The State College boys’ basketball team spent this past weekend at Susquehanna University. The Little Lions drilled and played against more than 30 varsity teams from the region. Coach Drew Frank walked away from the camp pleased. Ho-hum.
Taran Buie, meantime, spent his week playing alongside basketball’s next superstars and drilling with LeBron James. All the while, the next high school all-star camp on the circuit beckoned.
A quick Web search of Buie’s name bears oodles of articles and photographs — too many to count — documenting the exploits of the highly regarded 6-foot-2 guard. You discover he’s one of the most prized prospects in the Class of 2010, choosing Penn State for his college destination over Maryland, Georgia Tech and Notre Dame.
What’s less noticeable is the fact that Buie, a half brother of Penn State star Talor Battle, will finish his high school career at State College, playing for the Little Lions. Frank has only spoken briefly with Buie’s mother, Denise Murphy, who moved her family from Albany, N.Y., to Boalsburg last month.
Frank hasn’t had any contact with Buie and knows little about his game, other than the hype it brings.
“I know our players have said you can watch him on YouTube. I’m not really big on that,” Frank said. “Obviously his reputation precedes him. To be ranked in the top 40 or top 50 (nationally among rising seniors) or whatever he is, you know you have a special player coming in.” How special? …