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Derrick Favors, a 6-foot-9 center from Atlanta, is ranked as the top player in the class of 2009 by Scout.com.
LAWRENCE | Derrick Favors has always worn No. 34, but he might as well be wearing a big ol’ No. 1 on his back.
Ever since Scout.com tabbed him the top player in the class of 2009, all other numbers have become irrelevant for Favors, a 6-foot-9 center from Atlanta. Favors, in town this weekend for the Jayhawk Invitational, remembers when he heard the news that immediately pushed him into the national spotlight.
“A big smile came to my face,” said Favors, 16. “I was like, ‘It’s about time.’ ”
That’s about as bold as Favors will get. He talked often Saturday afternoon of not letting the ranking go to his head — hey, after all, he is only No. 3 at Rivals.com.
“He’s really a humble kid,” said Jamar Stegall, Favors’ coach with the Atlanta Celtics. “I try to let him know those rankings really don’t mean nothing. They’re just a personal opinion. You can be No. 1 on one list and No. 100 on another list. What does it mean?”
Because at least one outlet thinks he’s No. 1, Favors had some people on hand Saturday to see what the fuss is all about as the Celtics bombarded the much-smaller St. Louis Raptors for a 50-point blowout. Lawrence native Brian McCaffrey brought his son and two of his son’s friends to watch Favors. The three boys were all wearing the jersey of another No. 34 with the Celtics, former KU star Paul Pierce.
“Great job, Derrick!” one of the boys yelled.
Favors can be a dominant player inside. During his high school season with South Atlanta High, it was not a rare occurrence for Favors to post a triple-double in points, rebounds and blocked shots. Favors’ stat lines have made it impossible not to compare him to former Atlanta Celtics great Dwight Howard, now an NBA All-Star.
“Every day, someone comes up to me and says Dwight Howard,” Favors said.
“I just smile and say OK.”
Favors wasn’t doing a very good impression of Howard, also an Atlanta native, on Saturday. He was too busy trying to prove to Stegall that he can play on the outside, too. Favors swished a three-pointer that looked to be from NBA range.
Asked about Favors’ three after the game, Stegall laughed and said, “Don’t print that.”
“I’m trying to extend his game 15 to 18 feet away from the basket,” Stegall said.
But 23 feet? Probably not. Favors said that he could see himself as a small forward if he doesn’t grow anymore, but he may not be finished sprouting just yet.
Whether he’s done or not, it appears that Kansas is making a push for Favors.
He said the Jayhawks have sent him letters, called him and visited his school a few times. Playing in Allen Fieldhouse as he did on Friday night certainly didn’t hurt KU’s chances.
“Looking up at all the banners and stuff, playing in the same arena (where Kansas) won a national championship, it’s been fun,” Favors said.
Of course, there’s another banner on the way. KU’s 2008 national championship will certainly keep the Jayhawks in the game with Favors.
“You’ve always got a chance when you’re national champion,” Stegall said. “Always.”
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