By Steve Patterson

    Power Forward Stephan Van Treese comes from the same Indiana high school that produced Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr. On a perennial powerhouse team of D1 talent, Van Treese stands out as the top college prospect. Averaging 13 points a game, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks, Van Treese has stepped up his game for his junior season.

    Van Treese had spent a good amount of time prior to his junior season improving his outside shot and the coaches at Lawrence North have noticed. When we asked him about his performance on the court, he felt energy and his inside plus outside play stood out. “I think I am someone who brings energy to the team. I can play inside and out. I run the floor and rebound well.” He told us.

    When it comes to recruiting, he is looking at the class that he will join him at a particular college, the coaching staff, and the school. “I am looking at what players are coming in. Where I fit into their system, I want to be comfortable with the school, players, and coaches.” He explained to us. Ohio State was his first offer and they continue to aggressively recruit him. “I have visited OSU.” Van Tresse reported. “I think it is a good program, and they are producing Big Ten Championships. They can develop players.”

    Van Tresse has also visited Indiana, Purdue, Kansas, Louisville, and Norte Dame.  All these programs remain on his list and have offered him a scholarship. If Indiana is penalized for recruiting violations and unable to play in the NCAA tournament in the future, he would consider that as a strong reason to remove them from his list. He plans on narrowing down his list soon. “I will narrow my list sometime in the next months.” He said.