Shhh - Sneak preview of the #1 High Schooler in the Country - 8 blocks from me

[bgforever]

Lawrence North, in Lawrence Township of Marion County, IN, is usually known as a combination, blue collar, white collar, professional area with a state park, deer, ducks, many ponds, car dealerships, and one of the foremost heart centers in the world (Indiana Heart Medical Center).

It is also known for its basketball team once and a while, but this time around its a gem in the gym at Lawrence North.

He's Gregg Oden at 7+ ft. and moves like Garnett, humble as LeBron James, and smart on the court as Magic Johnson, he's red hot and unlike Kwame Brown, isn't in the regards of hanging out when off the court. Once he steps on the court he transforms from the mild mannered to an outright beast in the paint, pivots that make the girls scream, shots that draws ahhhs,and rebounding with authority. His post up game is absolutely great, but he has an outside game, fast break moves, vision and passing like a guard and work lanes like forwards and point guards.

Still he is the kind of player that is not going to fade away.

All I ask is that you let him reach his potential and that may very well mean going to college, whether its at ACC, Atlantic Coast, Big 12, Big Ten, Yankee, Big East, etc.

If he turns pro, that team will have to babysit and they better know what they are doing and getting themselves into, because this guy's a real winner,not a loser. Nothing worse than a sorry a-- team getting him and wasting his formidal development years.

With a bit more polish, and strength coaching (he will develop that easy), we are possibly looking at a kid in the Bill Russell mode. Made for defense and a non-stop motor.

[IndianBaller27]

wow... Are teams scouting him? Is he going to college or directly to the NBA?

[IMALILTEAPOT]

yea i saw him on the espn game. big dude, hes only as sophmore, but hes humongous. he looks like he's like 27 with a goatee. i expect him to go straight to the nba, thou one of these days i want to see a big time high school player go to college so he can dominate there.

[bgforever]

Yeah, he's getting coverag every week from all the networks here, area colleges (from Purdue, IU, Notre Dame, Indiana State, etc.),are checking him out, with quite a few out of state, like Stanford, UCLA, couple of Big East and ACC schools. He's also very, very smart so his GPA figures to play a role in his selection.

He's got a few looks from the pros and all told it was very favorable. He will be hard pressed as the NBA season winds down. This kid is blessed and what makes him so special is the readiness to handle adult environment situations with intelligence, like LeBron.

Personally, I was hoping he picked a college, just for 2 years to show he handles double and triple teams in college. Shaq went thru this (LSU) and after a while said - NO More. He was ready. When Greg is ready, he WILL let you know just like Shaq did.

I can't wait. I am doing a study of him tonight, will email some local sportscasters, his school rep and put together what I can. Seen him twice, towers like best of them. About the size of Kareem Abdul Jabbar (or a bit heavier).

Although he averages 20+ points and at 9.8 Rebounds - it against TRIPLE TEAMS!

[bgforever]

yea i saw him on the espn game. big dude, hes only as sophmore, but hes humongous. he looks like he's like 27 with a goatee. i expect him to go straight to the nba, thou one of these days i want to see a big time high school player go to college so he can dominate there.

Exactly, it gives them more confidence and they smoke the competition!

See Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Shaq

[IndianBaller27]

I wanna see him come straight out of HS so he might not be drafted as high... So then maybe the Wiz can get him. If he is supposed to be in the top 5, then he should go to college... Whatever it takes for us to get him.

[bgforever]

Jerret Smith, Romulus On Taking On Lawrence North
By The GoBlueWolverine Staff GoBlueWolverine.com
Date: Dec 30, 2004

Hinkle Field house, on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, was a big night for high school basketball this past week. It was the challenge of champions and a very much anticipated game between the Wildcats of Indianapolis Lawrence North vs. the Eagles of Romulus, Mich.


Romulus was led by '06 Michigan commitment Jerret Smith

Lawrence North is led by 7'0 junior, Greg Oden considered by many to be the top high school prospect in the country and Mike Conley, whose dad is Mike Conley, an Olympic triple jumper in 1984 and 1988. Mike Conley could not play in this game because he had turf toe.

Romulus is led by Jerret Smith, who was really looking forward to this game. As Smith slapped hands with people on his way to the locker room to get dressed he said, "It's Showtime". Looking at the faces of the Romulus team they seemed ready to play with their game faces on. Romulus Assistant Coaches Steve Glenn and Josh Baker and Head Coach Nat Oats were suited up and ready with their navy blue suits on and shoes shining. Coach Nat Oats even pulled out the cuff links for this one, Frank Sinatra style.

