By Anthony Jaskulski

The target of schools such as Seton Hall, Kentucky, Marquette, Maryland and Pittsburgh, Team Melo center Andrew Fitzgerald has yet to make a decision on where to play out his four years of his basketball career. Regardless, wherever the big man goes, he is sure to create some fireworks.

At 6’8, 245 pounds, Fitzgerald, who currently attends Owings Mills High School in Baltimore (MD), averaged 21 points and nine rebounds last season, as well as contributing to the AAU squad Team Melo.

Andrew is being recruited heavily for his skills inside the post, and his consistent mid-range jump-shot. He is also a hard-nosed defender and possesses solid rebounding skills.

Here is what Andrew had to say in a Q&A segment:

Q. What basketball conference best fits your style of basketball?

A. Most of the Big East really, because they play that powerhouse style basketball, but I also like the ACC and the run-and-gun style they have.

Q. You said Pittsburgh was very high on your list. What makes them so special?

A. I like how they feed the ball inside, and their guards are tough and know how to feed the big men the ball. It seems like they play competitive basketball and know how to win, and that’s what I like.

Q. What would you say is your biggest attribute in your game?

A. I think it’s running up and down the floor, because a lot of big men don’t do that. Coaches tell me that’s how you get a lot of easy buckets, by running the floor quick and it’s true.

Q. What is one area of your game you think you need to improve on?

A. I need to get better with dribbling the ball, working on my mid-range shot even more and getting into shape. I am good with it now, but I want to get better and better with it and make myself as good as I can possibly get.

Q. Is there anything specifically you work on as a big man to gain a better advantage on the competition?

A. Everyday I work on moves inside the paint with my back to the basket and trying to beat the defense. I think as a big man the most important thing is to be able to back down players and work a move for a basket on them.

Q. How did it feel to get to showcase your game to different coaches and scouts in attendance at the Pittsburgh Jam Fest this weekend?

A. I was happy to show what I have, but I still have a lot more to prove and to show in my game. It’s still early and there is a lot more time for me to improve and show everybody what I can do.

Anthony Jaskulski covers the University of Pittsburgh basketball beat as well as the Pittsburgh high school beat for the Pittsburgh Sports Report. Look for more of Anthony’s coverage this weekend from the Jam Fest here at the NBE Basketball Report.

Related Articles:
Jam Fest Q&A: Dion Waiters
Pittsburgh Jam Fest: Day Three
Pittsburgh Jam Fest: Day Two
Pittsburgh Jam Fest: Day One

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008 at 6:21 pm and is filed under Marquette Recruiting, Pittsburgh Recruiting, Seton Hall Recruiting. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.