With so many available prospects still on the recruiting board in Arizona's 2013 class, the post position is always a position that has the fewest available prospects for college programs to take a look at.
One prospect that is still available among the class is Chaparral High School's 6-foot-7 senior post Eric Conklin. Conklin, a pure four-man prospect, is among the top power forward prospects still available in the state. Still unsigned and undecided at this point, Conklin plans to play through the spring evaluation period before making his college decision.
Conklin has generated a lot of recruiting interest as of late, as many smaller programs have been in contact with the tough, hard-nosed 4-man prospect. He has already received scholarship offers from numerous division-II programs, but Conklin is still mulling over his options for the future.
According to Conklin's club coach, Justin Allen, Conklin is also receiving strong interest from several different smaller division-I programs, including a few programs from the Ivy League and Patriot League. Allen advised me that each school plans to see him in action this spring on the club circuit. Conklin will play for Allen's club program - Passion 4 Ball-Magic.
Conklin has had a very consistent high school career, as he has produced each of his three seasons at the varsity level. This season, while leading his Firebirds to a 22-8 overall record on the season amongst the Division-I Class, Conklin averaged 12.6 points and 9 rebounds per/game. In his team's state playoff loss to Gilbert HS, Conklin came up big for his team in the first half - leading Chaprral to a possible upset. But after not seeing the ball much in the second half, Chaparral would fall to Gilbert in Conklin's final game of his high school career.
Conklin is a wide-bodied force inside that enjoys physical contact and also playing on the low block. Dont worry about this young man playing on the perimeter, he likes playing with his back to the basket or simply getting it done in the paint. Conklin is very tough physically and what he lacks in athleticism, he makes up for it in his physical style of play. Among the top four-man prospects in the class and a very good recruit for a smaller program.
Conklin is also an excellent student and carries better than a 4.0 CUM GPA.
Arizona Preps will continue to follow Conklin's college recruitment closely this spring and bring you any updates as they continue to develop.
