Shawn Kemp’s Son Might Play for Georgia

Shawn Kemp used to be the “Rainman,” the slashing, jamming, tamahawk slamming power forward for the Seattle SuperSonics. Now, though, he’s a punchline because of all of the out-of-wedlock kids he’s fathered, and the weight he’s gained. And the Sonics are leaving town like a rolling stone, too. However, Shawn’s eldest son, Shawn, Jr., might well become one of the nation’s top basketball players very soon. In fact, he’s a highly sought-after recruit according to an article about him by Luke Winn at Sports Illustrated.

Shawn Kemp, Jr. is 6-9, but he could still be growing. Some people say he plays like his father when he was young, but the story here is that Jr. is trying to make a name for himself, and not be forever attached to the father he barely knows. That’s going to be very hard. However, what’s more likely is that he could bring some good will back to the Kemp name. Schools like Georgia, Ole Miss, Alabama, Cincinnati, Washington and Indiana have all come knocking at his door, wanting him to play for their schools. This story reminds me a little of Daryl Strawberry’s son, who was a college player last season before he was drafted. Like Strawberry, he’s going to be forever linked to his father, who has had his share of problems in the past. But now, due to D.J.’s success, his father isn’t the first thing that people mention when they talk about him.

To get NCAA basketball tickets, go to StubHub.com.

Posted in General on July 11, 2008

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