#45 KEITH WALESKOWSKI, 6-9 230LB, FR, DAYTON, OH

The latest in a long line of players from Kettering Alter, Keith Waleskowski begins his freshman season but not his first year in the Flyer program. Keith spent last season with the Flyers as a redshirt in an effort to learn the system and to build up his body to compete at a high Division I level. By all accounts that was successful. Keith has reportedly added several pounds of muscle and greatly increased his strength.

Keith made an early commitment to the Flyers prior to his senior season. By the end of that year — in which he led the Knights to the state championship — many programs regretted not recruiting Keith harder. Waleskowski averaged 18.1ppg and 9.4rpg over his senior year in what was one of the toughest HS basketball leagues in the entire state (Greater Catholic League). Not only did his Alter Knights win the D-II state title, but fellow GCL member Moeller HS won the D-I state title in 1998 as well. A hard worker, Waleskowski is the type of player that does whatever it takes to win – hit the key free throw, grab a rebound, hit a big basket, set the screen, or make a crisp pass. Keith is one of the better passing big men to sign with the Flyers. In the Cincinnati Summer League, he had several high-scoring games and demonstrated he could step out and hit the three. Flyer fans will be pleased with Waleskowski’s fundamental understanding of the game and his ability to make the right play. The key to how much time he spends on the court will depend upon his ability to defend and rebound — areas where his work in the weight room should pay off. Look for him to get significant minutes in his freshman year, particularly when paired with a strong defender and rebounder in the post. While asking anyone to fill the shoes of Mark Ashman is unfair, Waleskowski might be the sleeper of this year’s incoming class. If he can make a dent on both the offensive and defensive end, there’s enough of a supporting cast around him to fill in the remaining pieces.