CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Before the college coaches are allowed to evaluate players during the NCAA's open evaluation period in July, the Memorial Day weekend serves as the final chance for players to serve notice to recruiting scouts and evaluators.

There were at least three large national tournaments held during the holiday weekend, with, arguably, the biggest and best being the 9th Annual Be Active Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions. The tournament utilized 16 courts within the Chapel Hill, N.C. local area -- including games at UNC, Duke and North Carolina State.

There were 32 teams in both the 17-under National Tournament and 17-under Select Tournament; 24 teams in the 16-under National Tournament, and 16 teams in the 15-under National Tournament.

The weekend proved to be a major coup for Jimmy Salmon's The Playaz organization (Freehold, N.J.). Salmon coached the Playaz Gold to the 17-under national championship, beating the Southern California All-Stars in the final, 76-57. T.J. Gassnola coached the Playaz Black to the 17-under Select title with a 72-59 win over Baltimore Select in the title game. The Florida Hoopsters won the 16-under title, defeating the South Carolina Ravens, 74-67, while the Pittsburgh JOTS edged the Georgia Stars 74-72 for the 15-under championship.

Now, with games scattered all over the area, it was impossible to see every team, let alone most of the 64 of the teams in the 17-under tournaments. But, with only one team in each four-team pool advancing to the playoffs, we gave it a good shot.

Here are some of the players who stood out:

Rising Seniors
Travis Outlaw, 6-10, 185, SF; Alabama Ice (Starkville H.S./Starkville, Miss.): Gibbons TOC was the place last year where Outlaw made a big name for himself. He was a sophomore sensation, all arms and elbows on a very long frame with explosive athleticism. It's now a year later and he's no longer with Travis King's Fastbreak USA team (anchored by Amare Stoudamire), he's now running with Kenny Harris' Alabama Ice.

We know he's stronger, but he still looks very much like he did a year ago. Outlaw has made a decided move to the perimeter. In most club tournaments, we'd probably be talking about some of Outlaw's high-flying dunks, but this was the Gibbons TOC, which has a tournament field loaded with talented, very competitive national-caliber teams.

There weren't many open lanes (and high-flying dunks) for Outlaw this weekend, mainly because people were getting into his grill and playing some physical defense. At least that was the case when we viewed the Ice playing the New Orleans Jazz. Though he possesses a very long body and live-legged bounce, Outlaw is a finesse player. Outlaw did put up big numbers (26.7 ppg), but they didn't feel like big numbers. He was settling for jumpers (and he made his share) and at times, he was forcing jumpers. Didn't show a consistent ability to get to the rack. And when he did make a spectacular looking dunk (our favorite was the two-handed windmill putback, which looks so good with his long arms), it was usually an uncontested high-flying tip-jam. He wasn't even trying to post-up mismatches. The move to the perimeter is probably the best thing for Outlaw's long-term future (unless he decides to bulk up and get more physical), but there are still some rough edges to smooth out.

Still, he's very talented. He's long, coordinated, can shoot with range, can handle the ball and is very athletic. But much of the continued development/improvement will come from the mental aspect of the game. He needs to make better decisions and let the game come to him.

Sean Banks, 6-7, 200, SF; Tim Thomas Playaz Gold (Bergen Catholic H.S./Oradell, N.J.): A very smooth small forward, who excels at the mid-range pull-up jumper. He can shoot it from behind the 3-point arc as well, but he's most dangerous putting the ball on the floor and creating his own shot. Banks is also very good at getting out on the break and finishing in transition. He's a very good athlete, with skills. He was named MVP of the 17-under national tournament. A finesse player whose future might be at the shooting guard.

Brandon Bass, 6-7, 230, PF; New Orleans Jazz (Capital H.S./Baton Rouge, La.): The key player in the Jazz getting to the semifinals of the 17-under national tournament, Bass played his usual hardhat game of working in the paint, clearing the boards and dunking everything he could. He's strong, tough and bouncy. Saw him clearly outplay Travis Outlaw, the 6-10 rail from the Alabama Ice in their matchup in pool play. He just keeps it simple, plays strong and stays close to the bucket. He did hit a 15-footer here and there, but it was his play inside the paint that was most impressive. Bass is physical, strong, athletic and doesn't stray far from the basket.

