Sleeper Impresses At NBPA Camp

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA -- Michael O'Donnell, a 5-11, 160 pound point guard from Largo HS in Clearwater, FL, was the talk of the NBA Players Association High School Camp this past week on Virginia Commonwealth's campus. According to Harry Douglas of Youthprepstar.com, the same thing happened the previous week at a Florida AAU tournament.

O'Donnell is a complete player who displayed the vision to find the open teammate and also showed he can score.

"Florida has offered a scholarship if I am willing to redshirt there on an academic scholarship or spend 2003-04 at a prep school," O'Donnell said. Other schools that are recruiting him are Florida State, Colorado State, Stanford, Butler, Holy Cross and William & Mary. "I'd like to sign early but plan to choose the best situation for me," he added.

He averaged 15 points and 10 assists this past season. And he has recovered from mono that showed up at the start of the state playoffs.

O'Donnell said that it's been great to play with some of the best players in the country at this camp. "The feedback from the NBPA coaches has been excellent," he added.

He said that this summer he's working on his strength and speed, especially developing a quick first step.

O'Donnell is a good student with a 3.6 GPA. "I scored 940 on the SAT but I'll be re-taking it," he said. The Clearwater native plans to major in business or sports medicine.

He plays with Nike Team Florida and may go to next month's Nike All-American Camp. "I got invited to the junior camp because I look so young, I guess," O'Donnell said. "We're supposed to hear soon whether or not I got an invitation." If he doesn't attend that event, he will be at the Five Star Basketball Monster Showcase. He's also scheduled for the Super Showcase and the AAU Nationals.