Hilton Armstrong Has High D-1 Interest

Hilton Armstrong, a 6-8 forward from Peekskill High School in New York, has been hearing from St. Joe's, Texas A&M,

South Florida, LaSalle, Niagara, Canisius, Virginia Commonwealth, Central Florida, Rider, Siena, Hartford, Buffalo, and Elon.

All of the above schools have offered except Central Florida and Buffalo, who just got involved. Hilton had either in-home or in-school visits with South Florida, LaSalle, Niagara, Canisius, and Hartford. Texas A&M, St. Joe's, and Siena.

Hilton will take an official visit to LaSalle this weekend. He will also visit South Florida officially, but it unsure of exactly when. He may visit Texas A&M in the spring.

Hilton is not sure about what other

visits he will take. Armstrong does not have a leader. Armstrong will make a decision in the spring. Hilton Armstrong is a young (16 years old) recruit but very skilled big man who is just coming into his own.

The Peekskill native's recruitment has exploded over the past few months with his list peppered with mid-majors trying to crack Armstrong's wish list. Armstrong possesses a sturdy frame that should fill out as his matures physically. Armstrong only started playing the game of basketball seriously last summer.

Peekskill head coach Lou Panzanaro: "He is so skilled but he just hasn't played the game long enough. He just hasn't had the repetitions. Hilton is growing by leaps and bounds every time he steps on the court. He just hasn't had the immersion in the game.

"I think Hilton has tremendous potential, and he's only 16 years old," Lou added. "He has shown tremendous growth and improvement as a basketball player. When you project

what he might be at 19 with 30 more pounds, and as he becomes more familiar with the game, I don't know what level he can play at."

Panzanero has noticed a newfound commitment in his budding big man, as Armstrong had dedicated himself on the court as well as in the class room. "I see a totally different maturity and attitude in

Hilton. He's closer to 6'10'' at this point. He's been growing like crazy.

Lou added: "I have no doubt in my mind, that if he wants to(commit himself), he can be a professional basketball player."

Panzanero is no stranger to talented big men. The coach helped nurture the game of a pretty fair Peekskill native by the name of Elton Brand. More recently, combo forward Cori Spencer emerged from under Panzanaro's wing, now playing for Bob Hill at Fordham.

"Hilton is in very good shape academically. He should have no problems. He will take the SAT again in December."

Hilton still needs to achieve a qualifying score on the SAT.