Ramel Bradley, 6-2, 180, G; Worldwide Renegades (Park West H.S./New York, N.Y.): Very good off the dribble, Bradley knows how to create his own shot and excels at the mid-range jumper. He can play either guard spot. Possesses a good handle and sees the floor well.

Ronnie Brewer, 6-5, 180, SG; Jackson Panthers (Fayetteville H.S./Fayetteville, Ark.): The son of the former Arkansas Razorback star of the same name, Brewer is a thin, but a very athletic scorer. Though his mechanics on his jumper aren't perfect (elbow out), his marksmanship is pretty darn good from 3-point land. And when he takes it to the hole, this kid's got some serious verticality, which coupled with his all arms and elbows length, can turn into some pretty spectacular plays. Very good in transition, and a very good rebounder (especially on the offensive boards) for his position. Brewer has a decent nose for the ball and he's long and athletic. Still primarily a finesse player, he's got some serious upside when you consider the possibilities of him adding weight/muscle.

Brian Butch, 7-0, 217, C; Fox Valley Skillz (Appleton West H.S./Appleton, Wis.): Only got a few glimpses of Butch while he was playing at the Smith Center (they ran three games simultaneously, side-by-side) and he was doing what he does best, which is scoring. A big man with a very smooth jumper and the confidence and the footwork to find good looks at the bucket. He might be the best scoring big man, along with Kendrick Perkins (Ozen H.S./Beaumont, Texas) in the rising senior class. Butch has very good skills, and decent-to-good athleticism for his size and tenacity. We like his enthusiasm on the floor (no, he's not talking junk) and he gets himself fired up. He's comparable to Rory O'Neil, who just finished his freshman campaign at Southern Cal. He's not soft like a stereotypical Euro big man, but he sure does shoot like one.

Jackie Butler, 6-10, 250, PF; Southeast Pump N Run (McComb H.S./McComb, Miss.): Butler is a big, strong block-to-block player, who works hard for position. He gets low, uses his sizable butt to back his way in for position and he does catch the ball (good hands). While he doesn't loaf, we would like to see him play with some consistent enthusiasm. Butler can score down low with a good series of post moves, but with his tools, we would like to see him try (emphasis on the word, "try") to dominate. He's a good rebounder and he's got a very mature body (he's got the muscle/bulk already to make an easy transition to the college ranks). Butler, who relies on his strength and body for position, is a decent-good athlete (one who plays around the rim, not over it).

Milton Collins, 6-2, 170, SG; Jackson Panthers (O.P. Walker H.S./New Orleans, La.): First off, in the program he was listed as a rising junior, but we've got the correct scoop, Collins will be a senior next year. Also considered a top football prospect, Collins is a wiry athlete with explosive quickness and leaping ability. He's a competitor with good shooting range. Can handle the rock, a 3-4 dribble scorer with the ability to finish over the rim. Collins can run transition all day long and he gets up (elbows in the rim) big time on tip-dunk attempts. With his athleticism and long frame, he was very effective for Jackson on their full-court zone press.

Boubacar Coly, 6-9, 220, PF; Atlanta Celtics (Laurinburg Institute/Laurinburg, N.C.): A big, strong post player who goes about his job quietly, works the boards well and handles the ball surprisingly well for a power forward. He doesn't shy away from contact in the paint, jumps fairly well and makes hustle plays. Coly also displayed his ability to face-up with the ball, able to put it on the deck and attack the basket.

