One of the hottest names on the North Carolina high school Bbsketball scene is Deuce Bello.  You are sure to hear about this rising star for he is making a name for himself with his athletic ability.  Bello still has a ways to go before making his collegiate choice, for he is only a rising junior at [private] Westchester Academy in Rocky Mount, N.C.

He stands around 6'-2" or 6-'3" and still has a ways to go in developing his strength, but that is the standard need for improvement with a kid his age.  BDN Premium caught up with Bello during the Carolina Challenge and got  his thoughts on the recruiting process, where he already holds three offers.

"Schools are sending a lot of letters and I have three offers from Wake Forest, Oklahoma State and Baylor," said Bello.  He continued, saying, "I have interest from Duke, Memphis, Maryland and USC."

Earlier this year, Duke Assistant Coach Nate James was able to see him play in Greensboro, and might have come away impressed enough to get Bello on the Blue Devils' watch list.

Bello then stated that he had no dream school growing up, but that he did prefer to play in a system where the players could get up and down the court.  "I like to get out and run and drive and pick."

When asked what kind of defense he liked to play, Bello didn't hesitate when saying, "I like man to man."

He can also play either guard position, "Right now I am playing the point a lot, but I see myself as a shooting guard in college."  With continued work  Bello could become one of the highest rated wings in his class, but the upside is easy to see with this young man.

Bello has yet to plan any unofficial visits this summer and the rules prevent that from happening in AAU events which are played on or near schools during dead periods in recruiting.  Like Wall, Bello will turn to Brian Clifton for advice when it comes time to get more serious with the process.

"I just like to hang out and work on my game and take care of school work," said Bello when asked about his off the court activities.   In this day and time, prospects like Bello start playing basketball in the spring right up until high school practice starts.  Bello will play with D-One Sports, the same AAU team that produced Ryan Kelly and John Wall.

It's a bit too early to gauge the Blue Devils' interest in Bello, but he is a kid worth keeping an eye on.  During the Carolina Challenge, Bello dunked with ease, showed a nice mid-range game, and drained a three to help his team take a one point lead.  I have now seen Bello play in just two games, so a full scouting report will come down the road.  The one thing I can tell you is that Bello is a really good athlete who is already playing toe-to-toe with older kids. [/private]