First-year Kansas State head coach oscar Weber has quietly put together an excellent 2013 recruiting class.
With four-star scoring guard Marcus Foster (Wichita Falls, Texas/Hirschi), long, athletic and skilled shooting guard Westicles (Houston/Westfield), and strong and physical attacking point guard Jevon Thomas (Queens, N.Y./St. John's Northwest Military Academy) already in the fold, on Monday Weber added three-star center Neville Fincher (Teaneck, N.J./Hargrave Military Academy) to give the Wildcats a class that has size, length, strength, athletic ability and tremendous upside.
The 6-foot-9 Fincher played very well when he was evaluated in late November at the Fishburne Military School Best Western Caisson Shootout. Fincher has a college-ready body at about 225 pounds and appears to have very low body fat. He is physical, powerful and explosive around the basket when he receives drop-off pass in transition or in the half-court offense created by dribble penetration.
He finishes swing steps along the baseline above the rim in traffic and through contact without difficulty or delay. He will have to work to develop his offensive back-to-the-basket scoring package with moves, touch and footwork, but these areas should rapidly improve at the major college level. Fincher is also a good area rebounder and capable defender.
What will Fincher bring to Manhattan?
Fincher will bring an immediate physical presence in the post for the Wildcats with his ability to finish, rebound and defend. He will be a screen-and-roll and screen-and-post player in Weber's motion offense. He will be counted on to protect the lane by moving opponents out of deep low-post position and by blocking shots on the ball and coming to the aid of a teammate from the weak side in the pressure man defense.
Fincher should take his production to the next level as he improves on the offensive end and works to play with great energy and effort the entire time he is on the floor. Fincher has great upside, and if he can max out his potential Wildcats fans are going to be extremely happy.
This Kansas State class not only has some talent but has a level of toughness and competitiveness that will help the Wildcats become a team that can potentially cause problems in the Big 12 once they work together and develop a winning chemistry.
