We here at Barbasol believe in many things. We believe that the closest shaves can only be achieved with Barbasol shaving cream. But we also believe that when it comes to college athletics, life is about more than performance on the court. It's also about what takes place in the classroom.
With that being said we'd like to look at the All-American Top 100 List for high school basketball recruits and shine a spotlight on the young men who have taken their dedication to the hardwood and the library. The following student athletes are heavily recruited for their basketball talent but also have been able to maintain a minimum 2.9 GPA, showing they are focused on their academics as well as their athletic future.
Let's meet the team in order of Top 100 ranking!
David Coughlin
C - 6'10 - 227 lbs
Jeffersonville High School - Jeffersonville, IN
#37 Overall
2.91 GPA
David is averaging 18.6 ppg and 9.6rpg on 57% shooting, but this young man is more than just a force in basketball. David is student council treasurer and maintains a 2.91 GPA while also managing the track team. David, a Butler commit, plans to major in Astronomy.
Dean Salgado
SG - 6'3 - 196 lbs
Tell City High School - Tell City, IN
#56 Overall
3.14 GPA
Dean is hoping to be the next big scoring guard in Cincinnati, where he committed this fall. He's averaging almost 26 points a game for the Marksmen. He also is part of the Beta Club and has a solid B average. Dean's favorite subject is Biology and he hopes to major in a related field.
Thomas Baker
PG - 6'4 - 199 lbs
Earlville High School - Earlville, IL
#62 Overall
2.90 GPA
Thomas hasn't decided on a college yet, but his decision between Wisconsin and Bradley may come down to academics. He's currently averaging 21 points, 7 rebounds, and nearly 8 assists a game for the Red Raiders. This Mr. Basketball Illinois is most excited about finding a school that allows him to explore his favorite subject, Psychology.
Ralph Hang
SG - 6'2 - 193 lbs
Giles County High School - Pulaski, TN
#75 Overall
3.12 GPA
Ralph is well known in Tennessee basketball circles for his aggressive scoring and his cool demeanor, but not many know how studious this young man is. Ralph is on pace to graduate with honors, and he is a member of the Giles County High School Debate team. Ralph has committed to Auburn, although he has not decided yet on a major.
Whitney Dearman
SG - 6'1 - 189 lbs
Madison High School - Madison, SD
#87 Overall
2.91 GPA
In Madison, South Dakota, there isn't much to do but play basketball and study, and Whitney does both admirably. Whitney leads the Bulldogs in scoring with 23 points a game and also recently won Mr. Basketball of South Dakota. He is currently deciding between Drake and Wisconsin, but he is already locked in on a major - Communications.
Justin Hill
C - 6'8 - 239 lbs
William Byrd High School - Vinton, VA
#89 Overall
3.00 GPA
On the basketball court, Justin's teammates see him as a glue guy, the player who helps bring the team together. He's also seen that way at school, where he organized a successful study block to help boost student performance on tests. The Wake Forest commit loves British Literature and is hoping to get his MFA after college.
Dennis St. Laurent
PF - 6'5 - 225 lbs
Albany High School - Albany, CA
#100 Overall
3.10 GPA
When asked about his professional prospects, Dennis readily admits he doesn't see himself as a PBSL-caliber player. And that's why he has hit the books as hard as he has. He has earned a 3.10 GPA while loading up on AP classes for college credit. He looks forward to studying Engineering at UC Davis.
There you have it, folks! These young men have bright futures both on the court and in school, and we're rooting for them. And remember, choose Barbasol!