Nick Anderson (6-9 F/C, Edwardsville H.S.) - Illinois Wesleyan Class of 2014

Heading into 2009-10, Nick Anderson was considered a priority recruiting target by several top Division III programs. By October 2009, Illinois Wesleyan, Wash U, Williams, Wheaton and others were on the 6-9 center with a tremendous academic profile. He was even contacted by a few low D1 schools.

Before his senior season ever tipped off, Anderson suffered a broken hand. The injury sidelined him for several weeks. When he finally returned, he was only used for 3-4 minutes at a time, and he was primarily used at the small forward spot (which is not his natural position). He was hardly used in the low post at all. When the dust settled on the season, Anderson averaged just 3.0 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.

Because his final season at Edwardsville was so quiet statistically, Anderson very well may be the real sleeper of this year's IWU recruiting class. He is a legitimate 6-9...maybe even closer to 6-10. And he is not just tall, he is also skilled. Now, it seems clear Anderson will not come to Bloomington ready to contribute as a freshman. He will need to hit the weight room hard and add muscle, and he will need to develop his low post skills and overall game. Anderson has never really been used as a pure center, so he'll get a great chance to learn how to play the 5 at the JV level. He will definitely be a work in progress when he gets to campus in the late-summer.

I've spoken with assistant coaches at some of the other schools that recruited Anderson and they all say the same thing Ron Rose does -- that Nick Anderson could end up being a very good player at Illinois Wesleyan.