The Weekly Spin: More Than an X-Factor
By A.W. Prince, BearTerritory.net Senior Writer, Story appeared on Rivals.com on September 24, 2007
One of the premier point guards in the west coast's outstanding 2009 class is Elk Grove (Calif.) Pleasant Grove standout Xavier Thames. While Thames has yet to truly break out on the national scene, he's well-liked by many programs in the Pac-10 because of his size, handle, and shooting stroke. The Weekly Spin checks in with the Eagles top prospect, who is more than an X-Factor.
After catching up with Thames this past week at his home gym, and also spending some time following him this summer on the AAU scene, there is no question that Thames has the tools to be one of the best guards to emerge in the 2009 class. In fact, he reminds us a lot of former Cal point guard Ayinde Ubaka at the same stage.
Thames is quickly becoming another hot commodity in the Sacramento area.
Just check out his highlight video below, and you'll see the quick release he possesses, plus his overall game.
Xavier stands 6-foot-3, knows how to set-up defenders, and can really score. He leads a talented Pleasant Grove high team that is more than capable of a twenty-win season in 2007-08. That would be more than double what the Eagles won a year ago, a school that's just a few years in to its existence.
Why the quick transition?
The top reason is because of Thames, the son of a former Pac-10 player and a 2007 All-State sophomore selection by CalHiSports. Poised, smooth, and incredibly athletic, Thames, who has a big-time jumper to go along with a very smooth mid-range game, is coming off a sophomore season in which he averaged 17.6 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.6 rebounds. His numbers should really jump next year, especially with the return of the senior inside players Shauwn Brooks and Armond Armstead – the latter a major space-eater at 6-foot-6, 295-pounds.
The Weekly Spin asked Thames about his upcoming junior season, his recruiting, and what he's done to improve his game. Check out his first Rivals Videography for his answers, and watch his first Rivals Highlight Video to see his game;
To read the full article and watch the Xavier Thames Videography and Xavier Thames Highlight Video, follow the link below (requires membership);
Article and Videography/Highlight Video at Rivals.com (requires membership)