The 1st quarter was fast paced as the teams went up and down the floor. For Romulus, Jason Gibson had a big 1st quarter with 7 points, Avery Stephenson slashed his way for 5 points. For Lawrence North, Brandon McPherson who was filling in for Mike Conley had a very good 1st Quarter with 7 points. Western Michigan Signee Donald Cloutier chipped in 4 points as did Greg Oden. Romulus was playing some solid defense in denying Oden the ball, as Coach Oats had instructed them to do, and the quarter ended with Lawrence North ahead 22-21.

The start of the 2nd quarter was tough for Romulus as Lawrence North went on a 15-2 run stretching their lead to 37-23. Jerret Smith ended that run with his first points of the night at the 3:00 mark of the second half. Then Greg Oden started to pick it up with two dunks scoring eight in the quarter and 12 in the 1st half. Romulus also had problems with their transition defense. Then Romulus' Dante Williams picked up his scoring with eight in the quarter and ended up with 12 in the half to help cut the deficit to 41-33. As Jerret would tell GBW later, "We thought we were still in the game and had a shot to win going in at halftime."

In the 3rd quarter Coach Jack Keefer had Lawrence North come out in a 3-2 zone, and Romulus turned the ball over twice in a row as Lawrence North went on a 14- 5 run to go up 55-37 Coach Oats said after the game, "They executed well and with the 3-2 zone part of that was my fault; I should have called timeout and adjusted to it sooner." Dante Williams was trying to keep Romulus in the game but he needed a little more help as Lawrence North took a 67-50 lead.

In the 4th quarter Lawrence North went on another run and outscored Romulus 7-0 to take the lead up to 74-50. The rout was on.

What did in the Eagles was poor defense, particularly transition defense, giving up wide open shots and allowing Lawrence North to go on huge runs in the beginning of the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

Even though Romulus was down Dante Williams was outstanding, ending the game with 28 points 5 rebounds 4 assist and 7 steals. But Lawrence North out rebounded Romulus 40-28 and shot 58.2% from the field and shot 10 more free throws then the Eagles.

Lawrence North had 4 players in double figures led by Greg Odem with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Jerret Smith didn't play well, ending up with 11, and had tough criticism for himself afterwards. "It was not what I expected it to be," he said. "It was not acceptable the way I played. If I would have played half of the way I should have played we would have won".

When asked where his team goes from here Jerret said, "We just need to take it one game at a time. It is not like we are kicked out of the tournament or anything, we just have to learn from this loss and move on we must stick together and play as a team

[IMALILTEAPOT]

I wanna see him come straight out of HS so he might not be drafted as high... So then maybe the Wiz can get him. If he is supposed to be in the top 5, then he should go to college... Whatever it takes for us to get him.
nooooooo, it doesnt matter if he comes out of high school, college or if he comes out now as a sophomore, hes most likely gonna be #1 overall. hes too good

[IndianBaller27]

Damn.... And he's just a sophomore! That means he jsut a year older than me... And a foot and a half taller!

[IMALILTEAPOT]

Damn.... And he's just a sophomore! That means he jsut a year older than me... And a foot and a half taller!
hes huge, look at him http://media.theinsiders.com/Media/HS_Basketball/25_GregOdenSpiece2003.JPG

[IndianBaller27]

looks pretty skinny though... and kinda clueless.

[bgforever]

Damn.... And he's just a sophomore! That means he jsut a year older than me... And a foot and a half taller!


that phrase "....And a foot and a half taller!" :lol1:

I did have a correction on his height, but it doesn't matter, he's got Center / Big Forward written all over him. Yeah, though I personally believe he should go to college, the money he would bring to the team that signs him will be mind boggling. This guy could do commercials and endorsements that normally we don't see from NBA players and still ease into sportswear, equipment etc. with ease! I am telling Madison Ave. will love this guy, like Buick loves Tiger!

[IndianBaller27]

he should go to UMD!!!

[bgforever]

Well I do believe he doesn't know everything, but he works at things that don't take for granted, that adding to his game will be much more than it appears.

I can understand people worried about him looking frail, but.....

Keep in mind, that's what colleges do. Develop to the next level. Players like LeBron and Moses Malone, Darrell Dawkins fit right in to a "need" on a team that had a few supporting cast members that were excellent at handling a youngster the next level.

Kwame Brown was not in such a good situation of that magnitude. His weight will go up by about 10-20 lbs as time goes on and he'll be stronger in about 2 years - the equivalent of a freshman in college.

He's just a Junior, not a Senior in HIGH SCHOOL - Jeez that's almost Jr. High!

[IndianBaller27]

Well I do believe he doesn't know everything, but he works at things that don't take for granted, that adding to his game will be much more than it appears.

I can understand people worried about him looking frail, but.....

Keep in mind, that's what colleges do. Develop to the next level. Players like LeBron and Moses Malone, Darrell Dawkins fit right in to a "need" on a team that had a few supporting cast members that were excellent at handling a youngster the next level.

