Words by Sean Ceglinsky

Derrick Favors is a soft-spoken kind of young man. He’s low key, to be sure.

Seldom does he partake in trash-talking, not even when he’s being baited by an opponent. Rarely, if ever, does he argue with referees over what some might perceive as a bad call. What his coach says goes, too. No questions asked.

Favors is a throw back, of sorts.

Unlike most, the 17-year old senior forward from South Atlanta High, Ga., prefers to let his play on the court serve as his words. And the entire country is listening. His message is coming across loud and clear. No doubt about it.

“Derrick is different. He doesn’t feed into the hype,’’ said Jammar Stegall, an assistant coach for Favors’ AAU team, Atlanta Celtics. “I mean, I’ve seen him come down the lane, during the middle of a game, do a 360 dunk, in traffic, and the whole crowd has gone wild.

“What does Derrick do right afterwards? He runs down to the other end of the court, without even cracking a smile, without any emotion at all, and gets ready to play defense. He’s a silent killer. That’s his style.

“He goes about his business. It’s strictly business with him. When he’s out on there, he’s focused. There’s no reason to say anything, or to pump your fists on your chest when you are focused like he is. He’s humble. It’s plain and simple.’’

Fair enough.

At 6-foot-9, 225-plus pounds, Favors possesses the frame NCAA Division I scouts covet. He has the skill set to match, a fact that makes the Georgia Tech faithful a bunch of lucky followers considering they landed a commitment from him back in mid-January.

Favors’ game on the block is advanced beyond his years, allowing him to back down defenders and take the ball to the rim, often times finishing strong with either hand, without much of a fight.

Out on the perimeter, his touch continues to improve. He keeps opponents honest with range that extends to 18 feet, and from time to time, he’s been known to knock down the occasional 3-pointer.

And when an opposing big rushes to close out on him, Favors’ unusually good handle enables him to blow bye the fellow post player off the dribble and get into the paint for an easy pull-up jumper.

“If you put in the hard work, the results will come,’’ Favors said. “I feel that there’s always room for improvement, always ways to get better and better. If you’re out there focused, there’s not much to say. I let my game do the talking.’’

The way he carries himself is unique in this day and age. He prefers to fly underneath the radar. His undeniable talents, however, make doing so a difficult task.

If he continues improving, it wouldn’t come as a big surprise to see him playing one year of ball for Georgia Tech before being confronted with all important decision about the possibility of forgoing college life for the NBA.

It’s a scenario that Ramblin Wreck coach Paul Hewitt must think about on a daily basis. How could he not be concerned about losing Favors before his sophomore season rolls around?

“Georgia Tech sends players to the league. That’s where I want to end up some day,’’ Favors said. “I feel like coach Hewitt can help me develop as a player and get me ready for the next level. I’m ready to put in the work.’’

Remember, we are talking about a kid who could have played for any college in the country.

John Calipari and Memphis courted Favors for a while. So did UCLA’s Ben Howland, UConn’s Jim Calhoun and Florida’s Billy Donovan. And that’s naming a few of the powerhouse programs that were once potential suitors.

As a teenager, Favors burst onto the national scene with the Atlanta Celtics, a program that has had its share of standouts over the years. Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard and Atlanta Hawks’ Joe Johnson and Josh Smith once starred for the Southern-based juggernaut.

“Derrick has the potential to be as good, maybe even better, than some of the guys that came before him, no questions asked,’’ Atlanta Celtics coach Corey Smith said. “He’s going to make an instant impact in college too.’’

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up as one of the top freshmen in the ACC, one of the best in the nation. His lifelong goal is to make it the NBA and college is just the first step on the way. He’s going to be a Tim Duncan-type of player. He’s that good.’’

Tim Duncan? That might be a little far fetched, at least at this stage of the game.

But make no mistake, Favors is talented. As a senior, he averaged 27.5 points, 13.3 rebounds, five blocks, four steals and three assists per game while guiding South Atlanta to the program’s first ever Georgia Class AAA State title.

For his efforts, Favors was named 2009 Naismith National High School Basketball Player of the Year. Selections to the McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand All-American games are further proof of his tremendous upside.

The recruiting services jumped on the bandwagon a long time ago and have enjoyed the ride since. Scout.com lists him as the No.1 prospect for the 2009 class, ESPNU/Rise ranks Favors No.2 overall and Rivals.com has him at No.4.

As for Nothing But Net Magazine… We reserved a spot for Favors at No.2, just behind top-ranked John Wall from Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh, N.C. It was, however, a tough call, given the dynamic nature of both players’ games.

Favors is dynamic, yes. But he doesn’t talk the talk. He walks the walk.

“I don’t showboat. It’s not my style,’’ Favors said.