John Marshall standout will play his college ball for the Gophers
(THE MED CITY BEAT) - John Marshall High School junior Michael Hurt has committed to playing college basketball at the University of Minnesota.
Very honored and blessed to announce that I will further my education and play basketball at the University of Minnesota〽️🐻😈😎🏀 #GOPHERNATION
— Michael Hurt (@BballNvrStops42) January 17, 2015Ryan James of Gopher Illustrated reports Hurt notified coaches Richard Pitino and Ben Johnson of his decision Friday night after the two watched Hurt play against Fairbault. The 6'6" forward was offered a scholarship from the school last August.
Northwestern, Stanford, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Iowa were among the schools also reportedly interested in Hurt's talents.
"All the other schools just seemed like other schools after I visited the U multiple times," Hurt told the Pioneer-Press. "It felt like home to me. I felt real comfortable with [assistant coach] Ben Johnson and coach Pitino especially. I liked the players and his coaching style. It was just a good vibe."
In addition to being close to home, Hurt should have the opportunity to play right away as a freshman, according to ESPN Insider Reggie Rankin. He also notes Hurt's playing style is a good fit for the Gopher's "up-tempo style of play."
Michael Hurt verbally committed to the University of Minnesota! !! We are so proud of Michael, Go Rockets! ! pic.twitter.com/MeZmnJRKDV
— Rockets (@JMAthleticDept) January 17, 2015Hurt's ranked as the 59th best player in the 2016 class by ESPN.com and 146th by Rivals.com.
Many people in the community took to social media Saturday to show their support for Hurt's decision to stay in Minnesota. That included Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Michael Munoz who wrote on Twitter, "Congrats Michael Hurt! Go Gophers!"
(Cover photo: File / Kristof Magyar / Creative Commons)
