Secret is out on Nelson

The secret is out on 2009 prospect Reeves Nelson after the Real Deal on the Hill. A number of top programs outside the West Coast have since put in calls with Reeves' high school coach Gary Porter of Modesto (Calif.) Christian High School.

"We tried to keep it quiet, but I've had a bunch of calls since Reeves played in Arkansas," said Coach Porter, whose son is Kentucky freshman point guard Michael Porter. "Duke, Kentucky, Texas, Florida and Connecticut have all called."

There will also be some traffic in the Modesto Christian gym to watch Reeves, a 6-foot-7, 215-pound combo forward.

"Ben Howland was in yesterday to watch Reeves and offered a scholarship before he left," said Coach Porter. "California is supposed to come today, and Arizona is coming next week. Georgetown was in during the fall to watch him.

"A lot of schools have told me they want Reeves to play for them, but it's hard to say who exactly has officially offered. It's still so early."

Nelson, who averaged 16 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three blocks per game, has yet to develop any type of school list at this early stage of his recruitment.

"I really don't have any leaders," said Nelson. "I'm wide open. I would like to stay on the west coast, but I would go east if it's the right fit."

A ferocious rebounder, Reeves' primary contribution to Pump N Run Elite's championship run at the Real Deal on the Hill was on the boards. But it didn't stop there, he was also the team's leading frontline scorer.

"Reeves is a man child and he is only a young 15 years old," said Coach Porter. "He is still growing and has a chance to be 6-foot-9 or 10. He is going to be special. His hands are unbelievably big and strong and he is a very good leaper. When he gets to a ball, it is his. His only problem is that he gets bored with the competition he plays against in high school."

Nelson, who is headed towards five-star status when the 2009 rankings are updated, will have plenty of competition to inspire him this weekend at the Kingwood Classic in Houston. His Pump N Run Elite team is in the same pool as Louisiana Select (No. 1 prospect Greg Monroe) and the Georgia Stars (No. 3 prospect Al-Farouq Aminu).

"I'm looking forward to this weekend," said Nelson. "It's going to be fun going against the country's best. I'm just going to go hard every possession."