Following in your father's footsteps is a large task for any child, perhaps even more so when your dad is a former NBA standout. Thus, it's all the more impressive that Keri Laimbeer, daughter of former Detroit Pistons star and current Detroit Shock head coach Bill Laimbeer, has turned out to be one of the top prep players in the Class of 2004.

A senior at Detroit Country Day School, the 6-2 Laimbeer earlier this month led the school to its third consecutive Class B state title. (Michigan girls' basketball teams currently play in the fall.) In the championship game, Laimbeer had 12 points and six rebounds as Detroit Country Day topped St. Clair 49-24.

As a junior, Laimbeer was named a second-team all-state player by the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press; she's also a three-time All-Oakland County honoree and was an honorable mention All-Midwest pick by Street & Smith following her junior season.

Next fall, Laimbeer will play for Syracuse University; she signed a letter of intent in November. "Keri is a great competitor and a real presence on the floor," said SU Head Coach Keith Cieplicki. "She has a great attitude and her ability to shoot the ball makes her a real threat."

"I chose Syracuse because of their great academics, more specifically their communications program. I want to go into broadcasting," Laimbeer told www.detroitshock.com last month. "Syracuse has a great atmosphere, it's not so big and I got along great with the coaches and players (on my visit). Most of all, I'm excited about the academics."

Article written by Gball Associate Editor Jim Catalano.

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