Fast-rising Norcross prospect picks UConn

By LARRY HARTSTEIN

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Jeremy Lamb did not start for the Norcross High basketball team last season. He played 14 minutes a game backing up his older brother, Zach.

Then the 6-4 guard dominated the summer AAU circuit, and everything changed. With a dozen major programs pursuing him, Lamb committed to UConn Tuesday, picking the Huskies over Georgia and Texas.

The senior committed in person to coach Jim Calhoun and a UConn assistant, who were visiting Norcross High.

"The tradition and the coaching and being able to play at such a high-profile program were draws, but one of the great things about the UConn situation is they're losing guards to graduation," Norcross coach Jesse McMillan said. "Jeremy is going to have a great opportunity to play as a freshman."

Lamb averaged about 10 points and 4 rebounds last season for the Blue Devils. With his brother now at Miami Dade College, Lamb won't have a problem cracking the starting lineup.

"Early in his career he was known for his perimeter shooting," McMillan said. "Now he's very good at putting the ball on the floor, and has a nice mid-range game. Coach Calhoun liked how he could stretch the defense but also attack the rim."

In addition to finalists Georgia and Texas, Lamb had offers from Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Florida, Alabama, Auburn and Marquette. Before the summer he had offers from just two mid-majors.

A four-star recruit, Lamb is rated the nation's 13th-best shooting guard by Scout.com.