The recent success of Bo Ryan and the Wisconsin Badgers is starting to make a difference on the recruiting front as the state’s best players are beginning to stay put. On Wednesday, the 18th ranked prospect in the nation, Sam Dekker, decided to sign his National Letter of Intent to play at Wisconsin starting in 2012.
Currently a senior at Luthern High School in Sheboygan, WI, Dekker averaged 28.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and four assists during his junior season.
“We’re obviously very excited to have Sam join our program. He brings the entire package to Wisconsin,” Ryan said. “Sam possesses all of the first-class intangibles that you want in someone representing your program on the court, in the classroom and in the community.”
Dekker projects to play at the small forward position and is a nominee to play for the 2012 McDonald’s All-American Team. He was also the WBCA 2011 Division 5 Player of the Year and a member of the AP All-State Second Team.
Coach Ryan had a lot more to say about Dekker who currently weighs in at 215 lbs. and has a 6’8″ frame.
“From a basketball perspective, his length and skill set will allow him to play different positions and as he develops and adds strength to his frame, he will be a great fit within our system. He’s got a great knowledge base of the game. He can handle the ball like a guard with excellent court vision and passing ability and a perimeter shooting game that has rapidly improved.”
“Our staff is really excited about what the future could hold as Sam continues to grow and develop. His maturation and development have exploded since last season which made him the talk of the country this past July during the national AAU events. With extreme hard work and dedication, Sam has made himself into truly one of the elite players in the country in his class over the past 18 months.”
“Given the fact that he could have gone just about anywhere he wanted, but decided that he wanted to pursue his dream of being a Wisconsin Badger, is extremely special and a testament to what the players here before him have accomplished. His decision also speaks volumes to how this program, along with the success and development of the players within it, is now viewed from a national perspective.”
“Sam’s a first-class young man, with parents, in Todd, who’s also his high school coach, and Carol that have done a fantastic job of setting high expectations for him and holding him accountable at an early age. It definitely paid off for him both on and off the court. Badger fans should be excited to watch Sam grow and develop during his career in Madison. I know he’s ready to have a great senior year at Lutheran and then will be ready take the next step here with his future team.”
Do you think this is a significant add for Bo Ryan and the Badgers? Let me know by commenting below!
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.