Brice Massamba Taking Off

Since Brice Massamba's performance at the recent National Prep Showcase in Lowell, Mass., his coaches have received 20 calls from college coaches.

A native of the Congo who grew up in Sweden, the 6-10, 255-pound Massamba plays for Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada, which chimed in at No. 4 in the latest National Prep Poll. Before that, he averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for Gelstaviken in Sodertalje, Sweden.

UConn, Cincinnati, St. John's and Buffalo are all interested in Massamba, said Findlay Prep's Todd Simon.

"Brice is obviously a very big body," Simon said."He has above average athleticism. Great hands. The No. 1 attribute is his feel for the game. He really knows how to play. He's one of those guys that knows where everyone should be on every play. He's extremely physical.

"He's very solid defensively. Not an above the rim shot-blocker, but a guy that quarterbacks the defense from the baseline, takes charges, blocks out and plays hard.

"Offensively, he can shoot it out to 17 feet, is a very good passer and handler, and is a traditional back-to-the-basket scorer.

"He needs to firm up his body and get 100 percent healthy. He has battled tendonitis in his knee for over a year but is feeling better now since he arrived here. He actually afford to be more assertive and less of a passer out of the post. He often looks to kick to the open teammate as opposed to finishing. He's not a guy that's going to block a ton of shots.

"In terms of intangibles, he is great. He's a team captain and leader, a kid you want to be around, and has a maturity about him that knows when to have a good time and when to be completely mature."

Findlay has two uncommitted seniors, three 2009 prospects and one 2010 prospect. Four seniors have committed, including DeAndre Liggins to Kentucky, Deividas Dulkys to Florida State, Jacques Streeter to Cal State Fullerton and Curtis Dennis to New Mexico.

Other Findlay Prep players being recruited heavily include 6-8 junior F Clarence Trent (UConn and Pitt), 6-10 small forward Carlos Lopez (Pitt) and senior SG Jorge Gutierrez.

Findlay is slated to play Danny Hurley's St. Benedict's Prep team Feb. 17 in Louisville, Ky.