorn attack. Georgia Tech and Oklahoma were also considered.

The performance of Marquise Gray this week had to put a smile on Michigan State coach Tom Izzo’s face. The long, lefty had the crowd in awe with several backboard swaying dunks. Gray, 6-foot-7, 210-pounds, likes to get after it on the defensive end of the floor and then get out on the break where he finishes like an acrobat. But the small forward has more skills than just running and dunking. He showed the ability to step out to 17 feet and knock it down and if his defender played him to tight he would take a couple of dribbles and use his length to get to the rim. His long arms on defense make him a shot blocking threat and he does a good job on the glass. He ended the recruiting process early choosing Michigan State over interest from Michigan among others.

At 6-feet-11 inches tall Steven Hill makes life difficult for anyone who comes within five-feet of the basket. The Arkansas commitment uses his long arms and good timing to block shots. As might be expected he is also a solid rebounder. But what is really impressive about Hill is how easily he moves when patrolling the lanes. He possesses a nice easy smoothness about him that is somewhat rare for such a young, big man. He has a solid low-post game, which will improve as his body matures and he gains college experience. Stan Heath and the Razorback program beat out Missouri and Kansas for his services.

Shawne Williams's versatility was on display this week as he showed the ability to play the shooting guard, small forward and power forward position. He does just about everything and even brings the ball up when in transition. Williams, 6-foot-9, 215-pounds, has an NBA game but won’t reach his peak potential until a few years down the road. Offensively he is well rounded with ball-handling skills, three-point ability, and nice athleticism. He isn’t afraid to get on the boards or post on the low block. Add to that his size and you can imagine the possibilities. Arkansas, Houston, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Memphis, St. Johns, Tennessee and Virginia are among his favorites.

On the Rise

Josh Shipp, a 6-foot-5, 200-pound, shooting guard proved to be a scorer from anywhere on the floor. Whether it was knocking down outside jumpers, which he does well off the bounce and with his feet set, or driving strong to the basket. Shipp also displayed his athleticism by running the floor well and throwing down a couple of nice dunks. Several times he showed the ability to bring the ball up the floor and proved fearless when getting to the rim. Shipp has nice size for the off-guard position and currently lists Cal, Louisville, Oregon, USC and Washington among his leaders.

If you are looking for a player who gives you a little bit of every thing Cal commitment Eric Vierneisel might be your man. He blends a nice mixture of determination with some major skills. Calling him gritty might be an understatement because this kid plays hard on every possession, from tip to horn. That combination mixed with his ability to knock down his mid-range jumper and put the ball on the floor makes him a fun player to watch. Although he will play the small forward position on the next level he battles inside the paint with the giants and hold his own on the offensive glass. Vierneisel also sees the floor well and finds his teammates for open shots. He committed to Cal after also considering Illinois, Notre Dame and Wisconsin.

Shooting guard Channing Toney enjoyed a solid tournament and his consistency throughout was impressive. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound, Georgia native showed nice form on his jumper and proved to be accurate from outside the three-point line. He has a solid handle and would grab a rebound and lead his team up the floor. His poised style of play and his unselfishness were also much appreciated by his teammates. Toney did a good job of not forcing shots and should be applauded for his ability to recognize his strengths and weaknesses. Defensively he liked to pressure the man he was defending and rebounded well for his position. He currently is interested in Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Gonzaga, St. Johns and Tennessee.

Mississippi native Charles Thomas put on quite the show for the college coaches this week. Thomas, 6-foot-7, 220-pounds, wowed on lookers with his versatile offensive game. On display was his ability to not only bang in the paint but also put the ball on the floor and use nice moves to finish near the basket. Thomas headed into the AAU season as a power forward prospect but has extended his arsenal to include the midrange jumper and ball handling skills while continuing to gather rebounds and play solid defense. Thomas is showing interest in Connecticut, Florida State, Kentucky, Ole Miss and Oklahoma.

Another day at the office

Being considered one of the top prep players since his freshman year in high school, fans have come to expect spectacular things out of Al Jefferson game in and game out. Which is almost an impossible task. What Jefferson, 6-foot-9, 260-pounds, brings to the table every night is a solid low post game and also a good mid-range jumpshot that he uses to create a little space for himself. Teams surround him in the paint but the big man drifts to the perimeter and forces the defense to make adjustments. He is bigger and stronger than most players and he simply bullies opposing players around the basket. At times Jefferson doesn’t appear to give 100 % but looks can be deceiving. He runs the floor well, works hard to get open in the paint and blocks shots. It’s true he’s never seen a shot he didn’t like and his overall game would benefit from him passing more out of double teams but he has the confidence that he is going to score when the ball is in his hand. Jefferson has committed to play for Arkansas but the NBA could play a factor in whether he ever enrolls in Fayetteville.