Small Town, Big Game for Sullivan

Ivan McDowell
Southeast/Mid-South Editor

An athletic 6'2" guard from Alabama, Frankie Sullivan, is a rising junior who is garnering major looks from high major southern universities.

The Class of 2008 has another high-major baller on the horizon and foes need to beware of and remember the name Frankie Sullivan.

Those of us privy to witnessing the competitive nature of basketball in Alabama have seen Frankie in action. For those of you that haven’t, you’re sure to hear about this young man in the not too distant future.

Sullivan, who performs with the Alabama Lasers AAU team, is a jumping jack two-guard that strikes fears in all that try to guard him. He’s that good.

Attending R.C. Hatch High School, the 6’2 guard averaged 24 points, eight rebounds, six steals and four assists, while leading his team to the state title in Class 2A.

While certainly Frankie has his own style on the court, his game is reminiscent in my opinion of former University of Alabama star James “Hollywood” Robinson, who played for the Crimson Tide back in the early to mid 90’s.

Frankie is a combo guard, who like Robinson, gets to the rack with ease, fluidity and explosiveness on one possession and then sticks the jumper in your eye on the next.

“I can score when I need to and when I get the chance to”, says Sullivan, displaying the confidence of a seasoned hoopster and belying his rising junior status.

Sullivan averaged 13 points a game playing both guard spots during the Nike Peach Jam, while his Lasers squad finished with a 1-4 record.

Knowing the strengths in your game is a fine attribute for a player the caliber of Sullivan. Defining your weaknesses is a tougher pill to swallow, since many young ballers feel they don’t have any. Sullivan is well aware of the facet of the game that he needs to excel at if he wants to continue his rise amongst the nation’s best juniors.

“My defense has to get better. It’s the most important aspect of the game to me”, says Frankie.

The Uniontown, Alabama native knows it takes more than just putting the ball in the basket to win games and his effort in Augusta was evidence of that. Sullivan repeatedly dove after loose balls and took charges, while often guarding the opponents best perimeter player.

“If you play defense, even when your scoring isn’t there, you have a chance to win. The level of competition here is so good that when you go back to your school you’re a step faster than your opponents because you’ve played the best in the country.”

College recruiters already believe Frankie is one of the best in the country, as evidenced by the list of schools contacting him.

Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State, Memphis, Florida and UAB are all in the running for his services. The latter three currently peak Sullivan’s interest the most.