Lance on Dime #42

Make no qualms about it – this year’s class at Elite 24 has a lot to prove. They’re making the trek to basketball’s hallowed grounds on the heels of two star-studded classes, one of which was good enough to be the foundation for a movie. At the inaugural event in ‘06, the makers of Gunnin’ For That #1 Spot rolled their cameras as the stacked class of Michael Beasley, Jerryd Bayless, Kevin Love, Donte Greene, and Kyle Singler took the court .

Last year was equally impressive from top-to-bottom. Plus, there were some sick highlights that still get thrown around the Dime office at least once a month. Do you remember this B.J. Mullens alley? As he does in every all-star event, now-European Brandon Jennings went after the assist record. Plus, Tyreke Evans, Kemba Walker and DeMar DeRozan were on the floor.

Now, ‘08 is supposed to be Lance Stephenson’s turn. He’s returning for his third year at the tourney, coming off of an MVP performance as a junior. But Lance didn’t lace up yesterday, as a nagging ankle injury kept him from enduring Nuggets’ strength & conditioning coach and Under Armour trainer Steve Hess‘ high-octane training regiment. There’s a chance that he’ll play tonight.

With New York’s finest, it’s up to the other top prospects to satisfy the always-raucous Rucker crowd. No. 1 ranked John Wall should be the first to make his way into the good favor of the Rucker fans, as he is as quick with the ball as anyone you’ve ever seen. During yesterday’s scrimmage, he showed off the wheels every time he pushed the ball up in transition. Kid’s got supersonic speed. He also has a little bit of a Jamal Crawford look to him when he’s just walking around, but doesn’t play anything like ‘Mal.

Tonight we’ll also be keeping an eye on Dexter Strickland. The St. Pat’s (Elizabeth, N.J.) product was as impressive as anyone during yesterday’s run. He’s a 6-3 PG who committed to play for Roy Williams already. The knock on his game is that he isn’t a true one yet. But at the Rucker you’ve gotta be able to take your man off the bounce. Dex went really strong to the cup baseline for a beautiful two-handed dunk, and also stuck a couple of jumpers. He’s a natural born leader.

We’re not counting this class out yet. Big man Jeremy Tyler was the top prospect in his class at this time last year, but has fallen off because of everyone’s focus on what he can’t do instead of what he can. He’ll show some tools tonight. Kenny Boynton’s got the prettiest jumper in Florida – or possibly the whole country. And Jordan Hamilton is a versatile three who could benefit most from suiting up on the same squad as Mr. Wall.