Brazilian big man draws a crowd

Fabricio DeMelo, a 6-foot-10 center from Brazil, drew a who’s who of college coaches when he played Monday in the adidas-sponsored It Takes 5ive basketball camp.

Among the coaches who nearly circled the court were Kentucky’s John Calipari (plus assistants Orlando Antigua and Rod Strickland), Roy Williams of North Carolina, Gary Williams of Maryland, Billy Donovan of Florida, Rick Barnes of Texas, Bob Huggins of West Virginia and Oliver Pernell of Clemson.

The coaches probably liked what they saw. DeMelo moved well, showed no frustration when he did not get the ball and made a few nifty passes.

A crowd of reporters wanted to talk to DeMelo after the game. But he declined all requests. His coach for Florida Rams summer team, said the player did not feel comfortable in a group interview setting.

The coach, Matt Ramker, said DeMelo had been in the United States less than 18 months.

Ramker said the schools high on DeMelo’s list are Connecticut, Louisville, Syracuse, Florida State, Miami, Texas and Florida.

DeMelo attends Sagemont Upper School in Weston, Fla.

Kentucky flavor

A definite Kentucky flavoring enveloped the It Takes 5ive camp.

There were 21 teams from Kentucky in the event, which held separate divisions for ages 15 and younger through 17.

Players from Lexington represented all five public high schools, plus Lexington Catholic and Lexington Christian Academy.