On the Bounce with Coach Meyer, Nike Hoop Jamboree

Now that the 125 2006, 2007, and 2008 prospects that descended upon St. Louis University for the Nike Hoop Jamboree have left to go home, it is time to sift through the prospects. In this first installment of On the Bounce with Coach Meyer, Rivals.com National Scout Jerry Meyer runs down a list of the top ten prospects at the camp.

Spencer Hawes (2006, 6-foot-11, 205-pound center from Seattle (Wash.) Prep): Hawes has big time written all over him. He can do everything a big man needs to do. His one main issue is that he needs to gain strength. With good hands, good feet, and a very intelligent approach to the game, Hawes is usually in the right spot on the court to catch and finish or able to hit the cutter for an easy basket. He has very advanced post moves which he can finish with right or left hand jump hooks. He also has a quick release jump hook off the post up or the cut. At times, he was even spotted leading the break after defensive rebounds.

Cole Aldrich (2007, 6-foot-10, 233-pound center from Jefferson High School in Bloomington, Minn.): Aldrich is big, 9-foot-2 reach and 7-foot-4 wing span big. He has a very good basketball IQ and a tough jump hook. He knows what to do with the ball in the low post and is a mobile offensive rebounder. He also has a nice shooting touch and can step out and hit the three-pointer. Like Hawes, he can finish with a right or left hand jump hook, and like Hawes, he has the potential to be a power forward/center at the highest level.

Derrick Rose (2007, 6-foot-2, 180-pound point guard from Simeon High School in Chicago, Ill.): Not only does this well built, athletic point guard control the ball, Rose controls the game. He is very good with his left on the drive, pass, and finish. Excellent at faking high and throwing the bounce pass, Rose has the body and skills to be the best point guard in his class. In the last game of the camp he stroked four three-pointers in a row, and he can finish in the lane on anyone. He could be ready for the big time out of high school.

Kyle Singler (2007, 6-foot-8, 199-pound small forward from South Medford High School in Medford, Ore.): Singler moves extremely well and will become a dominant player as he puts on weight. Good inside he has the skills and three point range of a big time small forward prospect. He has a nose for the ball, can lead the break and finish it with a no look pass, and can stroke it from behind the arc. With perhaps the best package of size, athleticism, and skill in the camp, Singler is poised to make an impact on the national scene.

DaJuan Summers (2006, 6-foot-8, 225-pound small forward from McDonogh High School in Baltimore, Md.): Summers can flat out play. Very comfortable with the ball, he can pass it, shoot it, and attack the rim. He hit a contested pull up three off a right to left cross over on one defining play. He will need to improve defensively to guard a quick small forward.

Jarod Leonard (2006, 6-foot-6, 179-pound small forward from DeSmet Jesuit High School in Maryland, Mo.): Leonard is a slasher and big time play maker. Not only can he attack the rim, but he can shoot it and pass it. He consistently knocked down 18-footers and will soon have consistent three point range. If he gains weight and keeps improving his skills, the athletic Leonard could one day make a living as a shooting guard.

Wayne Chism (2006, 6-foot-8, 230-pound power forward from Jackson (Tenn.) South Side High School): With a big, mobile body and a 7-foot wing span, Chism can do damage down low. He also has the ability to defend on the perimeter. Soon he will have three point range and will be a legitimate inside-outside threat.

Alex Tyus (2006, 6-foot-7, 199-pound power forward from Hazelwood Central High School in Florissant, Mo.): Only five other campers had a longer reach than Tyus' reach of 8-foot-10. So Tyus is not really an undersized power forward, and he does have the ability to put the ball on the floor like a small forward and to guard on the perimeter. His high release jumper only extends to the free throw line, however. As far as athleticism goes, Tyus was the best in the camp.

Anthony Gurley (2006, 6-foot-3, 198-pound combo guard from Newton North High School in Roxbury, Mass.): Gurley is a strong physical guard who can score from behind the arc and off the dribble. He gets good lift on his jumper and has a high release. Not just a spot up three point shooter, he can square up quickly off a cut and knock down the deep jumper. He has a good presence on the court and can run a team when his scoring is not needed.

Daniel Gary Deane (2006, 6-foot-8, 225-pound center from Judge Memorial Catholic High School in Park City, Utah): Deane runs the floor, is relentless on the glass, attacks the basket, and throws his body around on defense. He is athletic and a competitor. Although he is best in the low post with his polished post up game, he is capable of more. On one possession, he yanked down a rebound and dribbled coast to coast through traffic for an "and one" dunk. His passing and shooting in the perimeter half-court game need to improve before he can be considered more than a center.