Colon continuing to improve

You can't teach size, but you can teach a jump hook. These two facts make 6-foot-10, 245-pound Luis Colon a valued prospect. Raw in many regards, Colon, the No. 141 ranked player in the class of 2006 and out of Montverde (Fla.) Academy has taken positive strides in the development of his game this year. As a four year player who could eventually be the anchor on the interior for a high-major program, Colon is getting plenty of recruiting attention.

"Luis is hearing from everybody," said Colon's AAU coach Art Alvarez of the Miami Tropics. "Tennessee, Miami, Cincinnati, Florida, Florida State and Arkansas have been on Luis real hard along with many others."

At the Nike Hoop Jamboree last summer, Colon's size was evident as soon as he stepped on the court, but so was the rawness of his game. Especially on the offensive end, Colon struggled with the ball in his hands. But what the big guy did do was compete and work for position. This type of work ethic is what has his game on the rise.

"Luis has had a tremendous year," said Alvarez. "His high school coaches have done a great job with him. His footwork has really improved. They've played a national schedule and that has helped Luis a lot.

"Luis is a man. He's really strong and runs the floor well for a kid his size. Luis is a great defensive rebounder. He's still learning to play basketball. He's only been playing since the nineth grade. He has tremendous upside."

Having started for the Puerto Rico national junior team, Colon will be playing for a Tropics team that has developed a number of Puerto Rican prospects. With the Tropics, Colon will continue to focus on developing his offensive game.

"We're working more on his offensive game," said Alvarez. "He's a bit raw right now. We're also working hard on his 15-foot jumper."