Slats in the Summer

[Jason Kinney]

I just got back from the Summer league and I came away picking my jaw off the floor after James White's performance tonight. His athleticism and all-around talent is undeniable, I can see what had NBA scouts projecting him as a top ten pick in this years draft had he stayed at Florida.  He had three monstrous dunks, one where he took off from just inside the foul line and I think he only missed 2 shots on the night.  It looks like he is running up steps when he jumps.  He was jab-stepping ala Carmelo Anthony and knocking down 3's.  He also hit a 3 from NBA range after shaking a defender off him.  He also seems to be a talker and plays to the crowd.  Even though this is the summer league, he is an all around exciting player, who brings a ton of energy and athleticism to the court.

I also came away impressed with Whaley, his face and build remind me of Grove, but he carries his weight in his chest, unlike Grove. He is also very nimble and has a surprisingly good handle for someone that big.  Also, he has a nice array of low post moves, although he can't shoot free throws to save his life (what else is new).  Pilgrim is very active and athletice and knocked down a couple 3's, although he has a funky shot with a hitch at the top of it.

Bottom line, Slats won the game versus Harmon Davis tonight 91-72. Final basket was an off-the-backboard pass/dunk from Moore to White, that brought the house down. White had probably 25-30 points, Whaley 20-25 points. Kirkland played well for Harmon Davis and was the only one who could somewhat stay with White when he was guarding him.