Oregon Big Man Making Noise
Bobby Lester, a well-built 6-8, 260 pound center/power forward at Portland (OR)
Madison HS, has developed into one of the Oregon's top senior big men this
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year.
Because of Madison's struggles this season (the Senators currently have a 3-12
record), Lester hasn't gotten the attention from colleges that he probably
deserves. However, that hasn't stopped him this season from averaging 17.7
points and 9.5 rebounds while shooting over 60 percent from the floor so far
this season. And recently, he set a career high against local power Jefferson
HS with 31 points on 11-for-14 shooting, while grabbing 8 rebounds.
"He's a traditional old school, back to the basket, George Mikan kinda guy,"
said Madison head coach Chuck Matthews. "He knows how to use the bulk of his
body well."
Lester only averaged about four points a game last year as a junior, as he
operated mostly in the background of Chris Stephens (now at Oregon State),
Chris Botez (Chemeketa CC), and current classmate Geno Quinones. However this
season, he has taken full advantage of the opportunity to shine.
According to Coach Matthews, Montana State and Boise State have both shown interest in his
developing big man. A number
of NAIA schools are also interested, and Matthews says that Lester will likely
pursue the program that allow him the opportunity for a scholarship. He will
sign in the spring.
While Lester uses his size well on offense, Matthews does think that he could
improve on his rebounding by keeping his arms up. He will also need to improve
his foot speed on defense. But despite his large frame, Lester is a decent
leaper who can finish off alley-oop dunks on the break.
Lester needs about 100 points on the SAT in order to be fully qualified
academically, based on his GPA on the sliding scale.
Lester played AAU basketball this past summer with Portland Elite, where he was
a teammate of Oregon State signee Jeffree Williams.
Jed Tai is a Senior Writer for Hoopville.com