Super-sized recruits

When the 2004 McDonald's All-Americans take to the floor in Oklahoma City, IU's nationally-ranked recruiting class will be well represented. Power forwards Josh Smith and D.J. White will participate for the East team in the March 31 contest.\n"It's a great honor for both kids," IU coach Mike Davis said. "I was disappointed that Robert (Vaden) didn't make it because I think Robert Vaden is one of the top players in the country, too. He definitely should have been there. It's just great for both kids. It can't really do anything for them, (it's) just a great experience for them. You hope they defend 'cause, really, there's not a lot of defense being played in those games."\nTexas' class, ranked No. 1 in most polls, will have three members playing in the game. IU, along with UCLA, Kentucky, Duke and North Carolina, has two recruits playing in the 24-member game. Sophomore guard Bracey Wright was a McDonald's All-American in 2002, as was former IU basketball player Jared Jeffries in 2000.\nThe last time IU had two McDonald's All-Americans in one year was 1989, when Greg Graham and Pat Graham were named to the squads.\nSmith said he plans on participating in the dunk contest and will just go out and have a good time.\n"I know I'll do good, so I'm not worried about that," Smith said. "It's an all-star game, and people usually don't take those too seriously ... It's an honor. I'm really excited to play."\nThe 6-foot-9 Smith led Oak Hill Academy to a 38-0 record and the No. 1 ranking by USA Today. Oak Hill coach Steve Smith said Josh is exciting to coach because of his versatility. He averaged 22.3 points per game and grabbed more than 200 rebounds. \nSmith said Josh is looking forward to it.\n"These all-star games are rewards for their high school careers," Steve Smith said. "It's a fun time, but at the same time, they all want to play well. Twelve of the best players in the country are on his team. He's looking forward to showcasing his skills."\nSmith has coached 18 McDonald's All-Americans in his 19 years at Oak Hill. He said Josh ranks up there with the best at his position.\n"He's by far the most athletic," Smith said. "He can run and jump better than the others. He plays the same position as Carmelo Anthony, Jerry Stackhouse, Ron Mercer and Steve Jackson. They're all in the NBA. He's probably more athletic than all of them, definitely more than Carmelo. He's comparable with all of them."\nWhile Oak Hill is known for producing basketball talent, White is the first representative from Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, Ala., a distinction he is proud of accomplishing.\n"It boosts the school," White said. "It puts Hillcrest on the map. It's the first time anyone around here has done it. It's a great honor for me and my town."\nBryant Lancaster, coach at Hillcrest, said coaching White is one of those situations that doesn't come along too often. He said White is well-rounded both on and off the court. \nLancaster compares him to Robert Horry of the San Antonio Spurs.\n"I've had talented players before, but nothing like D.J.," Lancaster said. "He's very coachable and a hard worker ... The thing that stands out is his height at 6-foot-9, but he has the ability to play inside and outside. We're working on his three-pointers. His game is expanding. This kid has a lot of weapons."\nThere has been some speculation that Smith, a top-five talent, may never don the Cream and Crimson but head straight for the NBA. Smith has until May 10 to decide.\n"Right now I'm going to IU," Smith said.\nWhite and Smith met during recruiting visits last summer but have never played on the same team before. White said he's looking forward to hooking up with his future teammate.\n"It will be our first time on the court together to see how each other play," White said. "I'm looking forward to making a big impact as a freshman."\n-- Contact staff writer Tyler V. Hoeppner at thoeppne@indiana.edu.