While there just are not many available bigger post prospects still available this spring throughout the country, the state of Arizona seems to still be loaded with some talented prospects, and also some post players that are good enough to make an impact for the right college program.
One of those student-athletes worthy of some serious interest this spring is Desert Vista High School's 6-foot-8, 220-pound senior post KJ Hoffman.
Hoffman missed much of his senior season for the Thunder with an injury and returned late in the season to help head coach Dave Williams and his team to a strong finish on the season, as they finished with a 22-9 overall record on the season and a final-four finish in the state's top Division-I Class.
As a result of missing much of his senior season, Hoffman became a forgotten man to college coaches. Especially after Hoffman generated so much interest last summer after his strong performance in the Arizona Reebok Headliner Tryout Camp in June.
Hoffman has played exceptionally well already this spring, showing very good athleticism for his size and a mature approach to the game. A left hander, Hoffman is tough to defend around the basket and has excellent footwork. He is a very skilled prospect for his size and is also able to step outside to three-point distance and shoot the basketball, or make plays off the dribble - where he is a good finisher at the basket.
Hoffman has generated some good interest as of late, with schools like Point Loma, Clark University (IA), Nebraska-Wesleyan, Mesa State, Southeastern Oklahoma, and Lamar JC (CO) each expressing serious interest in the talented post prospect.
Hoffman plans to play through the spring recruiting period before reaching a decision on a school, and hopes to raise some more eyebrows with his play, size and skillset this spring.
Hoffman is already a full academic qualifier, and carries a 3.1 CUMP GPA.
I will continue to follow Hoffman's recruitment closely this spring, and bring you any updates as they continue to develop.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Hoffman is a proven and versatile post player with very good size and an ability to score around the basket, as well as step outside to the perimeter and shoot the basketball with range on a soft, left-handed shooting stroke. Hoffman is a unique player in Arizona's 2012 class, as he has a combination of size and fundamental offensive skillsets. He is capable of playing either as a stretch four-man or as a small forward. He possesses good overall athleticism and has good lift off the floor for his size. He is also a good passer of the basketball and has good court vision - a nice asset for a player his size. Hoffman is a very good offensive rebounder, and also does a good job of keeping the ball up high and keeping plays alive, where he is also a good finisher around the basket. Good finisher and a good free-throw shooter. Runs the floor very well. Good low-post defender. Has very good work ethic. Excellent prospect for a smaller program.
