NBA could be in Banks’ future

BULLS IMPRESSED, NETS SHOW INTEREST

(7/22/06)

Whoosh! photo Although Cedrick Banks has a contract with the French League, the NBA’s New Jersey Nets have shown interest in the former Flames great.

Cedrick Banks’ trip to Orlando with the Bulls summer league team could have earned him a big payoff.

After his impressive week, which saw the 6-foot-3 former Flames guard average 10.6 points in the five games, two teams liked what they saw, including the hometown Bulls.

“[The Bulls] really like Cedrick,” said Banks’ agent, Mike Naiditch in an e-mail, “but I don’t think he is in the running for one of the [remaining roster] spots.”

Banks played 19 minutes per contest, while shooting 51 percent from the field, 33 percent from three-point range and 75 percent from the foul line. He also averaged 2.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists.

The New Jersey Nets have also expressed interest in last year’s French Pro-B League foreign MVP.

Banks already has signed a contract for the 2006-07 season with Nancy, the top team in French Pro-A, but the deal has a buyout clause.

“Ced had his best game against the Nets, who are looking for a shooter,” Naiditch said. “There is a possibility there, but it’s really a long shot. Because his French contract has an NBA buyout provision, there is still a chance Cedrick could play in the NBA this upcoming season.”

Banks played his best game of the summer against New Jersey, scoring a Bulls’ summer high of 26 points on a variety of jump shots and drives to the basket. He also had four rebounds and five assists in that game.

Regardless, Banks has a secure job in France and his NBA dreams may be closer than some people think.

2007 RECRUITING UPDATE: According to report on ChicagoHoops.com, the Flames have offered a scholarship to another player in the Class of 2007.

Glenbrook South forward Danny Monckton has received an offer from UIC. The 6-foot-6-inch, 180-pound Monckton can play either forward position, but likely will be a small forward.

Monckton also has offers from Army, Navy, VMI, Northeastern and Northern Colorado. He also has interest from Air Force (and former UIC guard Jeff Bzdelik), Northern Illinois, Illinois State, Wisconsin-Green Bay, Valparaiso, Princeton, Dartmouth, Holy Cross, Santa Clara, Pacific, and Miami (Ohio).

Last season at Glenbrook South, Monckton played with Division I recruits Jeff Ryan (Northwestern) and Kevin Bulger (Columbia). Monckton should be looked upon as the Titans’ leader this season.

According to Illinois Prep Bulls-Eye, Monckton has a good work ethic, above-average athleticism and can put the ball on the floor. He also possesses a solid mid-range game. In addition, he’s not afraid to mix it up for rebounds.

As a junior, Monckton was fourth in the state in the slam dunk competition in Peoria.

Monckton is also a decent football prospect as a wide receiver as he has looks for Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois State.

Previous reports have the Flames offering three other prospects: Edwardsville center Terrance Williams (7-0, 225), Whitney Young forward Dwight McCombs (6-8, 220), and Mt. Zion (N.C.) guard Tyree Graham (6-0, 165). The Flames also had reported interest in New Port Richey (Fla.) Gulf guard Anthony Jackson (5-8).

Photos: UIC athletics (left) and BGSU athletics Othyus Jeffers (left) and Scott VanderMeer were mentioned as key players in an ESPN.com article about the Horizon League.

ESPN SUMMER SESSIONS: ESPN.com has put an early preview of the Horizon League’s upcoming season and profiled Loyola as the conference’s top team. It also said that league coaches say that four or five teams have legitimate shots at the title, including UIC. Detroit and Wisconsin-Green Bay are also mentioned as contenders.

The article mentions Othyus Jeffers, Josh Mayo, Jovan Stefanov, Scott VanderMeer and T.J. Gray as key contributors. It also mentions that VanderMeer and Gray can give the Flames an instant boost, because of their experience as Division I transfers from Bowling Green and Western Illinois, respectively.