Recruiting Report: Andre Rafus (2018)
Back in March, Andre Rafus made headlines after committing to play college basketball at TCU for head coach Jamie Dixon. In June, he decided to reopen his recruitment. This decision would then lead Rafus to Mt. Zion Prep located in Baltimore, Maryland not too far from Lake Clifton, where Rafus had finished his senior season.
Ever since his sophomore season, Rafus has been a top player in the area. He then transferred to Roselle Catholic (N.J.) for his junior season before returning back home to Baltimore to finish out his high school career. Needless to say, he’s moved around quite a bit, but he’s stood out wherever he’s been. In his prep year for the Warriors, it won’t be any different.
One of the Warriors’ coaches, Brian Scott, told PrepHoops that Rafus is going to be a difference maker for them this season. He credited Rafus’ versatility and ability to score as the ways he’ll make an impact.
“I’m looking forward to leading my guys to victory every single game,” Rafus said. “The goal is to win a national championship.”
Rafus has always held high standards for himself in terms of performance and results. The 6’9 wing averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds for a very young Lakers team last season. His ability to mix it up by scoring inside and out to go with athleticism makes him a mismatch against almost anyone that guards him. He isn’t the type of player who will post up, but can rise over smaller players for jumpshots or take slower players off the dribble and finish above the rim. At many points throughout the season, his offensive performances were dominant. Rafus’ overall game is college-ready, but he still felt the need to do a prep year at Mt. Zion for crucial improvements.
“I just feel like I want to get bigger,” Rafus told PrepHoops. “I want to be way bigger than I already am. That’s the main reason I chose to go prep. I want to be sure I’m 100 percent ready. I feel like I’ve worked pretty hard at every other aspect of my game. My handles could use some improvement. That’s a focus too.”
Despite going prep, Rafus said he still is talking to the schools that were included in his final five before he committed to TCU. Georgetown, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State and Gonzaga.
The Warriors have a very talented roster set for the 2017-18 season. Rafus will certainly be a key piece to their success.