Five-star Cothron likes five

Class of 2010 five-star prospect Luke Cothron has found a new home in Red Springs (N.C.) Flora Macdonald Academy, and the 6-foot-8, 210-pound power forward is putting up monster numbers.

An Alabama native, Cothron is averaging 30 points and 19 rebounds for his 10-1 team. Coaches are taking notice and lining up to recruit the skilled big man.

Presently Cothron is hearing from Connecticut, Memphis, Alabama, UAB, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, Auburn, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Florida State, LSU, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest. Five schools, however, standout above the rest.

"UConn, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida State and Virginia Tech are the schools that really have my attention right now," said Cothron. "All of them but Florida State have offered, but I'm working on visiting down there and I think they will offer then. I also want to visit Virginia Tech soon."

A legitimate inside/outside threat with the length and body type of former Louisville standout Pervis Ellison, Cothron models his game after NBA great Tim Duncan and former NBA big shot maker Robert Horry.

"I want to be a skilled four man who can play like Robert Horry and Tim Duncan," he said. "I want to shoot it like Horry and post up like Duncan."

Although Cothron's school list is beginning to take shape, don't expect a decision anytime soon.

"I'm going to wait until my senior year and then sign late," he said. "With coaches losing jobs and changing jobs, I want to know who I'm going to play for."

Cothron, who runs with the Southeast Elite on the travel circuit, is the No. 17 ranked prospect in the class of 2010.

Luke Cothron scouting report:

From the haircut to his physical frame to his skill package, Cothron strongly resembles former Louisville star Pervis Ellison. A long, fluid athlete, Cothron can both beat his man down the court as well as chase down rebounds. And when he gets the ball in his hands, he knows what to do with it. Cothron is a skilled low post scorer with a variety of moves and has a dangerous face up game as well.