Philly Phenom Impresses

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA -- Maureece Rice, a sturdily built 6-0, 210 pound point guard from Philadelphia's Strawberry Mansion High School, showed at the NBA Players Association High School Camp on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University that his reputation is well-deserved. When he leaves secondary school, barring something completely unexpected, Rice will pass Wilt Chamberlain's all-time scoring mark that has stood for almost a half-century.

This past season, Rice improved his floor game skills for the point guard slot. "I learned a lot this week," Rice said. "Saw highlights of the top NBA point guards and the coaches worked on those skills with me."

Rice said that his list consists of two Big East schools, Connecticut and Miami. "They seemed like they are ready to offer," he added. "I'll know when I get home."

Rice is a scoring machine. He scored 62 points in one game and averaged 32.1 points as a junior. Rice improved his conditioning and decision-making over that campaign. He's a complete player who rebounds well and can dish out the assist. "I'm working to be a better point guard," Rice said, "especially focusing on my dribble and jump shot."

Ted Silary of the Philadelphia Daily News wrote last winter, "He has really learned body control and when to go quick and when go to medium (or even slow) and how to get off his shot in the smallest possible space. So many players these days care not a bit about the mid-range game. Reece has it down pat."

He said he got Cs and Bs this past semester and will take the SAT for the first time in October.

Rice also plays with the Philly Hoops Black in the Sonny Hill League. His summer schedule includes the adidas ABCD camp in New Jersey and the AAU Nationals in Orlando, FL.