Olumuyiwa Famutini, 6-6, 200, SG; Michigan Hurricanes (Northwestern H.S./Flint, Mich.): Saw Olu play once at Gibbons, in the Hurricanes' only win. Though Michigan knocked out the Miami Tropics with a TKO (mercy rule: game is over if a team gets a 20-point lead within the last four minutes of play), they did not look very good. It took quite a bit of coaching from Michigan head coach Chris Grier to stir some life into the Hurricanes (they finally went on a big run and got the Kervorkian W) ... they were pretty flat. And Olu, one of the team's stars, was also struggling. He's got lots of upside and talent. He's got good size, shoots it, can handle the ball and he's got big time ups. But, he was still struggling in the Miami Tropics game, choosing to finesse drives instead of enforcing his will and smashing dunks on the opposition. He was also bailing out on dribble penetrations, forcing tough acrobatic, off-balance prayers that weren't falling (and it wasn't even Sunday) instead of just jump-stopping and elevating for the simple mid-range jumper. He's got talent, but his game needs a little tweaking. Expect a big summer from Olu.

Hassan Fofana, 6-10, 265, C; Middlesex Magic (Holy Name H.S./Worcester, Mass.): A big, strong mass of muscle, Fofana plays hard, but his game is pretty raw. The native of Africa has some obvious rough edges, but appears coachable and has a likeable attitude on the floor. Fofana runs the floor well, will dive on the floor for a loose ball and can catch the ball. Aside from putbacks and dunks, didn't see much offensively (again, didn't catch an entire game of his, just caught bits and pieces while glancing his way from a neighboring court). We like his enthusiasm, but he better get with some serious big man coaching sometime in the near future.

Corey Gibbs, 6-7, 230, SF; Worldwide Renegades (Redan H.S./Stone Mountain, Ga.): Our first thought when watching Gibbs on the court for Worldwide was that he'd be the prototype power forward type for the Atlanta Celtics, kind of a cross between a Donnell Harvey and a Greg Tinch (turns out we were right, we was told later that he came up through the Atlanta Celtics program). Physically, he's a well-muscled athlete, who likes contact. Though he looked shorter than the listed 6-8 in the program, Gibbs plays taller. He's active and can defend on the perimeter, which should allow him to play both forward positions at the next level. A quick leaper who can dunk the ball in his sleep. Very good rebounder and plays aggressive.

Jimmy Goffredo, 6-1, 180, SG; Los Angeles Rockfish (Crescenta Valley H.S./La Crescenta, Calif.): One of the best long-range shooters in the country, if Goffredo gets an open look, 3-5 says it's going down. But he's more than just a catch-and-shoot specialist, Goffredo has also developed into a pretty reliable shooter off the dribble. With the threat of his 3-point marksmanship sending defending flying out at him, Goffredo utilizes an up-fake and has become a good 2-3 dribble scorer. He's also a tough man defender, who can defend shooters (as well as pick up the occasional charge).

Dion Harris, 6-4, SG; Michigan Hurricanes (Redford H.S./Detroit, Mich.): Harris is a strong slashing 2-guard, who is very effective taking it to the rack. At least that's been our appraisal of him in the past. Good athlete, good body and strength to get to the hole (though he has a tendency to drive with his head down, something that will be exposed against college players). He wasn't finishing his drives in the game we observed at Gibbons, nor was his jumper (which needs some fine-tuning) falling. Still, a good athlete, with strength and toughness who was obviously having a sub-par weekend (Hurricanes went an uncharacteristic 1-2).

Justin Hawkins, 6-6, 200, SF; Los Angeles Rockfish (Mayfair H.S./Lakewood, Calif.): While his Rockfish squad had trouble getting their act together in North Carolina (they went 0-3 in their pool), Hawkins shined brightly with his play and competitive spirit. This forward with an inside-outside game is mentally and physically tough and he was a factor in all the Rockfish games. He can knock down the 3-pointer, slashes well to the bucket and finishes with the best of them. He's no softie from SoCal. Rebounds taller and, simply, plays hard. His stock is on the rise.

