One leader for 2005 James

Averaging 20 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, 2005 prospect Juwan James is getting it done in the interior for Raines High School in Jacksonville, Fla. Although he has not yet achieved a qualifying test score, James is being pursued by some quality mid-majors. One of those schools is in the lead for the 6-foot-6, 210-pound combo forward.

"Right now, Juwan is interested in James Madison, Umass, Appalachian State and Florida A&M," said James' AAU coach David Jones of the Jacksonville Lee Bulls. "James Madison is his leader. I think they have offered, but I'm not sure. They signed his AAU point guard teammate Lewis Lampley, and Juwan will visit James Madison the last week of January."

Prep school is also an option for James if he fails to qualify. He has a 2.6 GPA and is waiting for the results from his second attempt at the ACT.

Blessed with very good hands and feet, James is very skilled with the ball around the basket. Not overly athletic, he does have the ability to turn to either shoulder and score with either hand.

During the City of Palms event, James averaged over 25 points. In games this year against Ryan Reid and Raymond Sykes, James has scored over 20 points and grabbed over 10 rebounds in both outings.

"Juwan is having a great year," said Jones. "He has really picked up his scoring since point guard London Warren went down. Juwan just continues to get better, and he's grown to 6'6 and is still growing.

"One area he needs to work on is his perimeter game. He does a good job of facing up out to 15-feet but needs to extend his range as a perimeter player."