Summers becoming hot commodity

When DaJuan Summers returns to his family’s home every weekend after a busy week at McDonogh School in Baltimore, Md., he knows there will be nearly 20 letters from colleges waiting for him. This weekend the 6-foot-8, 230-pound forward had an all-time high.

Summers, the No. 75 ranked player in the class of 2006, said there were 58 letters waiting for him.

“That was the most I’ve ever had waiting for me,” Summers said. “I couldn’t believe it. Some of the schools get really creative. Some just send their (media) guides. There are just so many.”

And there will only be more and more. Summers is one of the top players in the junior class. He has ideal size for a small forward and he’s only getting better.

Rivals.com National Basketball Scout Jerry Meyer saw Summers at the Nike Hoop Jamboree, calling him one of the top ten players at the event. His comments on Summers were positive.

“Summers can flat out play,” Meyer wrote. “Very comfortable with the ball, he can pass it, shoot it, and attack the rim. He hit a contested pull up three off a right to left cross over on one defining play. He will need to improve defensively to guard a quick small forward.”

Summers said he’s hearing the most from Connecticut, Maryland, Georgetown, Kentucky, Wake Forest, Notre Dame, Purdue and UNC Charlotte. Summers also said UConn, Maryland and West Virginia came out to watch him play but when the team had a practice schedule change for 6 a.m. most coaches began to delay their viewings until the season began.

When they do come out, they’ll see an improved player, Summers says.

“I’m basically the leader of the team because we are so young,” Summers said. “I’m going to do whatever the team needs me to do this year. If that means more rebounding, scoring or leading by example, I’m going to do it.

That confidence is a product of a busy summer and good showings at the Hoop Jamboree and Nike All-American camp.

“I definitely got more confidence after seeing everybody in the country,” he said. “I’m starting to pick things up that I needed to pick up. My ball-handling and defense are the two things that are the most important to me that I need to improve on because most guys my size don’t have those kind of fundamental skills. I’m just trying to separate myself.”

Summers and his McDonogh teammates start the season on Friday with a scrimmage against always-tough Bishop O’Connell and then another scrimmage against Severna Park on Saturday.