COLLEGES ARE STARTING TO TAKE NOTICE OF JORDAN RAILY

In recent years, every class has had a talented big man and in Oregon's Class of 2010 Jordan Railey could be the top dog. The still-growing 6-foot-10, 215-pound post from Beaverton High School has made rapid progress in his body and game in recent years, and that development has continued this off-season. Railey is making strides with the Team Jones AAU program, having plenty of fun and picking up college interest in the process - including his first college scholarship offers.

"It's been better for me compared to how Beaverton went since we didn't have such a great season," Railey said. "I enjoy playing with these guys and I know Garrett (Jackson) and Hayes (Garrity) from playing against them during the season. It's fun for me hooking up with guys from different schools."

Railey has been the man in the middle for the Team Jones 16U squad, providing the team with plenty of rebounding and shot-blocking down low. Offensively, he's shown signs as well with his soft touch and footwork, and he continues to work on improving himself on a daily basis.

"My game has gotten better over the last year," Railey said. "There are still things to improve on obviously, but I've come a long ways. Mostly I've been working on getting bigger and heavier, and I've been working on my vertical so I can dunk a little more with ease."

After spending the month of June back with Beaverton HS, Railey was going to have time off during the first half of the July evaluation period since Team Jones 16U was not playing in any tournaments. Instead, he got clearance to suit up with the Portland Hoop Kings in two FinalScore.tv Invitationals in Vancouver and Seattle and now he's received his first full ride scholarship tenders.

"I've gotten a couple of offers from Utah State and Portland," Railey said. "I wasn't expecting it at all, but I feel good about it. When the coach from Utah State called I didn't even know that they had been looking at me and then he told me that they were offering. And Portland called me last night. They like my poise in the post and how I'm patient with the ball, and when I get the ball and I'm double-teamed, I don't rush. They say that I'm a pretty good passer (out of the double-team) and when I'm not doubled, I can score. They like my defensive game too."

Prior to getting those calls, Railey had barely received any recruiting attention so he is definitely excited about the possibilities at either program. "I like them both," Railey said. "I looked up Utah State online because I didn't know much about them and I like how they try to do things down there. And with U of P, I've been to a couple of their games and I like how they've got a young team. I like their coach too."

Railey not ready to do anything with his recruitment just yet, but does enjoy how things are progressing. He hopes to keep the momentum going as he rejoins Team Jones 16U next week at the Main Event in Las Vegas.