AKRON, Ohio — The concept of the LeBron James Skills Academy is to combine the position academies hosted by Deron Williams (point guards), Paul Pierce (shooting guards), Kevin Durant (small forwards) and Amar’e Stoudemire (frontcourt) into one camp. The focus is on teaching advanced concepts through drills, team practices and controlled scrimmages. After the camp, the players head to Cleveland to compete in the King City Classic on July 8 and 9.
Standout players
Kyle Wiltjer (Portland, Ore./Jesuit,Video)
2011, PF, 6-foot-9, 221 pounds
Wiltjer’s skill and feel for the game are simply terrific. During drills and scrimmages, Wiltjer’s footwork and touch separated him from the other post players in the class. He executes great ball fakes in order to move the defender out of position in order to get off his shot. He does a great job of screening and sealing his defender for great low-post position as well. A natural pick-and-pop power forward, Wiltjer can also score with his back to the basket and pass out of the post with great accuracy when he draws multiple defenders. Defensively, he understands how to hedge on screens with great effort. Wiltjer reminds us of a high-school version of University of Minnesota and Boston Celtics great Kevin McHale. More from the LeBron James Skills Academy