Brandon Jenkins, 6-4, 170, SG; Michigan Hurricanes (Southeastern H.S./Detroit, Mich.): Jenkins is a strong slasher, who can also knock down the mid-range jumper. Good athlete, with good size. He can combo, but it appears his game is more suited for the shootig guard at the next level. Has finesse skills, but doesn't have a finesse game, plays with some toughness.

James Lang, 6-11, 305, C; Alabama Ice (Central Park Christian H.S./Birmingham, Ala.): Have watched Lang for a couple of years now (he used to run with the New Orleans Jazz) and he's not only gotten bigger (taller and wider), but he's also turned into quite a ballplayer. Sure he's probably 40 pounds heavier than the ideal weight for his height, but at 305, Lang runs the floor well. He just might be the rare exception, a big-boned guy with athleticism and power. He's got hands that Fred Belitnikoff would be proud of, this big man catches everything. And he plays with power. He keeps his sizable frame down on the block and wears his opposition down. Lang is strong and has some explosiveness when going to the rim. Good agility and hustle for someone of his girth, Lang was the best big man we viewed at the tournament. He's got a soft shooting touch, he rebounds well and he can also make good outlet passes. Got some killer-instinct too, he's no softie.

Jai Miller, 6-3, 190, PG; Alabama Ice (Selma H.S./Selma, Ala.): Very athletic player with good size for a point guard. He likes to push the tempo. He plays a little bit too much at the warp speed for my liking (We wish he'd learn to change speeds and utilize his stop-'n-go quickness more), but he's a big time athlete. Needs to temper his decision-making some and watch the over-penetration, but he's one of the better athletes at the position in the national class.

Rayshawn Reed, 6-0, PG; Southern California All-Stars (Inglewood H.S./Inglewood, Calif.): "Ray Ray" ran the point for SCA, and along with backcourt running mate Marcus Williams, they were the key players in SCA's run to the national tournament finals. A slasher to the bucket, Reed is athletic and tough/strong going to the hole. He's got a steady handle (though he's a bit much on the dribble for our tastes) and he's a very good competitor. Very good finisher, often making tough acrobatic shots off the glass. Can also shoot it from outside and occasionally will explode and get airborne for a stirring dunk. Reed is also a good defender and plays with an air of toughness.

Terrance Roberts, 6-8, 220, PF; Tim Thomas Playaz Gold (St. Anthony H.S./Jersey City, N.J.): A lefty with a quick first step to the bucket, Roberts is an athletic forward who plays with enthusiasm. He's best facing up and, though he prefers going left, he can also go right. Good quickness and good leaping ability. Hard to believe that he's the listed 220, but do see him being able to add weight and muscle, becoming an even more effective player. Rebounds well and has good fundamentals. Plays with heart, possibly his biggest asset. Best attacking the bucket (and getting to the free throw line), but can also make a jumper if left open.

Mustafa Shakur, 6-4, 180, PG; Hunting Park Warriors (Friends Central H.S./Wynnewood, Pa.): Arguably one of the top point guards in the rising senior class, Shakur is a strong field general type, who sees the floor and makes the right pass, whether his teammates realize it or not. He sets the table for his teammates and delivers the ball, even if some of his inexperienced teammates didn't realize that they were open. In observing Hunting Park's first game of the tournament (they went 2-1 in pool and did not advance to the playoffs), we saw at least a half-dozen possible assists that weren't executed (none of them being Shakur's fault ... his teammates bobbled easy passes or couldn't finish shots), and we wasn't even watching that game closely. He's got excellent size for the position, the right temperament, all kinds of skills and he's a leader. What's not to like? Among the schools recruiting Shakur are Arizona, Villanova, Boston College, Connecticut, Georgia Tech, North Carolina State, Seton Hall, Temple and Syracuse.

Will Sheridan, 6-8, 240, PF; Tim Thomas Playaz Gold (Sanford H.S./Hockessin, Del.): Jimmy Salmon seems to get a kid like this every year. A strong blue collar worker in the paint, who knows his role (previously, Brandon Brigman filled the role for the Playaz, when Eddie Griffin was on the team). Sheridan is a good rebounder, who gets by on his heart and strength as opposed to any special athleticism. He's a banger, who's more than willing to sacrifice his body for the good of the team.

