LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas is expected to host DeSoto, Texas, small forward Antwan Space, one of the nation’s rising prospects, on an official visit this weekend.
Space, 6-7, 203 pounds, has more than 15 scholarship offers but has narrowed his list to Arkansas, Missouri, Gonzaga, Florida State and Maryland.
“Everybody is on the same level right now,” said Space, who averaged about 16 points and 7 rebounds as a junior. “I haven’t taken any visits, so I can’t judge until I see a school and meet the coaches face to face and see the players.”
Hoopmasters.com national recruiting analyst Van Coleman rates Space as the No. 84 prospect in the 2011 class.
“He’s a young man that was a little bit under the radar but exploded into the national top 100 over the summer,” Coleman said. “He’s long, skilled. He’s a kid that can play facing the basket and uses his quickness around the hoop to score. He has a nice 17-foot jump shot and can put it on the floor, along with being quick and explosive off the floor.”
Coleman sees a bright future for Space if he adds weight and strength.
“I think once his body fills out, he’s going to turn into a tremendous college player,”Coleman said.
Space credits his versatility to playing different positions in high school and during spring and summer basketball.
“I see myself being a multidimensional player,” said Space, who plays AAU basketball for Urban DFW Elite. “In high school, I play inside with my back to the basket most of the time. In AAU, I get to show my perimeter game a little bit more. I think at Arkansas, or wherever I go, I can mix those two together.”
Space said he’s heard good things about Arkansas and plans to catch up with Rickey Scott, one of the current Razorbacks whom he has competed against.
“I’ve heard it’s a good place,” Space said. “I’m not sure I can say I like it too much until I take my visit. I’m looking for a school where I can play my game and show my perimeter game as well as inside. I want them to push me to my potential.”
Space, who reports a 3.45 grade-point average, said he talks to Arkansas assistant coach Tom Ostrom about three times a week.
“If he doesn’t call me, I call him,” Space said. “We talk a lot. He’s always asking me what I would be looking to major in. He is more interested in me as a student-athlete than he is as an athlete. He’s pretty cool.”
Combination guard B.J. Young, 6-4, 170, of Florissant (Mo.) McCluer North is also expected to make an official visit to Fayetteville this weekend. He is rated the No. 24 prospect in the nation by Coleman.
LINEBACKER INTERESTED
The linebacker position is a high priority for Arkansas’ 2011recruiting class, and the Hogs are on several top prospects, including Lamar Dawson of Danville, Ky.
Dawson, 6-2, 235 pounds, plays at Boyle County and has approximately 19 scholarship offers, including ones from Arkansas, Oregon, Florida, Southern Cal, LSU and Michigan.
Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino’s willingness to play freshmen is appealing to Dawson, who runs 4.57-second 40-yard dash.
“I still haven’t narrowed my list down,” said Dawson, who reports a 305-pound bench press and 475-pound squat. “I’m still considering them. They’re in the SEC and that’s a real good conference. That’s always a plus to be able to get early playing time and get to showcase your talents.”
CBS College Sports national recruiting analyst Tom Lemming thinks highly of Dawson.
“I have him as the No. 1 player in Kentucky,” Lemming said. “I think he’s better suited for inside linebacker. He’s physical and quick to the ball. He runs as well as any ’backer in the area, and he makes plays.”
Dawson, who recorded 176 tackles, including 23 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions as a junior, has set up an official visit to Oregon and plans to line one up for Southern California.
“I’m going to take all five of my visits,” Dawson said.
E-mail Richard Davenport at [email protected]
Sports, Pages 20 on 09/03/2010