Marshall Plumlee has improved a lot since the last time I seen him play about a year ago. He has now progressed to the point to where he can knock down the 15-17 foot jumpshot on a consistent basis. He still needs to get stronger but, he recognizes that fact and is working on it. At the Take 5 Classic in Cincinnati there were many coaches on hand to watch Plumlee, including Tubby Smith, Tom Crean and a bevy of other high major coaches and assistants.

Full Court Preps Writer David Money was able to catch up with the developing post player and ask him about a number of topics including where he stands in the recruitment process:



After the Interview Plumlee told us that LSU has also offered him a scholarship.

Jaylen Beckham is a sophomore to be, that attends Lexington Catholic High in KY. This kid had his talent on display over the weekend at the 13th annual Derek Smith shootout in Louisville. In my opinion, Beckham is definitely one of the top 5 players in the state of Kentucky regardless of class.

One of the best games of the weekend pitted his team against Bowling Green high. Bowling Green's revamped roster now features one of the top forwards in the 2011 class in Chane Behanan (video of Behanan tomorrow). On a couple of possessions Beckham fearlessly drove the ball right into the chest of the phenomenal forward, finishing once and drawing the foul.

The most noticeable asset that this kid posses is his almost complete game. Beckham's defensive instincts are outstanding for a player his age. He demonstrated the ability to blow by defenders, almost at will. Think a young Rajon Rondo, granted this kid may never achieve the same elite status as Rondo, but the similarities are undeniable. Beckham is about 6'1 with long arms and a wiry frame. His unorthodox build coupled with his elite speed and quickness helps him to make difficult plays look relatively natural. He is always in the right position and wreaking havoc seems to be instinctive on both ends of the court. The one weakness in his game is his shooting, which is sure to improve over the next three plus years.

Overall this kid is set to be among the top 60 or 70 players in his class, however if he can improve his inconsistent jump shot then he could find himself firmly within the top 40.