Chris Taft, 6-9, 230, C; Worldwide Renegades (Xaverian H.S./Brooklyn, N.Y.): Didn't play particularly well when observed at Gibbons (he spent a long spell on the bench during Worldwide's semifinal loss to The Playaz Black with no apparent foul trouble). We've seen him play better. Taft is a good athlete for his size with the ability to score around the basket. Also rebounds fairly well, though he's not the most physical player on the planet (he's no softie either). He's got a decent nose for the ball and when he doesn't get touches on the block, he's often hitting the glass for offensive putbacks. He's talented, but still a work in progress. Needs to be more assertive, a talented kid his size shouldn't go invisible on the court.

Jamaul Warren, 6-3, 190, PG; The Playaz Black (Holyoke H.S./Holyoke, Mass.): We really like this player. He was the main man leading the Playaz Black to the Select tournament championship. His best attribute is his ability to penetrate and go to the hole. Very strong on the dribble and utilizes his speed, quickness, and dribble moves to get into the paint. Warren is a strong finisher, who will also find the open man and make the right feed. Also showed the ability and confidence to knock down the long-range jumper. And he wants to take the big shot. Strong body for a high school player, Warren has good speed and quickness. He's a baller (his stock should be rising).

Walter Waters, 6-9, 265, PF; Michigan Hurricanes (Southeastern H.S./Detroit, Mich.): Waters, who has committed to Pittsburgh, is a big, thick-bodied banger. A power workhorse inside, who has surprisingly good hands. This kid finishes plays strong, often using his off-hand for the finish on power layups. Relatively ground-bound (we can't remember seeing him dunk in the past two years of limited observation), he's a decent rebounder who plays with heart. Should have a solid career at Pitt.

Darryl Watkins, 6-11, 230, C; Tim Thomas Playaz Gold (Paterson Catholic H.S./Paterson, N.J.): A developing talent, Watkins just needs to increase the consistency when he decides to play. There are times when you don't even notice him on the floor and then there are times when he dominates play. A good athlete with a soft shooting touch, Watkins was the dominant player in the Playaz blowout win in the tournament championship game. He showed a lot of heart in that game. He covered a lot of ground and was a shot-blocking force. Watkins was also all over the boards, rebounding with a passion. He can also score down low, with a soft touch on a variety of half-hooks and jump hooks. And of course, if given an opportunity, he dunks it pretty much any way you want.

Marcus Williams, 6-3, 170, PG; Southern California All-Stars (Oak Hill Academy/Mouth of Wilson, Va.): Credit Marcus for taking SCA to the promised land of the tournament championship. Williams, currently a junior at Crenshaw High in Los Angeles (he's transferring to Oak Hill after this semester), is a very skilled lefty, who can shoot with range and consistency and is able to create his own shot off his dribble penetration. He was the reason that SCA made it to the finals, when they needed a big shot, he was the one. Makes good decisions and has the confidence and the talent to put his team on his back and carry them.

Rising Juniors
Mike Williams, 6-8, 220, PF; Southeast Pump N Run (Wilcox-Central H.S./Camden, Ala.): He's just a 10th grader, but he's got a much more mature game. Mature physically, he can handle the ball and doesn't mind contact. Good shooting touch. Undoubtedly, among the top 10th graders in the country.

Jajuan Smith, 6-2, 165, SG; Tennessee Travelers (McMinn County H.S./Athens, Tenn.): A good looking stroke from a good looking athlete with the ability to handle the ball. Just caught a glimpse of Smith's game, but it was rather obvious that he's going to be recruited strongly in the Class of 2004.

