Kellermans Stock Rising

RivalsHoops.com noticed the play of 2005 prospect Chris Kellerman at the Marshall Co. Hoopfest earlier this season. As expected the 6-foot-7, 210-pound small forward is now being recruited by more top flight mid-major programs and a couple high majors. If the still growing and skilled Kellerman can continue to get stronger, watch for more high majors to be on his trail as he plays this summer for the St. Louis Eagles.

Kellerman, who is averaging 14 points on 43 percent shooting from three and 80 percent shooting from the line, along with 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game for O’Fallon (Ill.) High School, is being recruited by Butler, Saint Louis, Marquette, Oral Roberts, Southern Illinois, Creighton, Illinois State, North Carolina State, and Northern Illinois.

It appears that Butler and Southern Illinois are the schools most interested in Kellerman at this point.

“He has already taken an unofficial to Butler,” said Kellerman’s father and high school coach Kevin Kellerman. “He went to the game with his mother and enjoyed the visit a lot. He’s taking an unofficial this Saturday to SIU. Coach [Jeff] Meyer [of Butler] was here this fall to watch him workout.”

Kellerman has plenty of skills with the ball and the savvy of a coach’s son without the ball, but he needs to develop his strength and explosiveness to be able to make an impact at the high major level.

“I don’t think he is done growing yet,” said Coach Kellerman. “He has put on 25 pounds since last year. He’s got great instincts for the game. He is a great passer and handles the ball well. He is also a good outside shooter. I think once he gets quicker and stronger, he will be a lot better. He’s an extremely hard worker.”

If Kellerman does grow an inch or two and gains another 20 pounds, he will create some serious match up problems on the next level.