Platt hits Big Time

Spencer Patterson

Tuesday, July 23, 2002 | 9:30 a.m.

Anyone who saw Green Valley High's boys basketball team last year probably remembers a 6-foot-10 junior center who looked more comfortable passing than taking the ball to the basket against smaller defenders.

Monday at Durango High, you would've been hard-pressed to recognize Mitch Platt as the same player.

Manning the middle for the Las Vegas Stars in the opening game of the weeklong adidas Big Time Tournament, Platt showed confidence in all facets of his game, most notably his wide array of back-to-the-basket moves in the low post.

A slimmer, more muscular Platt also ran the floor effectively, giving his teammates a big target on the fast break and converting several buckets in transition.

Platt finished with 21 points and seven rebounds, hit the game-winning free throws in an 81-79 Stars win over the Houston Superstars 3 Stripes and showed everyone in attendance why he is being recruited by many Division I schools heading into his senior year.

"He's starting to mature," Green Valley coach Jim Allen said. "If you look at pictures of him over the last four years, you can see a dramatic change every single year. As his body has changed, he's also changed mentally and realized he can play at this level."

Platt says he made a commitment to get stronger and quicker and to improve his offensive game after his team's trip to the 4A State Tournament last February.

"It's like a job now," Platt said. "I'm just constantly playing every day, working hard on my back-to-the-basket moves. And I've been lifting weights for about the last month."

From Monday's opening tip, Platt showed off his new offensive game and physical presence in the lane. He scored with a sweeping hook, on a turnaround fadeaway jumper and off offensive rebounds. He even knocked down a 3-point shot.

Platt's 21 points came on 9-of-13 shooting, and he made his presence felt defensively as well, despite picking up his fifth foul (Big Time rules allow six) midway through the second half.

"I love Mitch because he's so unselfish," said Stars coach Tyrell Jamerson, a Durango assistant. "He's a team player and he doesn't get frustrated. He's 10 times better than he was last year, and I haven't seen too many drastic improvements like that before."

Already on the radar of several Division I schools, Platt helped his stock this month with a strong showing at the Double Pump West Coast All-Star Camp in Carson, Calif. On Monday, the fruits of that performance were visible in the stands, as several college coaches made the drive over from Green Valley High School, the event headquarters.

Platt said he plans to take official visits to Texas Tech, Oregon and possibly USC, and also lists Utah, UNLV, San Diego State and Arizona State among his top choices.

"When the recruiting process started to pick up, I got excited and wanted to play even better," Platt said. "I love the game, and this makes it even more fun."