Franklin still a hidden gem

Despite a dominating performance against the powerful Playaz Basketball Club in front of numerous college coaches at the DC Hoop Fest last month, 6-foot-6 210 pound forward Alex Franklin from Central Catholic HS in Reading, PA has not seen a dramatic rise in recruiting interest. Rivals.com spoke to Franklin and his high school coach last night for an update.

Franklin was the big story going around the gym at Cathlolic University in Washington, DC last month, as news of his herculean efforts versus the Playaz in an upset pool play win spread. However, although Franklin followed up with good efforts at an open gym in Philadelphia and again at the Southern Invitational, the phone was not exactly ringing off the hook.

"It's pretty much the same schools that have been there all along," Franklin said. "LaSalle is really the only new school to call."

Franklin has a scholarship offer from Rider, and they've definitely shown the most interest to date. Franklin is also very interested in the Broncs and plans to take a campus visit there soon. He's also received interest from LaSalle, James Madison, Kent State, Fairfield, Rutgers, UNC-Greensboro, Virginia Commonwealth, Ohio University, Rutgers, and Boston University, but the interest has been mostly in the form of letters.

"We've seen some new interest, but not like we thought we would," Franklin's coach Patrick Cristino said. "I still get calls on him from Division III schools, it's ridiculous! I think he can be a high level player, and he showed some of that in D.C. last month."

Franklin averaged 18.1 points and 11 rebounds per game last season for Central Catholic, leading them to a 21-5 record. He's a good student who should have no trouble qualifying.

He is an outstanding athlete with excellent ability to score in transition and along the baseline. He can make the short pull-up jumper, but his perimeter shooting is an area that needs improvement.

"He just needs to focus more on basketball," coach Cristino said. "He doesn't really know how good he can be, and I don't think he's really made the connection yet. This summer, particularly July, should tell us a lot."