Check out my piece on SLAMonline about one of the best players in the 2014 class…

After taking home the Tennessee Division 1 Class AA high school championship, Jalen Lindsey got right to work in order to prepare for spring AAU ball. He scored 21 points in his Christ Presbyterian Academy’s 78-64 win over Mitchell, but he refused to become content and soak in the championship effort. Instead, Jalen trained hard and geared up for a set of grueling months ahead.

His work ethic and perseverance have not gone unnoticed. Although his AAU team, the Georgia Stars, failed to reach the EYBL Finals at the Nike Peach Jam, Jalen led his team in points scored and field goal percentage. He certified himself as one of the premier wings in the nation for the class of 2014 and has continued his success after the spring AAU season ended.

Jalen earned a spot at the NBPA Top 100 camp due to his impressive performances in the EYBL circuit. He came into camp ranked by national scouting services anywhere from 18-27 in the country for the 2014 class. He more than stood his ground against the other elite athletes and was voted on by the players at the camp to the All-Camp Team. He benefited from the structured environment and left his mark amongst the current and former NBA players at the event.

“I really liked the experience at the NBPA Top 100 Camp. I don’t get very many chances to have former NBA players find weaknesses in my game and tell me what I need to work on,” Jalen explained. “The camp was almost even better off the court from a learning perspective of breaking down film, getting to know guys who had successful NBA careers, and hanging with teammates.”

With an improving offensive skillset, a lengthy frame, and big time athleticism, Jalen has no shortage of schools asking for his commitment. Alabama, Providence, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, and Florida all have inquired about the 6’7 wing. Jalen claims no time-table for his decision and plans on waiting at least another year before really figuring out his recruiting process. For now, he wants to keep expanding his game and

“I’m still definitely wide open with the recruiting process. I want to see what schools start picking up interest after July,” Jalen said. “I just want to go out in July and let my play speak for me. Hopefully I start getting interest from a few more places, but I’m very happy with the list of schools already recruiting me. “

We all knew how much of an impact The Big Three would be when all cylinders are clicking. When playing at full speed, no one in the league can fully contain LeBron, Wade, and Bosh together. At this point, the near triple-doubles from LeBron come at no surprise. The monster shots in the clutch become ordinary for Wade. The mid range jumpers and versatile offensive performances are a Bosh special. Ever since the inception of The Big Three, however, people have constantly wondered what other players will step up in important moments. Who else will take the weight off LeBron’s shoulders? Is there another player on the Heat roster who can make meaningful contributions night in and out?

During the playoffs, the Heat received major contributions from a few different role players. Different guys stepped up during different games, which has been a big part of the Heat’s success. So, in your opinion, which Heat player has surprised you the most with his performance in the NBA Finals?

With the 2012 Olympic Games right around the corner, the releasing of “The Dream Team Documentary” came at a perfect time. Fans all across the world are relishing in the heart-pounding NBA Finals and experiencing one of the best individual battles the league has seen since the Jordan Era. The best part- both LeBron James and Kevin Durant will compete in the 2012 Olympic Games and hope to keep USA basketball at the top of the world.

PS: Don’t forget to tweet any video suggestions to @davespahn. The best videos will be posted!

It’s funny to think how long ago this all happened. LeBron’s dismantling of The Piston’s in the 2007 NBA Playoffs was such a pivotal moment in his career that it completely shaped every conversation about him for years after. Only now in the Heatle era have people started to forget one of the best performances ever in NBA history. Enjoy!

This week, I chose a play from an exciting Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals. Russell Westbrook set the tone early and made a statement with a monster dunk right at the start of the game!

We also want to give you, the fans, an opportunity to vote and pick a Classic Sports Moment of the Week. Tweet any videos to @davespahn, and I will put up the best videos with a shout out to the finder. Go find your best videos and start tweetin’!

Assist: BallisLife

When did you first start playing basketball? Who first introduced you to basketball?

My family introduced me to basketball as early as I can remember.

What position do you play? What do you like about playing basketball?

I play the 2 but prefer to play the point guard. I like the team aspect and being able to control the game.

What’s your workout schedule like? How often do you spend time in the gym?

I workout on the weekends for about 3-4 hours.

What is your favorite free-time activity besides basketball?

I like chilling with the family and playing video games.

How do you balance your schoolwork and practice?

I break it up into sections.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Math.

What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?

I listen to country music.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?

Spain, so I could test out my Spanish and also to meet new people (girls).

What people have helped you the most in your basketball career so far?

My family.

Besides playing professional basketball, what other careers interest you?

Plastic surgeon.

Do you play any other sports besides basketball?

No, but would like to try soccer.

If you could describe yourself in one sentence, what would it be?

Gregarious.

What words of advice would you give to players younger than yourself?

To do your best in school so you can be successful.

If you had to ask LeBron one question, what would it be?

What’s your mindset when you are on the court?

When opposing coaches faced guys like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, or Wilt Chamberlin, they would often use the phrase, “You can’t stop him; you can only contain him.” LJ may not have the career accolades of the aforementioned players, but he sure throws a wrench in the decision making process of opposing coaches gameplans.

He already scored 30 or more in 5 of his 10 playoff games this season, and his 9 rebounds per game brings him just under averaging a double-double in post season play. Quite frankly, completely shutting down LeBron and making him utterly useless for a full 48 minute game has become about as easy as getting Barack Obama on the phone. He’s uncontainable.

So, which player still in the playoffs is LeBron’s best competition? Can anyone contain him?

The Heat are not out of Round Two yet or even to the Eastern Conference Finals, but they’re getting there! The question is who would make a tougher opponent, OKC or the Spurs?

A.) Tim Duncan, Tony Parker & The Spurs

The Spurs have both experience & tons of depth from the likes of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli and of course the youngsters, Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, & Tiago Splitter.

B.) KD, Russell Westbrook & OKC

OKC is simply high-powered on offense with KD, Russy Westbrook, and Harden coming off the bench not to mention a staunch defense anchored by Serge Ibaka & Kendrick Perkins.

The 2012 spring/summer AAU season has officially begun! Loaded with talent from top to bottom, the current junior class sports some unforgettables in the high school ranks. Led by three time state champion and recent Gatorade National Player of the Year Jabari Parker, here are ten star juniors to keep your eye on during the AAU games this season…

Next page for video highlights!