May 27, 2009
Where will Lee go?
With Salesian’s Desmond Simmons having recently booked passage to Seattle, attention is squarely focused on St. Mary’s rising senior Dominique Lee. The No. 1 prospect for 2010 in NorCalPreps.com’s December 2008 rankings, the 6-foot-4 Lee is the premier hoops athlete in Northern California prep basketball circles.
Lee will decide in late summer
As the high school year is closing out quickly, Lee is preparing to display his talents as a member of the Bay Area Hoosiers. What will he be working on the most this summer? "My shooting and dribbling," Lee offered.
Already well known for his physical forays to the hoop, the ultra-athletic Lee wants to demonstrate consistent mid-range and outside jumpshots to scouts. Adding such to his arsenal will force his particular opponent to come out further defensively, thereby allowing even greater creativity on dribble-drives.
As for a college decision, Lee offered, "I’ll probably decide in late summer." He is searching for a program with a style that encompasses “getting up and down the floor and playing defense.” Note the latter emphasis and try racking your brain for the last high schooler at or near Lee’s level who expressed such a desire.
Coaches at the next level are looking at him as a combo 2 and 3.
One aspect that is unique about Lee is the assertiveness and energy he displays on the court. He wants contact, in fact, he seeks it out and thrives on it. The paint area during St. Mary’s games sometimes takes on the look of a rugby scrum with both offensive and defensive players bouncing around akin to what takes place with the rounded piece of iron in a pinball game.
This summer, Lee is working on expanding his skill set
Here’s Coach Nodar on his prize player: "Dominique is in the weight room four to five days a week. He is foot-to-the-pedal serious about bettering himself. There’s a mental maturity with Dom that is unique."
As mentioned, Lee plays a two-way game. Sure he likes to shoot and score as 99.999% of basketball players do but he also has a second focus: "I try to not let my opponent score and I take it personally when it happens."
That’s in alignment with what UCLA’s Ben Howland said in a February 2009 edition of The Daily Bruin: "When you get scored upon as an individual, it should be a very personal thing...at least that’s the way I look at it."
That mindset ranks among the very toughest for college coaches to teach, making Lee more ready than the typical recruit.
Plus, he makes no excuses. "Dominique was playing hurt this season from December on with shoulder and knee injuries," Nodar offered.
What’s also interesting is Lee’s humility and soft-spokeness. He’s the antithesis of the me-me-me player -- yet another trait prized at any level. Here’s Nodar again on his top talent: "He comes in, does what he needs to do and makes no waves. Dom is a warrior who is all business in what he does. You won’t get any showboating from him."
There’s a bevy of interested schools. California and Oregon State have been the most aggressive in their pursuit, with Washington State entering the fray a couple of weeks ago. Utah, Portland, San Francisco and San Jose State have already offered. Santa Clara has yet to pull the trigger but certainly remains interested as is Pacific and UC Davis.
Lee will sit down with his family, plus both his high school and club coaches and certain friends during the process of coming to a decision.
It will be Christmas in August for whichever coach and college lands this fierce competitor.