There are still numerous prospects still available this spring for division-I college programs to take a hard look. One of the very best overall prospects that college programs will be taking a very hard look at over the next month is Hillcrest Prep's 6-foot-10, 250-pound talented and physically gifted senior post Carl Lewis. Once a prospect with a very troubled past, the gifted post talent is working hard to put himself in a strong position to get recruited by college programs looking to fill a void in their frontcourt.
Lewis moved to the state of Arizona to attend Hillcrest Prep at mid-season, after previously attending Lynwood High School in California, where he put up very impressive numbers as a junior, averaging better than 20+ points and close to 20 rebounds per/game last season. While Lewis put up strong numbers on the season, and ranked as one of the top prospect prospects in the country, Lewis decided to change programs in his senior season, in an attempt to reshape his collegiate future.
After a troubled past where Lewis had some serious issues arise in his life, many basketball scouts and media that had known him previously began to believe that he would simply not make it. Lewis sought to change that fact and give himself another chance at life, as he decided to move to Arizona, a state that he knew absolutely nothing about. A native of Compton, California, Lewis has really enjoyed his time in Arizona, and also has enjoyed the new opportunities that are now available to him.
Currently, Lewis possesses offers from Georgetown, USC and St. John's, but he is also generating serious interest now from such programs as Michigan State, UCONN, Grand Canyon and numerous others.
While he has yet to receive more offers to his credit, many more offers should pour in for him, once he is cleared by the NCAA as an NCAA Academic qualifier. It is still unclear as to whether Lewis will qualify academically, but members of the Hillcrest Prep coaching staff advised me that they believe he does have a good chance to qualify with some continued hard work over the next several months.
Lewis is a rare find among today's high school prospects around the country, as he is a grown man physically. An extremely strong post prospect with huge shoulders and chest, large and strong hands and quick feet and explosiveness off the ground, this true post prospect is an absolute handful. An immediate impact post prospect that has a high-major division-I college-ready body, and extreme toughness physically to go with it.
"There are players that act tough, but Carl is the real deal," said Hillcrest Prep Director Matt Allen. "I have seen kids that act tough, but Carl doesn't act, he truly is."
If Lewis can qualify academically this spring, he should become a very hot recruiting target for many college programs, especially with the numerous new coaches that will be taking over jobs this spring, and will be looking for immediate help. If he doesn't make it academically, then he will dominate the juco ranks before making the jump, unless he decides on a post-graduate year. Either way, he will have some options for himself - a nice fact for a student-athlete that once basketball enthusiasts believed did not have any.
I will continue to follow Lewis closely this spring, and bring you any updates on Lewis as they develop.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: A very large and physically strong post prospect with an excellent body and physical size. One of the larger post prospects in America. Has an immediate impact division-I body now. Transferred to Hillcrest Prep during his senior season from Lynwood HS (CA). A very good low post scorer with good low post footwork and excellent physical strength around the basket. A very strong finisher at the rim. Has a good jump hook and gets to the free-throw line quite often. Also has a soft touch from the perimeter, out to 18 feet, which defenses honest. Is a true post player though that enjoys physical contact and scoring with his back to the basket - a lost art. An active rebounder and shot-blocker. Runs the floor very well for his size. Has excellent potential on the floor, and if he can get it together off the floor then he will see a dramatic rise in his overall college recruitment. An absolute load for opposing post players to keep off the glass. A big-time low post prospect with potentially an excellent future.
