Cameron Long is Benefiting from Summer Experiences

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Cameron Long, has been putting in work this summer. Foes in Northern Virginia next year should beware.

July 14, 2006 – Many think that 6’3”, 185lb guard Cameron Long may be the best rising senior perimeter player in Northern Virginia. Observers with that mindset may be right.

Long, now the unquestioned leader of Freedom-Woodbridge High School averaged approximately 17 points, 6 rebounds, and five assists last season for the Eagles. In the process he displayed a slew of hardwood skills, as he’s able to not only get to the rim via dribble penetration and defend guards and small forwards, but run a ball club and increasingly hit the open jumper on a consistent basis.

His leadership abilities came to the forefront late last season at Freedom-Woodbridge. “We had some troubles with players and stuff (out-of-boundary student athletes were unwittingly allowed to participate, resulting in some players being ruled ineligible)…I just went in, and took control” revealed Long at the NBA Players Association Top 100 Camp in June.

His high school coach, Ahmed Dorsett, also attending the NBAPA event, agreed, and expects more of that attitude from his star player. “He has to make his presence know now, even more” said Dorsett, himself a former collegiate player at George Mason, and Northern Virginia product. “Especially leaving a place like this. When you have to go home, you’ve got to feel like I’m the man. You all better know what’s going on, I’m getting it done”.

Cameron Long, pictured here between games at the NBAPA's Top 100 Camp, working on his jump shot. Long was one of the campers who relished the opportunity to learn from NBA alumni.

Long is seemingly up for the challenge. During the NBAPA camp, Cameron showed the ability to find open teammates and hit the open shot offensively, while also applying good ball pressure on opponents. He also took full advantage of the tutoring from NBA alumni that was available. In his opinion, such tutelage was invaluable: “I came in, a little nervous. But after learning from all the others, and for the best of the best, to teach me the things they learned back in their times, it just makes it easier to just come in with your ability that you have and take theirs (knowledge), and gather it all together in one good game”.

Adding to Cameron’s development has been his play with the uber-talented and well coached AAU/travel circuit team, Boo Williams Summer League. The squad, coached by it’s namesake and founder Boo Williams, plays in high level events nationally, thereby exposing it’s players to a level of competition most would be hard pressed to receive otherwise.

One such tournament was the Southern Invitational, held on the University of Virginia’s campus. When asked about the experience, Long noted “Playing down in Charlotte, I didn’t touch the ball that much. But just playing with a good team and knowing you have the ability to play at that level, is a good experience to have”.

That fruits of that experience were on display during early July’s Pro City Summer Hoop Challenge. Playing in Georgetown University’s McDonogh Arena, Long helped Boo Williams Summer League to a 73-59 victory over one of the best AAU/travel teams in the East, Triple Threat.

Interviewed before the game, their leader, Williams, expressed his feelings on Long. “Cameron Long is a very good kid, a very good player” opined one of the icons on AAU/travel team coaching. “He can play multiple positions. He can play on the ball and off the ball…He’s a good catch for any school”.

In that regard, Long supplied a recruiting list of “George Mason, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma, and Tennessee”. He also tabbed “George Mason and Virginia Tech” as the schools who have tendered offers so far.

The young guy went on to state a general college commitment date of “Probably the middle of my senior year”, as he is “trying to figure out what they all have to say, and who is true or not”. That last point, regarding whether a college is “true or not” is instructive, as it provides younger high school athletes a look into the world of college recruiting.

“A lot of them (schools), they send me text messages” shared Cameron. “And when I came up here, a lot of people had the same exact text messages” with only the names differing. He also felt that the information imparted during the NBAPA’s discussion groups regarding recruiting were extremely beneficial and empowering.

Ahmed Dorsett, the only coach in Freedom-Woodbridge High School's two history, is expecting big things this season from his hoops prodigy, Cameron Long.

As much as Dorsett values Cameron on the floor, he praises him equally off it as well. “It’s a pleasure (working with Long). It’s great having a player you don’t have to worry about on or off the court” he stated. “His I.Q. in the game of basketball is at a very high level, with him being a rising senior. And the same thing for off the court, as he carries himself in life”.

Being originally from Florida, Long, with the help of his teammates and a light-hearted Dorsett, is gradually accepting the D.C., area’s unique cultural creation – Go-Go music. When asked if he grooved to the percussion driven sounds, Cameron waffled a bit. ““It depends on how I’m feeling” said Long. “I can’t listen to it over and over, but when it first comes on, I do my thing”.

One thing is for sure, he can do his thing on the hardwood: Cameron’s playing motto is “I do whatever I have to do to win, at that time”. With his experiences this summer and Dorsett driving him to become more assertive, that will not only continue, but increase.