A New Melo Calling Next In Charm City?
by Brian Flinn, Future150 (11:31 PM CT, Tue February 25, 2014)

Springfield, MA (Future150) -- At 6-foot-7, 180 pounds, with ideal athleticism and the ability to play on the wing or on the block, there are few freshmen that can match the upside of Baltimore resident Melo Eggleston. 

Based on his skill set and location, the Charm City native will undoubtedly have big-time expectations placed upon him by the local hoops community during the next four years.

Forwards such as C.J. Fair, Roscoe Smith and Dwayne Morgan are the most recent wing talents that the city has produced, and obviously the exploits of NBA stars like Carmelo Anthony, Rudy Gay, and others are there for aspiring young talents to chase.

Eggleston could be next in what has become a long line of talented swingmen to come out of Baltimore. His freshman season has been more of a learning process, however.

Playing for a loaded St. Frances Academy, with the aforementioned Morgan, and junior forward Josh Ayemi, among others, there has been little pressure for Eggleston to be great right away.

"It's been an adjustment, but it's been good. Learning from, and going up against Dwayne every day has been great, he's kind of like an older brother to me," Eggleston told JrFuture150.com.

While he was sidelined at the recent HoopHall Classic, the wiry perimeter prospect put on a show in front of the Future150.com staff at the Pangos All-East camp last October in New Jersey.

The consensus is that Eggleston has great athleticism and handles it well for a player of his size. While his shot is still a work in progress, it is easy to see the considerable upside he has.

Furthermore, learning from and competing daily against a player like Morgan will only help him now and in the future.

"I feel like right now my biggest strengths are being a team player and rebounding the ball. I’m only a freshman, and I know I will have to step into a much bigger role next season," said Eggleston.

While he hasn’t been playing major minutes for St. Frances this year, he will be counted on during the travel season, where he plans to suit up with Baltimore Supreme on the Under Armour circuit.

Many college programs are already taking notice of Eggleston's abilities on the hardwood as well. Loyola (MD) was the first to extend a scholarship offer, despite Eggleston's youth.

Meanwhile programs such as Clemson, Georgetown, South Carolina, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Xavier are among those already keeping close tabs on the talented youngster.

Continue to follow along with Future150.com as we do the same!