Southern schools hot after Tatum

After having a great end to the AAU circuit, Cameron Tatum is now shifting gears to recruiting and preparing himself for his final season at Tucker (Ga.) High School. The 6-foot-5, 190-pound shooting guard has two favorites and a trio of visits he'd like to attend before jumping into his senior year and a return engagement to the state championship game.

At the adidas Showtime Nationals, Tatum had a great showing with the Georgia Stars. The long and athletic wing shot the ball incredibly well and showed off his trademark athleticism. His 30 points against the loaded D.C. Assault squad were impressive as was his defensive effort against 2007 5-star Nolan Smith.

"I went out with a bang," Tatum said. "I didn't have a strong spring so I knew I had to do a lot to put myself back on the radar. Some people thought I didn't bring it on offense and defense so I knew I had to do something to change it."

Several schools noticed the changes. A number of schools in the Southeast are keeping a close watch on the No. 140 ranked player in the class of 2006. Tatum said Charlotte and Georgia climbed to the top of his favorites list.

"They are my top two right now," Tatum said. "They've been recruiting me the longest and I've been to both campuses before (for unofficial visits)."

South Carolina, NC State and Tennessee are also in the race.

"I haven't been to their campuses before so I want to make sure I see them," Tatum said. "I've got plans to see them but my dad and I are trying to get some dates set up."

With some impending unofficial visits, is there any chance Tatum will kick up his heels and take it easy before getting into his final high school hoops season?

"Yeah right. I've been playing non-stop. I've been playing in adult leagues, summer leagues, AAU and working out on my own," Tatum said. "I haven't stopped."

Maybe one of the reasons why is his drive to capturing a state title. Tatum shouldered his Tucker squad and helped lead the team to the state championship game. Not a bad feat considering the Tigers weren't even a dominating force within their own region.

"I'm trying to get over it still," Tatum said of finishing second in the state. "I want to get back to the state championship game and win it this time. We've been knocking on the door but now we're ready to knock it down."

If Tatum continues to play like he did in July, Tucker's chances of claiming the state title look pretty good.