Steve Smith: Lebron Best Player Ive Seen

Oak Hill Academy head coach Steve Smith has coached and played against some of the best high school talent over the past three decades. So he has some recollection on the top talent on the high school level.

Smith seems to think that Lebron James, a 6-6 junior guard from St. Vincent/St. Mary's of Akron, Ohio, is the best high school player he has ever seen.

"We have had some great players like Jerry Stackhouse," Smith said. "And I have also seen people like Tracy McGrady. Lebron is way better than McGrady was at this stage of his career.

"I didn't see Kobe (Bryant) when he was in high school. But I have seen enough great players and coached enough of them to have a comparison to. And Lebron James is the best high school player I have seen."

Smith even goes further with his praise for James. "He is Magic Johnson but with game," Smith said. "He did some things out there on the court against us at the Prime Time that were incredible. We couldn't deny him the ball because he could bring it up. We couldn't double him because he is such a great passer."

Smith, like many along the recruiting circuit, expect James to play in the NBA out of high school. "He is that good," Smith said. "He does everything well. He is big and strong and can pass and shoot."