DURAND SCOTT AND PITT: POSSIBLE MATCH

With future Connecticut guard Kemba Walker no longer at his side with either the New York Gauchos or at Rice High School, it is Durand Scott’s turn to take the reins and become one of the best guards in New York City – and he knows it.

But does everyone else?

“Everyone’s not giving me the respect I deserve,” Scott said. “I need to show everybody what I got.”

While Scott is Set to Prove the Doubters Wrong (NBE Basketball Report), he has those that definitely believe in him.

“He is one of the best defensive players in the country and can guard all five positions on the court,” NY Gaucho assistant Chad Babel told the NBE Basketball Report recently. “His best attributes are his leadership, will to win, and his refusal to lose.”

“To me, (Durand) is the most underrated player in the country. Some would say that’s biased because I’m his coach but I pride myself on being harder on my players then anyone,” Babel recently indicated he feels Scott is among the top 25 players in the country.

Another group of people he has won over are the college coaches. Right now, Scott’s recruitment is wide-open with a multitude of schools courting the confident youngster. He told Jeff Borzello at the Rumbe in the Bronx that Pittsburgh, Louisville, Connecticut and West Virginia and other schools are looking at him from the Big East, while Virginia, Miami and Xavier are also interested in him. He said he is not leaning in any particular direction just yet.

His strong play from the 'Rumble' has carried over to this week. Included in Ron Bailey's NBA Top 100 camp Thursday Player Reviews (NBE Basketball Report) were these thoughts on Scott:

Pittsburgh is on this combo guard hard (with the love being reciprocated) and it shows – he’s tough, runs a team, and is vocal. Time and time again, Scott, hailing from New York, NY found open teammates, including several nice dimes in half court traffic during evening play. Of course ACC schools are drooling as well.