Class Of 2010 Player Watch: Tim Rusthoven 

October 27, 2008

7:30 P.M. CST

The class of 2010 in Illinois may sport more depth at both the 4 and 5 positions than any other class in the state.  It includes 6'8 Phillip Jackson, 6'9 Paul Bunch, 6'10 Fred Heldring, 6'10 Jordan Threloff and now yet another player--6'7 Tim Rusthoven from Wheaton Academy in West Chicago, IL.

We got an opportunity to watch Rusthoven in action at the playoffs of the Joy Of The Game Fall Exposure League in Deerfield, IL and he was spectacular in leading his team to the finals of the NBA East division.  In fact, there is no doubt in our mind that Rusthoven deserves to be mentioned in the same breath with all of the other top big men in Illinois from this class, including Jackson, Bunch, Heldring and Threloff.

While we label Rusthoven a 4 man, he is not your prototypical power forward.  We say this because he also has many skills of a 3, as he can put the ball on the floor, handles the ball exceptionally well for a frontcourt player and can also face up to 15' and consistently knock down shots.

With all of this being said, it is in the post that Rusthoven truly excels.  He is very good with his back to the basket, as he protects the ball well, has a variety of postup moves and has tremendous scoring ability in the paint.  Rusthoven is also quite adept at the defensive end, as he blocks shots and rebounds exceptionally well despite still needing to get stronger.

Rusthoven began to open eyes on the traveling team circuit this past spring and summer while competing on the 16-Under Velocity Red squad, which actually played up in the 17-under division at most tournaments and qualified for the AAU nationals.  There is absolutely no doubt in our mind that Rusthoven is a D1 prospect and should he continue to add strength and expand his shooting range, we believe that the sky is the limit.

Continue to check in with Illinois Prep Bulls-eye for all of the latest as it pertains to recruiting and high school basketball in Illinois.

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