James to skip talent-laden Big Time event

Spencer Patterson

Monday, July 22, 2002 | 10:52 a.m.

The nation's top high school basketball player won't be on the floor for this week's adidas Big Time Tournament, but the annual event should feature its fair share of future collegiate and NBA stars.

LeBron James, the 6-foot-6 swingman expected to be the No. 1 pick in next summer's NBA draft, broke his left wrist in Chicago on June 8. The senior from Akron, Ohio, has made appearances at both the recent Nike and ABCD camps, but has not played since suffering the injury.

According to Frank Burlison, national college basketball writer for Fox Sports, James' absence won't diminish the five-day, 344-team tournament's star power.

"It's always going to be the best event because of the sheer number of teams," Burlison said. "By sheer volume alone, it will have the highest number of high-level players in the country."

Four players ranked by ESPN among the Class of 2003's top 10 are expected to play this week: point guard Mustafa Shakur of Wynnewood, Pa. (Hunting Park), power forward Charlie Villanueva of Blairstown, N.J. (Long Island Panthers), small forward Travis Outlaw of Starkville, Miss. (Alabama Ice) and small forward Sean Banks of Oradell, N.J. (Tim Thomas Playaz Gold).

Also, Burlison said 6-10 center Kendrick Perkins of Beaumont, Texas -- No. 3 in ESPN's rankings -- will likely participate, though he is not yet listed on a Big Time roster.

The Big Time should also feature several of the nation's top underclassmen, including guard Sebastian Telfair of Brooklyn, N.Y. (Juice All Stars) and forward Tasmin Mitchell of Denham Springs, La. (New Orleans Jazz). They are ranked as the top members of the junior and sophomore classes, respectively, by Hoop Scoop, a recruiting newsletter.

Nevada's top overall prospect -- Reno High senior center David Padgett -- will miss the Big Time while he plays for the Junior World Championship qualifying team in Venezuela.

Southern Nevada's top two senior recruits will be in this week's event. Green Valley center Mitch Platt will play for the Las Vegas Stars, while Cheyenne guard Lorenzo Wade will suit up for the Las Vegas Rebels.

"Platt looked real good at the Pump N Run West Coast Camp -- he made all-stars there," Burlison said. "And Wade is one of the two or three best two-guards in the west."