The Stanford Cardinal have picked up a crucial component to their 2012 college basketball recruiting class when they landed the services of 6'9" wingman Rosco Allen from Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas Nevada. Allen seemed to be debating primarily between the Cardinal and the UNLV Rebels (his hometown team) although he did take trips to Oregon and North Carolina as well. Stanford recruited him the hardest though, which is why he's on his way to Palo Alto. Ryan Greene of the Las Vegas Sun reports.
The commitment from Allen, who Rivals.com ranks as the No. 73 overall prospect in the 2012 class, is huge for Stanford. It strengthens a class for the Cardinals that already includes Houston shooting guard Christian Sanders and California power forward Grant Verhoeven. Aside from the obvious academic edge Stanford has over Allen's other finalists, he'll join a young team and have a chance to play big minutes right from the start.
Let's take a look at his highlights, which showcase a player still developing into his own form (and has some tremendous upside the further he grows under Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins).
(via PointguardUcom)
As you can see from Allen's tape, he's got a natural ability to finish at the rim, using his hops to get right to the basket, and can spot up for jumpers and nail them with ease. Allen might need to bulk up a bit to be ready for the rigors of Division I basketball, but it looks like he's in good shape to make an impact.
For more on Stanford basketball recruiting, go to Rule Of Tree. For more on Oregon basketball recruiting, head to Addicted to Quack. For more on North Carolina basketball recruiting, head to Carolina March.