Shipman is next in Florida

Ray Shipman is the next Alonzo Gee, current Alabama freshman. Shipman has heard the comparisons from the moment he enrolled at Miami (Fla.) Pace High School. And for the 6-foot-3, 180-pound class of 2008 shooting guard, that is perfectly fine.

"I've heard that since I've been a ninth grader," Shipman said. "We're kinda sorta the same. He's good. I mean, he's really good. I'm not as good as him but I'm trying to get there. He used to come to Pace and play there. Playing with him made me want to get better."

Playing with Gee worked. Shipman is pretty good himself. He was one of the several highlights for the newly formed Florida Rams program. The Rams lost in the championship game to the Long Island Lightning in the B Division of the Platinum bracket.

Like Gee, Shipman has a big, strong upper body and uses his size to muscle around the basket with the dribble. Gee may have the upper hand with the perimeter shot but the class of 2008 prospect is a better athlete.

Shipman was named all-state as a sophomore, averaging 20 points, six rebounds and four assists a game.

Shipman said he "likes LSU a lot. They are on my list." So is Georgia Tech, Florida, Kansas State and Florida Atlantic. KSU assistant and Miami coaching legend Frank Martin recently stopped by the school, Shipman said. So did Matt Doherty before he took the SMU job. Shipman said Miami has given a verbal offer and he said Georgia Tech has made mention that an offer could come as well.

His AAU team will be back in action this weekend in Las Vegas at the Pump 'N Run tournament.