Richard Semrau was like a kid on Christmas Eve waiting to open his first present. The 6-foot-9, 210-pound forward from Lutheran West High School in Rocky River, Ohio wanted to get onto the court for his first AAU game of the 2005 season it almost hurt. Only problem is, his opponent showed up an hour late. Semrau's recruitment though is not on delay. The four-star prospect has a top four and some upcoming plans on the horizon.

Sitting the auxiliary gym at Fayetteville High School on Friday night, Semrau's expressions went from excitement and first game jitters to impatience and frustration as he and his Blessed IJN squad waited for the Arkansas Angels. With the game starting nearly an hour and a half late, Semrau had a slow start to what he believes is the most important summer of his young life.

"I want to get back into it and prove that I'm an All-American. That's been my goal all along," Semrau said. "It all starts here. It all starts at this tournament."

While his All-American audition probably didn't go as he wanted, scoring just nine point by our count with six rebounds, Semrau did show of his keen touch from outside. Not a lot of guys that stand 6-feet-9 can shoot it like he does. He knows what he needs to do in order to head to San Diego next year for the famous burger game.

"Shoot well and rebound. That's probably my main things," Semrau said. "I need to show that I can battle with the big guys. I know my shooting is there but I need to work better inside."

Semrau said his top four schools consist of Wake Forest, UNC, Illinois and Florida. Gator head coach Billy Donovan was up to Ohio to see the big fella last week. Skip Prosser had to cancel his plans due to Chris Paul's announcement to test the NBA waters. The Ohio native said he has an official visit scheduled with Wake Forest for April 29.

According to the big man, all four have offered. The Tar Heels, though, have not extended an official scholarship yet, however.

"North Carolina said when you commit, we'll be ready for you," Semrau said.

Semrau's ready. He's ready to play. He's ready to be recruited at full speed this weekend at the Real Deal on the Hill. And he's ready for the challenge of being an All-American. Just don't make him wait.