Words. Bryan Horowitz

Watching Jay Williams address the completely enrapt New Hampton Prep basketball team late Sunday night at the Hoophall Classic, it was clear he was firmly in his element. Basketball has obviously always been a big part of Williams’ life, but you could make a case he’s never been quite as immersed as he is now.

As an ESPN college basketball analyst, Williams splits his time between calling games and working on studio shows, while also commentating for the network’s rapidly expanding interest in high school ball. The latter assignment gives him the opportunity to take part in one of his favorite pastimes: mentoring young athletes. There isn’t a player on any level that doesn’t have the utmost respect for the former No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft, and he commonly takes time to pull players aside and offer a few words of wisdom. MORE >

Words. Trevor Kapp

Trevor Cooney knows the Andy Rautins comparisons are inevitable. They’re about the same size, have in the gym range and are highly valued by Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim. But the Wilmington, Del., native isn’t settling for a pre-determined fate. While he admits the Rautins comparisons are flattering, the high school junior has his own goals. We caught up with him this weekend at the Boo Williams Invitational following a tough loss to E1T1 Elite (featuring Austin Rivers) to discuss his AAU team, his Syracuse future and some of his other interests. MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

It’s been more than a month now since junior swingman LaQuinton Ross transferred from Murrah High School (Jackson, Miss.) to Life Center Academy (Burlington, N.J.) to concentrate on bettering his grades and focus.

At Life Center he is playing alongside guard Dion Waiters, a McDonald’s All-American who is signed with Syracuse. We’re hearing from a reliable source that the move has not only benefited Ross, who’s averaging more than 20 points and 10 rebounds, but also helping Syracuse’s chances of landing him. MORE >

Words. Aron Phillips

I told you yesterday that the McDonald’s All American Game Selection Show was happening tonight, as the top 24 high school basketball seniors in the country would be selected to play in the prestigious 2010 Games set to tip off in Columbus, Ohio on March 31. Well the ballots are in, so check out the rosters for both teams. MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

It’s been a week now since highly-touted prospect LaQuinton Ross left Murrah High (Jackson, Miss.), his hometown school, to play at Life Center Academy (N.J.) alongside Dion Waiters, a Syracuse signee.

How has the move been working out? In two games, both wins, Ross, a junior small forward and the 19th-rated player in the HSH national top 50, is averaging 22 points and 13 rebounds. Waiters, ranked No. 21, is averaging 21 points and 10 assists. MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

Mabry better than Roscoe? Cory Joseph a Runnin’ Rebel? Is the Naismith Award Selby’s to lose? Jason Jordan has fielded all of your e-mails and tackles each of these questions and more in this installment of “Mail Day with JJ.”

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Feeling Mabry over Smith

Great scoop on TaShawn Mabry (Rocky Mount High, N.C.). Do you think he will get a Duke offer soon? Also, what is going on with Roscoe Smith (Oak Hill Academy, Va.)? I actually like TaShawn a little better. - S. Crystal

Most people would call you loony for saying that you like TaShawn better than Roscoe, but most of those people just read and believe what they see on recruiting sites. MORE >