LEXINGTON, Ky. — LSU basketball signee Ross Neltner was named the winner of the prestigious 2003 Kentucky “Mr. Basketball” award Friday in an announcement from Lexington Catholic High School.
The Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation gives the award, voted on by the state’s coaches.
Neltner, who signed with the Tigers in the November 2002 signing period, was a 6-8 forward from Fort Thomas Highlands where he averaged 20.3 points and 10.6 rebounds a game this past season and 17.3 points and 9.6 rebounds for his career.
“It’s an awesome honor,” Neltner said after the ceremony. “It’s a weird feeling to be named to receive such a prestigious award. I’m very humbled. There have been some great names associated with this award in this state and I’m very excited about it. I plan to come to Baton Rouge around the end of June and look forward to begin workouts with my teammates at LSU. It should be a lot of fun.”
First for Neltner will be upcoming all-star games as part of the Kentucky All-Star team that will play the state of Indiana all-stars.
Neltner was also the leading vote getter in the Lexington Herald Leader All-State team.
“Ross has really worked hard to get better,” coach John Messmer told the H-L regarding Neltner. “With his size in high school, we had to use him inside. But what LSU liked about him was his shooting range for a big guy. And he’s got really good peripheral floor vision. He’s a really good passer.”