Top three for 2008s Gibson

The top players in the class of 2008 are being identified this spring and summer on the AAU circuit and Xavier Gibson is a prospect that has opened a lot of eyes because of his raw potential.

The 6-foot-9, 205-pound forward from Northview High School in Dothan, Ala., is one of the several Division I prospects on the Georgia Blazers team, a squad that has made some noise on the AAU scene for the last three years on the younger circuit. Gibson is a solid shooting big man that is still tapping into his long term potential.

Since making some noise at the Nike All-American camp and the adidas Top Ten camp last July, Gibson has been the target for a lot of high-major schools. Gibson said there are three schools - Alabama, Florida State and Georgia Tech - that have risen to the top of his short list already.

"Those are the three that I hear from the most with letters and stuff," Gibson said. "Plus they are all close to home. I know they are good programs. I just like them."

Gibson said he knows that people, and more importantly coaches, will be watching him closely. He said he wants to show that he can play at the highest level.

"I know this month is real big for me. It's my first time to play on the 17 and under side. I know it is a lot different than playing with the guys in the 16 and unders. It's only going to help me get better and get ready for college."