Kwame Brown was not in such a good situation of that magnitude. His weight will go up by about 10-20 lbs as time goes on and he'll be stronger in about 2 years - the equivalent of a freshman in college.

He's just a Junior, not a Senior in HIGH SCHOOL - Jeez that's almost Jr. High!
But what if he doesn't go to college?

[bgforever]

But what if he doesn't go to college?
Then Boston, Philly, Chicago, Orlando or even Washington does something to get him.

Boston's a "romance' thing, because of the Bill Russell image,but really, Chicago's got a radar down here on him.

Notice the "new" attitude in both Chicago and Washington? Chicago, Seattle, Clippers, Boston and Washington are good starts for him, because of youth, surroundings for further education (he loves it), and having a big man in the middle. Indiana is at a point of transition, may make a very good pitch for him, having developed Harrington (Hawks) with outstanding success out of High School, Larry Bird in the front office and loads of top flight schools. Indiana has the players to make a block buster trade and can you imagine him with O'Neal, Jackson? ohhhhhh my!

Mostly can you imagine him on the East coast! :)

**SKIP the Chicago view, they have too many High Schoolers on the roster and most ARE C-F, so maybe that information is erroneous I got from someone. Either, way its why I deal with the "source's " PR person. Works better for me.

[IMALILTEAPOT]

Then Boston, Philly, Chicago, Orlando or even Washington does something to get him.

Boston's a "romance' thing, because of the Bill Russell image,but really, Chicago's got a radar down here on him.

Notice the "new" attitude in both Chicago and Washington? Chicago, Seattle, Clippers, Boston and Washington are good starts for him, because of youth, surroundings for further education (he loves it), and having a big man in the middle. Indiana is at a point of transition, may make a very good pitch for him, having developed Harrington (Hawks) with outstanding success out of High School, Larry Bird in the front office and loads of top flight schools. Indiana has the players to make a block buster trade and can you imagine him with O'Neal, Jackson? ohhhhhh my!

Mostly can you imagine him on the East coast! :)

**SKIP the Chicago view, they have too many High Schoolers on the roster and most ARE C-F, so maybe that information is erroneous I got from someone. Either, way its why I deal with the "source's " PR person. Works better for me.

yea chicago probably will trade their draft pick for a veteran next year, like we did for jamison. i dunno, maybe grunfeld can stir something up, but if getting oden means that we are gonna slide or something, i dont want him

[bgforever]

yea chicago probably will trade their draft pick for a veteran next year, like we did for jamison. i dunno, maybe grunfeld can stir something up, but if getting oden means that we are gonna slide or something, i dont want him

Dig it. That makes sense. I really think Haywood's doing a fine job. Chicago's got too many of the same thing there and that means trouble in the big man's area. The frontcourt has two High Schoolers at F-C and a rookie at C. Someone or even two will have to walk eventually. All three won't hang around, without driving their agent nuts to get out.

I just emailed Anthony Calhoun and Dave Calabro two knowledgeabl guys in High School and Pro hoops, who are local network sportscasters. Wanted to get two different professional opinions from former players.

[IndianBaller27]

yea chicago probably will trade their draft pick for a veteran next year, like we did for jamison. i dunno, maybe grunfeld can stir something up, but if getting oden means that we are gonna slide or something, i dont want him
yeah... but he's not coming to the draft now... he should wait two years.

[bgforever]

well, I will check some more this week, buy a ticket to the game Friday night or whenever they play this week, hopefully talk to him for just a minute or speak with his athletic department rep. Update you then and w/responses from the sportscasters also.

[IMALILTEAPOT]

Dig it. That makes sense. I really think Haywood's doing a fine job.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :banghead:

[IndianBaller27]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :banghead:
lol... man, you gotta quit hating. I didn't like Jared Jeffries at all last season, and now I noticed his big improvement, so I'm starting to warm up to him. Haywood's not that bad.

[IMALILTEAPOT]

lol... man, you gotta quit hating. I didn't like Jared Jeffries at all last season, and now I noticed his big improvement, so I'm starting to warm up to him. Haywood's not that bad.
no, im sorry, but u didnt see him last nite. he was horrible, dwight howard was punking him the whole night

[IndianBaller27]

no, im sorry, but u didnt see him last nite. he was horrible, dwight howard was punking him the whole night
omg... stop rubbing it in!! :D

[IMALILTEAPOT]

omg... stop rubbing it in!! :D
:lol1:

[IndianBaller27]

Imagine if we could get this guy.... We would be the best in the East!!

[smoot]

www.nbadraft.net go to 06 mock draft

[IMALILTEAPOT]

wow i didnt know marvin williams is that good

[IndianBaller27]

Please explain to me... why would we get ANOTHER PG???

