Clemson, Penn St, Miami Show Early Interest

Raphael Madera, a developing 6-10, 250 pound center from Avon Old Farms H.S. in Avon, Conn., has made some strides over the past year.

Madera transferred into Avon Old Farms after spending a year at Milford Academy in Connecticut.

At this past weekend's Rumble in the Bronx in New York, Madera displayed a slimmed down frame. While he's not exactly quick and is slow laterally, Madera is a big physical specimen who will likely be a high priority at the low-mid major level.

Madera is at his best when he hits the glass, defends and converts high percentage chances in the paint. In one contest we viewed at the Rumble this past weekend, Madera did just that for Nick Blatchford's CAS Warriors program.

A native of Forest Hills, N.Y., Madera told the Insiders Report/Rivalshoops.com that he has received mail from such programs as Rhode Island, Clemson, Miami, Penn State and Manhattan.

This past season at Avon Old Farms, Madera averaged 12 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks per game. He said he carries a C+ average in the classroom but won't take the SAT or ACT until the fall.

Entering his fifth year of high school this fall, Madera is hoping for a big summer with the CAS Warriors. He plans to attend the adidas Big Time Tournament in Las Vegas and the Charlie Weber Summer Tournament in West Virginia with that program, as well as attend a session of the Eastern Invitational Basketball Clinic.