The LeBron James Carousel

To all sports fans tired of hearing about LeBron James' every last move in free agency, my advice would be enjoy these next three days. In Akron, Ohio, the LeBron James Nike Skills Academy (right) begins today, which has evolved to become an annual NBA showcase for both high school and college players from around the country. Clearly, any announcement from LeBron regarding his possible decision would turn attention away from the prospects, and I at least hope that the two-time NBA MVP's ego is not bigger than the future of the league. 

The camp itself is three days. With the greatest basketball minds on hand, such as Jay Bilas, the instruction is nothing less than top notch. The first day consists of basic drills, and for two hours respectively, the college players work out followed by the top 80 high school players in the nation.  After days of constant travel, day one is designed to help acclimate the prospects for a tough week ahead. 

The subsequent day is not nearly as easy. The first workouts are specialized, where players break up into groups based on position to better grasp certain techniques. Point guards, for example, will practice ball-handling, likely in pick-and-roll situations, while centers learn certain post moves. For the college players, they have the rest of the day to relax until a late night practice before an audience of NBA scouts. High schoolers, on the other hand, review proper floor-spacing and movement within a basic NBA offense and defense. The nuances of defending the pick-and-roll are again stressed. In short, day number two transitions from specialized drills to team workouts, showing evaluators how quickly a player can adapt to four different teammates.

Of course, because the camp is sponsored by Nike and LeBron James, it receives a ton of exposure. Therefore, interview sessions follow all morning workouts on both the second and third days to prepare basketball prospects for the constant clamoring of NBA media members. The camp stresses that one's behavior off the court is just as important as it is on the court. 

The morning session on day three is divided between individual and team workouts. Players again break into groups for the first hour for positional instruction. The second hour, on the other hand, focuses on the definition of a team. Instructors demand both ball movement and sharing the basketball throughout the games, hoping to eliminate the notion in many players' minds that the NBA is completely 1 on 1. The college players' session is very similar, except, in the afternoon session, ten players play on a team together. The coach gives each player a number from 1 to 10, and five players substitute every couple of minutes. Thus, new teams are constantly on the floor. The games are designed to show evaluators how effective one can be when coming off the bench. 

Thursday hits, and the camp is over. Many players will then travel to Cleveland, OH to play in the King City Classic. The camp, however, is finished, and LeBron can make his decision free from stealing anyone's spotlight. Just remember, the King City Classic was home to former Xavier University star Jordan Crawford's thunderous dunk over "King James" in 2009. For James, impending free agency might be a worthy excuse to avoid such embarrassment again this year. 

-Daniel Radov

'Nova Nation

We, the staff of NextGenSports, have decided to personalize our blog to the readers. Just last week, I spent some time with the Villanova Basketball team in Philadelphia. Two years removed from a magical run to the Final Four highlighted by point guard Scottie Reynolds's game-winner against Pittsburgh in the Sweet 16, the Wildcats, seeded 2nd, fell unexpectedly to St. Mary's in the Second Round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament.

With the departure of Reynolds and fellow leading scorer at small forward Reggie Redding, the offense this season looks to revolve around center Mouphtaou Yarou (above). The 6 foot 9 inch center from Montrose Christian has been playing basketball for just three years, but quickly he has established himself alongside Louisville's Samardo Samuels as the two elite post men in the Big East. Last Friday, I sat down with Yarou, the class of 2010's number 10 overall recruit.

Me: Your freshman season was delayed by rumors that you were in fact 25 years of age. How did you overcome these problems?

Yarou: Actually, they weren't much of a factor. I knew from the start they weren't really true, so I did not let it affect me.

Q: How do prepare yourself to be the focal point of this Villanova basketball team?

A: I don't think about it at all. We are different; we don't just throw it down in the post, and let someone score 1 on 1. Coach Wright stresses team basketball, meaning that each person should be involved on each play, obviously, and that each player whether you are a point guard or a center must be able to do certain skills well. A center must be able to shoot it from outside, and the guards need to be able to rebound.

Q: What effect did fellow big man Antonio Pena have on you last season?

A: He did a great job really helping me to adjust to the Big East. I cannot wait to play with Antonio next season. We should be a pretty dangerous 1,2 punch down low.

Q: Describe the significance of Taylor King's departure.

A: He was a big rebounder for this basketball team, who had the knack to shoot the 3 very well. In terms of stretching the defense and really providing mismatches, Taylor was important.

Q: Was there any added significance in the away matchup against Syracuse? The Orangemen had the largest on-hand crowd in NCAA regular season history.

A: I guess we were a little nervous playing in front of everyone, but once the game started not really. Once you are on the court, doing the thing you have done with your teammates for so many months, it just seems like practice again. No question, there was an incredible amount of fans, but basketball stays the same.

Q: Why was Omar Samhan so effective against you guys in the NCAA Tournament?

A: He was just so skilled. He got to the basketball with ease and knew how to finish down low. Our game plan was to eliminate his outside game as well as his ability to get others involved. We clearly did not do such a great job. Samhan played great.

Q: Perhaps most important, why did you chose Villanova?

A: I just love it. I love the campus, the atmosphere, and the environment. I love Scottie (of course referring to former All-American point guard Scottie Reynolds) and definitely Coach Wright. The university just really fit me and my personality. This is an elite basketball program, among the top in the country. I am so impressed with everything, to be honest.

Q: How did you adjust to Coach Wright's dribble drive offense in your freshman year, which centered on Scottie and Cory getting to the basket?

A: If anything, it made my job easier. I got such good looks all year. This season, I expect to be exhibiting my post moves more often.

Q: I see you are wearing an necklace of the continent of Africa, I am sure you are watching the World Cup, how do you like to win it all and why?

A: Holland. Too much offense all over the field. I love Robben, Van Persie and Kuyt up top. They are just so exciting.

As of right now, Yarou's tandem of size and strength projects him as a surefire first round pick. With a bit more seasoning especially on the defensive end, there is no reason why Yarou cannot be this year's version of Baylor's Ekpe Udoh, who went #6 to Golden State. Shotblocking is a skill that comes easily to both West African products.

-DR