Butler PF has widespread interest

Minnesota's search for depth at power forward has taken them to Butler County Community College where 6-foot-7 235 pound Andre Ingram resides. Ingram, who played at Minnesota Transitions in high school, averaged 13.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and a block a game this past season. He has set an official visit to Minnesota for early April.

"They (Minnesota) have shown a lot of interest recently," said Butler Community College Head Coach Michael Bargen. "They have come down here to see him and been in touch with him and myself over the phone. They have set it up for him to come on an official visit (April 8th) and from the sounds of it there is a sincere interest in Andre."

Ingram graduated from Minnesota Transitions High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he contributed 7.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.8 blocks per game as a senior. That was Ingram's first year of high school basketball. He followed his senior year up with a 2009 spring/summer with 94 Feet of Game and Minnesota Pump N Run that saw him build some division one interest.

After graduating from MTS Andre has played two seasons at Butler Community College including this winter where the Grizzlies went 17-14. In addition to the near 14 points and eight rebounds a game Ingram shot almost 64 percent from the floor.

"Andre had a great sophomore year," explained Bargen. "He scored the ball very efficiently and we should have done a better job of getting him the ball more. He shot 64 percent from the field and did a good job of getting the other teams big man in foul trouble.

"Andre has always been a very good rebounder and defender. He is extremely active and long and would go rebound the ball wherever it went."

Ingram built up college interest throughout the year including Western Illinois who has watched Andre since the spring and summer of 2009. Also, Boise State wants Ingram to visit their campus and Duquesne was recently on campus to visit with Andre.

"There are several schools that are very interested in Andre," said Bargen. "Duquesne, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin-Green Bay, Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Western Illinois, Boise State, Illinois State, and we have received a lot more calls about him recently."

Andre is still short on experience but his raw athletic ability and seven foot wingspan have helped him pick up ground on the competition.