Stud hoops recruit interested in SMU

[The Q]

(This kid used to play at Greenhill School in Dallas)



Aliou Kane Is Making A Name For Himself
Jeremy Tiers / Bob Gibbons All Star Report



Aliou Kane, a 6-9 C from **** (VA) Blue Ridge School was one of the most impressive post players during the July Evaluation Period. Strong performances at the Nike All-America Camp, Peach Jam, and Super Showcase, both of which his traveling program Team Texas won, has resulted in him being a hot topic of conversation among many college coaches. On Tuesday, All Star Report spoke with Kane's guardian, Travis Edwards, and received an update on his recruitment.

Aliou Kane's game just continues to get better. The 6-9, 230 lbs. post player turned in back to back impressive performances at the recent Peach Jam and Super Showcase events, causing college coaches to take note. Team Texas, who Aliou plays for, defeated BABC (MA) to capture the championship title in both of these events, thanks in part to strong post defense and solid rebounding by Kane.

"He works so hard and doesn't question things," said guardian Travis Edwards of Kane. "One minute he's diving on the floor for a loose ball, and the next he's filling the lanes on a fast break. It's just remarkable how hard he has worked to improve."

Edwards told ASR that seven schools currently make up Kane's short list. They are Minnesota, Charlotte, SMU, Wake Forest, Clemson, Georgia Tech, and Mississippi. "At this point I know he's going to take official visits to Minnesota and SMU this fall," said Edwards, who added that Aliou has no timetable for his decision and will make his college choice when he feels comfortable. "If he really enjoys a visit, then a decision could come right after that," said Edwards.

Kane is an excellent post passer who runs the floor very well for his size. Although raw offensively, Kane showed a good touch from 10-12 feet at the Nike All-America Camp and was very active at both ends, scoring a number of second chance points on offense, and playing strong post defense.

All Star Sports Publications ranks Kane among the Top 200 rising seniors nationally in our pre-summer report, with the potential to make the Top 100.

Kane averaged 11 points and 10 rebounds per game last season for the Blue Ridge School. He is an excellent student who has above a 3.0 GPA and will take the SAT this fall. Aliou wants to major in International Business according to Edwards.

[This message has been edited by The Q (edited 08-02-2001).]