St. Francis finished the 2010-2011 season with a mediocre 15-14 record and first round loss to Woodcreek in the NorCal regional playoffs. A key piece for the team was expected to be wing Abu Tratter but a nagging left ankle sprain rendered him ineffective. Finally, this Lancer is physically fit and ready to contribute in the West Coast Athletic League for his senior year.
At 6-foot-6 and 210 pounds, Tratter is surprisingly agile and quick for his build. He is powerful and athletic and can post up against smaller perimeter players. In addition, he is not afraid to crash the boards and can dunk with authority.
Trtter models his game after former Syracuse Orangeman Carmelo Anthony because of his versatility. Tratter's favorite move is the euro step because it allows him to fake and separate from the defender to create space to finish at the basket hard. He has been playing basketball for over six years and will be going into his second year as a varsity starter.
Kristopher Weems is Tratter's club coach with the KWA Pride. "Abu Tratter is one of the most competitive players I've coached," said Weems. "He loves to attack on both ends; he aggressively goes to the basket and has proven to be a tough cover for guards and forwards. Defensively, he can be a lock down one on one defender or get deflections and blocks coming from the weak side to help. Abu has improved his range to 18-20 ft and can effectively shoot the 3, especially stepping into his shot in transition. With improved ball handling, he'll be able to create his own shot as well as find others for open looks once the defense collapses."
Chico State and UC Davis have been in contact with Tratter. He has no particular preference for a basketball program or geography though he would like a college that offers good academic programs such as business or engineering.
Weems, who played at Stanford himself, assesses Tratter's college potential. "I think Abu can play at the Division I level especially if a program can use him at the 3 and 4 positions. As his body matures, he could play the forward position but he would be undersized guarding bigger forwards. At the same time, his quickness and athleticism is a problem for bigger guys trying to guard him from 15-17 feet. If he can refine his ball handling and passing skills, I have no doubt he can play the wing yet still rebound at a high level."
In his senior year, Tratter wants to become a better guard while improving his ball-handling and shooting and hopes to help his team make a deep run in the playoffs. Tratter was on the track and field and football teams in his early high school years but only expects to play basketball in college.
Weems also speaks highly of Tratter's non-basketball traits. "Off the court, Abu is a great kid. He loves his teammates and respects the wishes of his coaches. Over this spring and summer season, he's proven to be a leader vocally as well as playing hard on both offense and defense," said Weems. "Abu's best basketball is obviously in front of him. Every discussion I have had with him over the last 3-4 months about leadership, sharing the ball, defending, rebounding, he's found a way to add those things to his game and then improve on those things. On top of that, he's made a stronger commitment to his academics and being a solid student. I think Abu can be one of the best players in the WCAL. That will go a long way in him realizing his goal of being a Division I student-athlete."
St. Francis also returns 2012 post player Drew Dickey. With Dickey and Tratter healthy, the Lancers should be able to challenge for the WCAL title and make a deep playoff run in 2012. Afterwards, watch for Tratter to compete on the next level.
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