West Plains prospects waiting it out
Recruiting at Missouri State-West Plains will almost certainly stretch into the spring signing period. While Brian Ostermann has a number of quality prospects, some of whom already have Division One offers, there were no official visits made by any of the players this fall.
"I hope to compete with Mineral Area this year," Ostermann said. "Everybody is looking up at them. They won 29 games last yearr and return two all region and four perimeter players from last year's team."
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Here is a look at the players who will lead the way for Ostermann's team this season:
David Collins is a seven-footer from Toronto. He averaged six points, four boards and two blocks a game last season.
"He has a very high skill level," Ostermann said. "He runs well, alters and changes shots."
While Collins still would not be considered overweight by anyone, he has added 30 pounds since coming to campus. He has been offered by Charlotte, Bradley and San Diego State. South Florida is showing interest and so, to a little lesser degree, is Missouri.
Another international frontcourt standout is Ewan Linton from Kingston, Jamaica.
"He has a seven foot wingspan," Ostermann said. "He plays hard, really scores around the basket and he's a very solid shot blocker."
Texas-San Antonio, Georgia Southern and Arkansas State are recruiting Linton right now.
Things could very well pick up for 6-foot-4 Johnnie McLawhorn later in the year. Utah and Weber State are recruiting West Plains' leading returning scorer, but many schools are waiting on him for academic reasons.
"He is a high major wing prospect who is strong and athletic," Ostermann said.
Charles Robinson, a 6-foot-1 guard with range well beyond the three-point arc averaged 7.5 points per game a year ago. He has offers from Georgia Southern and Texas-San Antonio. South Florida, Arkansas State and Charlotte are also showing interest.