Prospect Spotlight: Xavier Foster (2020)
T.J. Rushing
Oskaloosa's 6-foot-8 forward Xavier Foster is already establishing himself as a hoops star in Iowa, and he hasn't even played a high school game yet.
The 2020 stretch-four will not start his high school basketball career until November when the Indians officially start practice -- but because of the attention he's been getting from high-major Division I programs, his name is already on our radar.
“My (Pure Prep) coaches have said that Baylor, Drake, Iowa and Miami (FL) had been talking to them about me, and that's all I know about that,” said Foster. “And then I've gotten letters from Drake and Iowa.”
Foster is a self-described Hawkeyes fan, and he recently had a workout in front of Iowa assistant coach Sherman Dillard.
“It was really cool, and after the workout he just told me he's not really worried about me making shots at my age. He said he'd really like it if I could play big most of the time, and work on my mid-range,” said Foster. “It was good all-around. His favorite part was when we were doing the post-move workouts, and it was all dunks.”
Foster is adamant that he would like to evolve to be more of a perimeter threat than a post threat as his career unfolds. Right now he says he's able to be versatile, and he can hit jumpers while manning the post if necessary.
“I think I can spread the floor well, and then I can also play big and grab boards. And with my height I can shoot over people. I play offense outside on the perimeter, but I play defense almost always inside, and I protect the rim really well,” said Foster.
“When I was younger I was always put in the post, but I didn't really like that. And now I've worked my way out.”
In the offseason Foster said he's been working out everyday with his Pure Prep coaches, and this winter he'll look to make an impact with the Indians' varsity squad.
Plenty of people will be watching as Foster attempts to showcase his skill and versatility as a young Division I prospect.
“I haven't been told yet, but I would say my coach will probably want me to play down low this season,” said Foster. “I'm probably going to have to work down low for my freshman year, and then when I get to be an upperclassman hopefully I can play outside on the perimeter more.”
