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. Jason Jordan

When Kentucky knocked off Washington in a matchup of Top-15 nationally ranked teams in the Maui Invitational last night, Garfield H.S. (Seattle, WA) guard Tony Wroten knew that, as a man of his word, he’d have to do something that was going to be tough.

Wroten, a Washington signee in the Class of 2011, and St. Patrick (Elizabeth, NJ) swingman Michael Gilchrist, a Kentucky signee, had made a friendly wager before the game. The consequence of the Huskies losing was that Wroten would have to post some uncomfortable tweets: MORE >

Words. Austin Burton

It’s no secret that every high school star is looking ahead to a potential future in the NBA, but thanks to the League’s rulebook, any talk of “the next level” for now has to apply to college ball (or an overseas pro league).

With the NCAA season getting underway last week, we’ve gotten a look at some of the national Class of 2010′s best in their freshman debuts. Here is a recap of how the members of last season’s Dime/2K Sports H.S. All-American Team fared early in their next-level careers: MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

Jefferson (Portland, Ore.) forward Terrence Jones isn’t just holding out on picking a college because he doesn’t know where he wants to go. That’s only part of it. The other reason is because he wants his teammates to get the exposure they’ll need to land scholarships.

“It’s only right,” said Jones, ranked No. 31 in the HSH national top 50. “Coaches may like what they see while they’re coming to look at me. We all help each other out like that.” 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. Austin Burton

SEATTLE — Watching Terrence Jones play in-person for the first time, I struggled to find an NBA player to compare him to. A versatile 6-9 lefty who seems to do everything with an effortless grace, Jones is a mix of Joe Johnson and a prime Tracy McGrady, but in a stark contrast, has an outward demeanor and coach-on-the-floor intensity reminiscent of Kobe Bryant.

Showing his entire skill set and basketball IQ while dominating one of the better teams on the West Coast, Jones was the shining star at Monday’s annual King Holiday Hoopfest at the University of Washington’s Bank of America Arena. MORE >