Dec/Jan Selected Unsigned Seniors

Ron Bailey, Publisher

College programs be on alert, talent exists in the 2010 DC-MD-VA crop.

January 20th, 2010 - Many colleges are in scrambe mode now, hoping to pick up talented players for their Class of 2010 groups. Sure, many recruitable athletes are spoken for, but not all.

To that end, following are some guys seen during December and January, that can clearly play on some level of college ball.

Nolan Jones is taking his game to another level.

Nolan Jones – 6’4”, 200 pound forward, senior, Cesar Chavez (DC)

Junior colleges are on Jones, who competes with any and everyone. A solid rebounder and energy guy, Jones can now hit mid range shots, and will turn and drive. Defends well. A player whose best hoops are in front of him, Jones must continue improving his ball handling.

Curtis Symonds, Jr, running the break.

Curtis Symonds, Jr. – 6’2”, 175 pound guard, Friendship Collegiate (DC)

Symonds, a classic combo guard, loves to attack the rim, where he finishes or drops off. His jumpshot is solid, yet not quite ‘money’ yet. Athletic, Curtis can be a better on-ball defender, and must further embrace the point guard aspects of being a combo backcourt guy.

Darius Smith (with ball) loves to get up and down the floo, but can also play in half court sets.

Darius Smith – 5’10”, 160 pound point guard, senior, Woodbridge (VA)

Quick and tenacious, Smith is a two sport standout, getting Division II looks in both sports. In hoops, he could be a Division I guy, particularly when he employs a stop and pop jumper, as Darius already can get to the rim or can three pointers with ease.

Terrance Ross is a 'money' shooter.

Terrance Ross – 6’7”, 190 pound swingman, Montrose Christian (MD)

Having decommitted from Maryland, Ross boasts Kentucky, Kansas, Duke and to a degree Maryland as possible college homes. Long and athletic and loving to finish on slashes and fast break opportunities, Ross - who actually hails from Portland Oregon - is also a deadly outside shooter with legitimate three-ball range. Terrance must still further develop ball patting skills, as well as incorporate a stop and pop shot.

Kris Harris is an explosive athlete.

Kristopher Harris – 6’3”, 185 pound swingman, Friendship Collegiate (DC)

Extremely athletic, Harris has great upside, promise that will be enhanced by his continued ball handling work. Kris can shoot, but to date is not a knock down shooter. He is without a doubt an energy guy.

Calvin Banks – 6’1”, 160 pound guard, McKinley Tech (DC)

Strangely not getting many strong looks at this point, Banks is a combo guard that can shoot and run a squad. He must get stronger and probably focus even more on being a lead guard, but Calvin is clutch, making plays when he has to. Reportedly owns a high GPA as well.

Darnell Turner – 6’6”, 250 lb power forward, senior, Blue Ridge School (VA)

Appalachian St, Greensboro, East Carolina, High Point and Charleston Southern have all offered Turner, while Maryland’s Chuck Driesell is monitoring him. Turner is a banger with light feet, one that can run the floor, rebound and score around the tin. Turner needs to improve his fitness, which will allow him to become more athletic.