[ShaggySkins]

I watched Oden play 3 or 4 times on TV and he really didn't impress me all that much. For as large as he is and the level of competition he plays aganist he doesn't dominate like he should. He is EXTREMELY raw offensively with really only a dunk and a little half hook. I understand all the hype about him because of his size and potental but I just don't see him panning out based on what I've witnessed from him. He'll be a solid pro but he's not Lebron, Shaq or even Yao.

[bgforever]

I watched Oden play 3 or 4 times on TV and he really didn't impress me all that much. For as large as he is and the level of competition he plays aganist he doesn't dominate like he should. He is EXTREMELY raw offensively with really only a dunk and a little half hook. I understand all the hype about him because of his size and potental but I just don't see him panning out based on what I've witnessed from him. He'll be a solid pro but he's not Lebron, Shaq or even Yao.


There you have a more in depth look and that's what I am looking for.Haven't seen him in a game, only bypassing their school. He does need weight on and strengthening. Again, he's not a Senior yet, ready to head to college. You are right about development. He needs it and better coaching,which College will give and time to develop. I feel if he turns pro next year or the year after for that matter, he'll not only be raw, but he'll get pushed around too much. A developed Odem is far better than Haywood, when he's ready.

[IndianBaller27]

There you have a more in depth look and that's what I am looking for.Haven't seen him in a game, only bypassing their school. He does need weight on and strengthening. Again, he's not a Senior yet, ready to head to college. You are right about development. He needs it and better coaching,which College will give and time to develop. I feel if he turns pro next year or the year after for that matter, he'll not only be raw, but he'll get pushed around too much. A developed Odem is far better than Haywood, when he's ready.
Yeah, if he goes in a year or two, he will get messed up. Like imagine him against Shaq or Yao or someone like that.

[Jimreaper007]

Get me an autograpgh

[bgforever]

Get me an autograpgh

Do what I can Jim! Hey like the picture of a liberator with the little one. Think he'd like an autograph? :-)

I am going to their Carmel game at 6pm on the 4th (Friday) . Should be interesting, since Carmel swarms to the ball has outside shooting and most likely will double to triple team Odem.

Haven't got an answer from Calabro or Calhoun on their thoughts, but it must be a no brainer, NOT to enter the draft, but pursue college - possibly graduating early out of High School, since his academics are outstanding (scholar?).

[bgforever]

Dave Calabro of WTHR 13 (NBC) wrote me back on Oden's plans.

"greg intends to finish high school and then go to
college..thats his plan right now.
many nba teams are interested in him...
the scouts are in and out of town often."

With the local information now pouring in from a few guys that have talked to his teammates, the answer is the same. He's going the distance in college.

[IndianBaller27]

Dave Calabro of WTHR 13 (NBC) wrote me back on Oden's plans.

"greg intends to finish high school and then go to
college..thats his plan right now.
many nba teams are interested in him...
the scouts are in and out of town often."

With the local information now pouring in from a few guys that have talked to his teammates, the answer is the same. He's going the distance in college.
good... That gives him time to bulk up.

[bgforever]

Ah Ha! SOLD OUT!! 3,000 folks

I couldn't get a ticket for the game tonight, jeez, right down the street!!!!!


Brian Oden (7') and Josh McRoberts(6' 10") (CARMEL High) go toe to toe tonight in the battle of big men. Oden's solid on authoritative dunks, rurnaround and facing jumpers, steals, blocks, rebbies, inside receiving and feeding game in the paint, can run in open court often and whole game.


Josh McRoberts, can go from 0 to 60 in full court, great body movement, control for big man, shoots well outside short jumpers to 3 point land, rebbies on offense are more prevelant, great eyes and hands, assortment of dunks to include gliding one hander and lobs. his game is not as defensive as Oden, but is this guy looking like a Indiana, Dukee or UCLA player? Stay tuned, as he IS IN THE TOP 10 in the nation among High Schoolers.

[bgforever]

Say what you will about Brian Oden NOT scoring over 30 to 40 a game, but remember, besides being a dominate player, he's a team player, being taught team concepts. It's not like the coach says, IMPRESS the public with awesome shot selections and score every time you have the ball.

It's the other way around, the point guard gets whoever he wants involved for the selected play, by a COACH, and the shooting guard gets most of the shots with the forwards involved. That is the way Lawrence plays.

Now hold onto your hat.

Oden gets most of his from his own efforts and crashing the boards. He also, defines space while moving, meaning get the he** out of the way. This is clearly the sign of a man among boys and he still has 2 more years in High School, and he's gone!

The only other way is finish school next year, with acceleration and do 2 years at an excellent program - try to avoid Indy colleges and look to the East.

As far as McRoberts - excellent passer, great outside shot, few rebbies.

Oden had 20 points and whenever he went to score, it wasn't stopped. he also had 14 rebounds and numerous blocks.