Josh Smith, 6-6, 200, SF; Atlanta Celtics (McEachern H.S./Powder Springs, Ga.): Smith, who missed Friday night's game, obviously was looking to get his shot quota for the weekend, as he was jacking up every touch he got on Saturday, much to the dismay of his Celtics' coaches. He was the gunner-de jour, and the only thing worse than his shot selection was his shooting percentage. He's talented, no doubt, but his well-built lefty needed to bone up on his shot selection. In Smith's case, less is more (less bad shots). We've seen him play better, so we'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

Qua Marbury, 6-5, 192, SG; Atlanta Celtics (Lanett H.S./Lanett, Ala.): Coming off the bench, he's a long-range shooter in the mold of teammate Dwayne Day. A lean, athletic wingman, who is also comfortable shooting off the bounce, Marbury has the ability to get streaky from the perimeter. Still a work in progress, he's got excellent height for a wing and also shoots it well. One to keep an eye on.

Dwight Howard, 6-10, 235, C; Atlanta Celtics (Southwest Atlanta Christian H.S./Atlanta, Ga.): Big, strong and physically mature for a 10th grader (he's got biceps that most seniors would be proud of), Howard looked good in the two games we observed. He's athletic, can run the floor and has some good post moves. His most effective move, utilizing his wide shoulders, was a soft jump hook. Good rebounder and just starting to blossom.

Dwayne Day, 6-5, 190, SF; Atlanta Celtics (Vidalia H.S./Vidalia, Ga.): Dwayne Day is a shooter. That's his game and he's sticking to it. He's got range on his jumper, good mechanics and he's got excellent size for a young wing. Get him the ball and he'll stroke the J. And he's got the ability and inclination to shoot over shorter players.

Post Grads/Rising Sophs
Tyler Smith, 6-2, 180, PG, post-graduate; Baltimore Select (West Nottingham Academy/Colora, Md.): A lefty, Smith is a power point guard who is very good off the dribble. He gets into the paint and is good at finishing around the bucket. Strong build for the position, Smith has a solid handle and has the ability to get past his man off the dribble. More of a scoring point (when observed), resembling the play of Georgetown's Kevin Braswell. He did over-penetrate on occasion and he could improve his decision-making, but there is no denying his high-major talent.

Elliah Karron Clarke, 6-6, 190, SF, post-graduate; Worldwide Renegades (Winchendon Prep/Winchendon, Mass.): Clarke, who finished up the year at Lincoln High in Brooklyn, is a combination of athleticism, good size and skills at the swingman position. He's an offensive threat wherever he gets the ball in the halfcourt, able to drill the 3 off the catch, but more likely to put the ball on the deck and create for himself or his teammates. He's very good off the dribble, causing defenses to think about doubling him when he's got the ball (good passer who will find the open man). Elliah, Karron or "K-Rock" (as his Worldwide Renegades bench was calling him in North Carolina) is a mature player who plays hard with a high degree of confidence. Reportedly bound for the NEPSAC (New England Prep School Athletic Conference) where he will play for Mike Byrnes' powerhouse at Winchendon.

J.R. Pinnock, 6-5, 185, SF, post-graduate; Worldwide Renegades (Coastal Christian H.S./Virginia Beach, Va.): Excels in transition, really runs the floor on the break and finishes well. Good athlete, who showed he can shoot the ball some. A slasher, he also worked hard on defense and made some hustle plays.

Tasmin Mitchell, 6-6, 215, SF, rising sophomore; New Orleans Jazz (Denham Springs H.S./Denham Springs, La.): A very mature looking freshman (We haven't seen a freshman that mature since Schea Cotton), Mitchell not only has the cut biceps, but his game is also fairly mature for a freshman. Good nose for the ball and not afraid of contact when it comes to rebounding, Mitchell displayed a good knack for scoring in the paint. Obviously one of the best freshmen in the country, it'll be interesting to see how much more he develops.

David Benezra and Mark Mayemura cover the national college basketball recruiting scene at their Recruiting USA (www.recruitingusa.com) website. E-mail at: hoopsusa@mindspring.com or call (818) 783-2244 or (818) 783-2212 for subscription information.