Those who didn't show up missed one of the fastest rising prospects in the class of 2006 and a performance that proved why.
Hasheem Thabeet threw down a handful of powerful, two-handed dunks and swatted a number of blocks to lead the Houston Junior Hardballers to a 54-52 win in overtime over the Illinois Wolves. Monice Garrett banked in a jumper at the buzzer to seal the victory.
Recruiting interest has exploded for the lanky African center, who recently took a visit to Connecticut.
"UConn, Miami, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are all involved," Houston Junior Hardballers coach Rory Coleman said.
Coleman said that Thabeet isn't leaning anywhere yet and hasn't planned anymore visits either. He wants to wait and see what other schools will get involved as the AAU season rolls on and they get a chance to see him.
Most college coaches hadn't heard of Thabeet, who has been in the U.S. for about a year and a half, a month ago. After moving from California and enrolling at the Cypress (Texas) Community School last year, he was ruled ineligible to play for last season.
But, that hasn't stopped the imposing big man from working on his game. Thabeet did a good job getting position in the post and drew several fouls. He also did a solid job on the boards.
"Hasheem is improving every time he gets on the court," Coleman said. "It's unbelievable. Just six months ago he couldn't even catch the ball. He has come so far in such a short time."
Thabeet may have to spend another year working on his game before getting to college. Coleman said he hasn't achieved a qualifying score on the SAT yet and if he doesn't will go to prep school next season.