Jeremy Tyler - Top Basketball Player in Class of 2010

From: Sports Illustrated (Double Issue; July 14 -21, 2008; pg. 140)

JEREMY TYLER - 16 yrs. old (6' 11'; 245 lbs.)

Position: Forward
Hometown: San Diego, California (San Diego High School)


Achievements: Rivals.com's top player in the class of 2010, Jeremy averaged 18.0 points, 14.5 rebounds and 7.7 blocks while leading San Diego High to its first section title in 33 years.

Reminiscent of: Amare` Stoudemire. Jeremy (6' 11', 245) is about the same size as his idol, and he's keen to match Stoudemire's intensity. "He's intimidating as much as athletic," says Jeremy. "Everyone's scared of him."

Coach's comment: "Tyler brings a dominant presence to the court," says Cavers coach Kenny Roy. "He was more of a post player, but now he's getting outside and hitting the 15-foot jump shot and still attacking the glass."

Next step: Jeremy has been trailed by a film crew since last season for a possible documentary about his life. Though even college is still two years away, he's a worthy subject. "The best player to come out of San Diego is Bill Walton," says Roy. "Here's a young man with the opportunity to shatter [that notion]."


*SPORTSKID OF THE YEAR
If you know someone from age 7 to 15 who excels in sports, does well in school and gives back to the community, go to http://www.SIKids.com/sportskid to nominate him or her by Sept. 1, 2008. Sports Illustrated will announce the 10 finalists on Sept. 15, 2008 and the winner will appear on the December 2008 cover of SI Kids.