There's a tremendous amount of talent in the new York City area when discussing high school basketball. Let's face it, it's our game. Fellow New Yorkers all have the same belief -- the basketball played in this area is probably the best in the country.
So it's no surprise when big name programs come rolling in every September during contact time and scout out some of the best players, whether it would be in a home/school visit or a workout at a high school.
And the AAU programs also play a big part in helping the players develop over the summer too. The New York City Gauchos have long been respected as one of the better AAU programs in the country. Sometimes the team needs a better watch to make the games on time. But when they do compete, they are tough to match.
Kemba Walker is one name most area coaches already know about. It's likely as Rice High School plays this season, his name will become more nationally known.
Walker, a 6-foot lead guard, is just a 2008 prospect. So he has a couple of seasons to polish his individual game. The local schools have already expressed interest. Walker has already taken an unofficial visit to St. John's.
According to Gauchos 16 and under coach Billy Lovett, Seton Hall Indiana, Purdue, Georgetown, and Cincinnati are just a few schools interested in Walker.
Rice begins its season in two months. This site will have coverage of Rice as well as Walker's season this winter.