Prep News

From Jeff Goodman of Ihigh.com:

Darryl Watkins, who spoke with Mike Sullivan just this week, had been forced to sit out the first half of the season due to transfer rules and returned last night for the first time in 10 months.

The 6-11, 220-pound junior center from Paterson Catholic in New Jersey showed no ill-effects from being off the court for so long, scoring 19 points, grabbing seven boards and swatting five shots in a 79-50 victory over Don Bosco Tech.

Amare Stoudemire who's been widely reported having committed to Memphis, may be headed to college rather than the NBA. And that future school may not be John Calipari's.

The 6-10, 245 pound big man from Orlando, FL's mom, Carrie, told Jeff, "We’re not sure we’re going to let him go to the NBA. We’re looking at colleges. But it’s his decision on what to do – it’s up to him. It’s a 50-50 chance he’ll go to the NBA.” Then she added, "He has not committed to Memphis."

Hmmm. Stay tuned for more on this development.

Another player with straight-to-the-NBA possibilities, DeAngelo Collins, went down with a right knee injury in a recent game. The 6-9, 225 center from Inglewood, CA, is expected back in two weeks. His injury could affect his decision, but it's anyone's guess which way. The injury points out how transient a player's health can be. On the other hand, the experience of Ouismanne Cisse, who slipped to the second round then didn't make the Nuggets, demonstrates that current health can also be a negative.

Blair Academy's Luol Deng, who Mike reported yesterday has finally resolved his visa problems, is highly regarded by his coach. Joe Mantegna told Jeff, "He’s got the highest basketball IQ I’ve ever coached. But he’s a better person than he is a player and he’s the hardest-working kid I’ve ever coached.”

Jeff Goodman writes for Ihigh.com. Here's his latest column which includes more info on the above and some other news.