Colton ready, willing, able

The perfect opportunity for a mid-major to emerge from the sidelines and make a bold, preemptive move is available. It being grabbing little-seen Aussie Robert Colton during the upcoming April signing period which opens April 13.

Why should a college do so? Colton is a 2015 6-foot-6 wing with excellent long-distance shooting skill, good athleticism as well as college-ready strength. He has international playing experience through his time at both the Australia Institute of Sport and with the 2014 U17 Australia National Team.

Colton sat out this season at Archbishop Riordan High -- although he practiced daily with the team -- after coming over from Australia. This spring and summer he's playing with Coach Randy Bessolo's Bay Area Warriors.

"Robert is strong, has great skills and a fearless competitive spirit," Bessolo offered. "He is a great shooter and is able to create his own shot. He loves to play physical on the defensive side of the ball. Robert is hearing from schools at all levels and should have a good chance to open some eyes this spring. He is a very good student which is consistent with him being very coachable and eager to work hard and improve."

"Basketball is a sport I've loved my whole life," Colton explained. "My Mom played and I've been involved with organized basketball since I was nine or ten."

Asked to name the skill element he is most focused on, he offered, "My ballhandling. I'm working hard on it." He trains with WillPower Basketball Skills Training in Richmond.

His best basketball moment? "The most recent was scoring 44 points at the under 18 national championships". He buried 10 treys during that performance. "It's what you work towards, getting that consistency."

Academically, there is no question. Colton sports a 4.0 grade point average alongside an 1800 score on the SAT. he's serious about school with a desire to major in business and eventually attend law school.

As for the next level, he's expecting "to play the perimeter" and has no geographical preferences regarding the next step.

So who has been most influential for him and why? "Kobe Bryant. It's his will to win and bring it every night."