Dawson remains open
There are very few players in the 2011 class who can compete with Branden Dawson on the glass. The four-star small forward form Gary (Ind.) Lew Wallace has proven to be one of the more productive players around, and colleges continue to take notice and are showing him the love.
Measuring at 6-foot-5 and 202 pounds in bare feet, Dawson doesn't seem like someone who would dominate with rebounding, but it is the 6-foot-11 wingspan is what separates him from other players his size. That allows Dawson to control the glass and make an impact on the game.
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"I try to eat on the glass, and that is my goal," said Dawson of his rebounding prowess. "I always try to rebound to get the team going."
While Dawson knows his bread and butter is getting rebounds and converting around the rim, he is working to become a true and complete small forward.
"I am working on my handles and my shot, and they have both gotten better," explained Dawson. "I think everything is going good."
When it comes to recruiting things remain the same for Dawson. He still has the same core group of schools showing him interest.
"Things are going well, but in July that is when things all kick in with the phone calls and everything," said Dawson of his recruitment. "UCLA, Marquette, Indiana, Purdue, Georgetown, and Michigan State are the main schools recruiting me."
Earlier in the month Dawson had indicated that the home state Indiana Hoosiers had dropped off his list due to a lack of communication, but since then he says that Indiana has re-emerged.
"I just got back talking to Indiana," Dawson explained. "Coach (Tom) Crean is a good coach and it is good to hear from them again."
Over the next few weeks Dawson plans to stop at several college campuses to check things out.
"In June my high school team is going to the Purdue team camp, the DePaul team camp, and I think around July I am going to see Georgetown, Michigan State, and Marquette," explained Dawson.
For now Dawson is in no hurry to make his decision despite the scheduled unofficial visits. In fact Dawson feels that he is a long way away from making his final choice.
"Next year is when I will make my decision," Dawson explained. "I am still open right now, so around the late signing period."
Currently Dawson is rated as the No. 30 player in the nation.