It is officially the offseason for college basketball following Louisville’s incredible win against Michigan in the National Championship last week.
However, there was another game that caught the attention of college basketball fans a few days before the Final Four, the McDonald’s High School All-American Game, where the best and most talented recruits from around the country compete and showcase their skills, giving us a glimpse into the future of college basketball.
Unfortunately, if you weren’t Kentucky, you did not have any incoming freshman playing in the game.
While the Furman basketball program did not land any of these highly talented high school seniors, they have added three quality players, as well as a transfer to next years roster, adding depth and filling holes left by departing players. Without further ado, here is a quick look at the players that will be a part of the future of Furman basketball.
The first addition to the men’s basketball team is Christian Hairston. Hairston is the Paladins headlining recruit for the Class of 2013.
The 6’7” small forward, who hails from a recruiting hotbed in Greensboro, NC chose Furman over SoCon powerhouse Davidson and Richmond during the November signing period. Hairston boasts a unique skillset as a perimeter player of his size and can fill in and compete at multiple perimeter positions.
He is a creative offensive playmaker and facilitator, and his style of play has the potential to mesh well with his future teammates at Furman.
Another addition to the team is Adonis Rwabigwi. Rwabigwi, a 6’8” center who is a native of Rwanda is also a key addition, especially to a roster depleted of big men.
Despite only having played for two years, Rwabigwi has shown a great deal of upside and potential, leading Tampa Preparatory School to a state title as a junior while averaging 10.6 points, 8 rebounds, and an impressive 2.6 blocks per contest.
While a player of his caliber may take some time to mold and develop into a complete player, he will be an instant contributor on the boards and as a presence in the paint on defense.
Kris Acox may be the wild card of the incoming recruiting class. The 6’6” small forward who played at Spring Valley High School in Colombia as a sophomore, may have flown under the radar of high school scouts, as he spent his remaining high school years in Iceland playing for KR Reykjavik, a club based in the capital city.
A strong and athletic forward, Acox is a menace in the paint and on the glass and has an exceptional ability to finish strong near the basket.
Vinny Zollo is a transfer from Western Kentucky, who sat out the 2012-2013 campaign due to NCAA rules, may have the most immediate impact of the newcomers.
The 6’9” power forward has size and experience necessary to at least partially fill the shoes of departing senior Colin Reddick.
While these newcomers will share in contributing to the Paladins success in the future, perhaps the biggest and most important recruit for Furman’s future is still yet to be found, as the athletic department continues their search for a head coach to shape and mold this group of talented young players into a successful team.
