BY ZACH SMART
MEMPHIS — With Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and assistant coach Mo Williams sitting courtside to see him, Class of 2028 Alabama Fusion prospect Erick Dampier Jr. showed why he is tracking as one of the top young players in the country.
A legit sophomore with a thunderous above the rim finishing arsenal, Dampier Jr. flashed a feathery baby hook and displayed all around efficiency.
Defensively, he was an at the rim eraser, keeping the net sealed with multiple eye opening blocks.
After turning in games of six blocks or more during EYBL Session I, the 6-foot-10 and 230-pound 16-year-old again thrived on both ends of the floor during Session II.
Purdue, Mississippi State, San Diego, and several others have offered the ascending young recruit.
Dampier Jr. may elicit a few memories from Kentucky fans.
His father and coach, former NBA veteran Erick Dampier, played against the Wildcats as a two time All SEC Center in the mid 1990s.
Baylor, Texas, Florida State, Purdue, Houston, and VCU, among others, have been in consistent pursuit of high scoring Class of 2028 Mater Lakes Academy (FL) and SOH Elite guard Tai Bell.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Bell is known for his scoring prowess and manipulative off the dribble repertoire.
The UAA Session II allowed Bell to display his play creation aptitude as well, as the Miami native piled up 13 assists in a game.
Baylor has upped the ante recently with Bell, as the coaching staff has been in constant communication.
Expect more programs to become involved when the clock strikes midnight on June 15th, as the contact period officially opens and coaches can contact sophomores directly.
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