Deep in the heart of Texas reside some of the best high school basketball players in the country.
“I think Texas basketball is as good as some other states New York, Florida, anywhere else,” notes Senecca Collins, a smooth-shooting, solidly built 6-foot-6, 225-pound guard/small forward from Duncanville, Texas.
He’s representing the Fort Worth Lions at this weekend’s Jayhawk Invitational basketball tournament.
“I think Texas players don’t get as much recognition for some reason,” Collins said. “People think Texas is one big football state.”
That perception may be changing.
Last year’s crop of Texas prep players included blue-chip guards T.J. Ford and Daniel Ewing, who are headed to Texas and Duke respectively.
Texas has a batch of talent again this year, evidenced by some stellar play by Collins and others at this weekend’s invitational.
“We are trying to represent Texas the best we can,” said Collins, a Duncanville High senior-to-be who has an early college list of Arizona, Illinois, Kansas and Iowa.
“With Kansas getting Keith Langford and Aaron Miles, I don’t know if I want to be here as much as I did before,” he added, referring to incoming KU players who also play guard. “It’s nice to be here to see the school. To come here, I’d have to see where I fit in with all the other players.”
Collins is out to improve his national reputation during tournaments this summer. He’ll be attending the adidas camp in New Jersey and also compete in various club competitions.
The Fort Worth Lions boast other college prospects, including 6-4 P.J. Hatcher of Lewisville and 6-2 Deron Williams of The Colony, Texas.
Williams has impressed with his ability to pass, take it to the basket and hit the outside shot.
“I think I am, but some people don’t rank me that high,” Williams said, asked if he’s one of the top point guards in the country. “It’s what I’m out to prove this year. What I try to do is get my teammates involved in everything. My shot is good, but I need to get more consistent.”
Williams says his top-four colleges are “Illinois, Tennessee, Georgia Tech and Maryland, but I’m still wide open.”
Of Kansas, he said, “They told me they would have recruited me more if they’d not signed Aaron Miles, but since they have him I don’t know if they are as interested.”
Williams likes what he’s seen of KU.
“It’s a good feeling to be here. I like it,” he said. “I love these tournaments. It’s fun to get out of Texas for a weekend and compete against some good players.”
Simien attends
Kansas basketball signee Wayne Simien of Leavenworth High has been in town watching the action.
Simien, who had shoulder surgery in April, has been cleared to begin rehab on Monday.
“I just got my range of motion back,” the 6-9 Simien said. “It was pretty stiff for four weeks. I’m excited about starting rehab. I’ve been out there shooting left-handed, trying to stay sane.”