Combo Forward Has Offer

Matt Annen, a 6-6, 220 pound small/combination forward from Elk River H.S. in Elk River, Minn., turned in a fine weekend at the Rumble in the Bronx for the Howard Pulley basketball program.

Although he's accustomed to playing inside for his high school program, Annen has a little more freedom with the Pulley team. While he is able to score with either hand around the basket, he impressed us particularly with his midrange shooting ability at the Rumble. What he lacks in foot speed, he makes up for with smarts and toughness.

Ohio University has offered Annen a scholarship, while a number of other colleges are also highly interested in the forward. Among that lot are Bowling Green, Creighton, Drake, Evansville, Illinois State, Northern Iowa, Kansas State, Utah and Marquette.

At Elk River, Annen averaged 17 points and 11 rebounds per game as a junior. He said he has a 3.5 GPA and has scored a 19 on the ACT. He took the ACT for a second time on June 8.

Annen has taken unofficial visits to Iowa State and Northern Iowa thus far, and expects to make an early decision. We will keep you posted on his situation in the weeks to come, so stay tuned.