Stephen Hurt is headed to Kansas State.
The 6-foot-11, 275-pound Northwest Florida State big man picked K-State over Wichita State Tuesday night. He will have two years of Division 1 eligibility remaining beginning in 2014.
“I just felt most comfortable with Kansas State,” Hurt, who averaged 12 points and 8 rebounds last season, told SNY.tv. “I really liked Wichita State. I liked the coaching staff. I just felt more comfortable going with Kansas State.”
Steve Forbes, Hurt’s former coach at Northwest Florida, is now an assistant at Wichita State.
Hurt said he made up his mind “early this week. Just sat back and contemplated everything, really knew I most likely was going to Kansas State, made sure I was completely comfortable with the decision.”
Hurt said head coach Bruce Weber and his staff told him he would play an integral role.
“I’ll be getting a lot of touches in the paint,” he said. “I’ll be able to get a lot of touches in the paint. I’ll be able to stretch the floor and show my jumper a little bit.”
Northwest Florida coach Steve DeMeo told SNY.tv: “The allure of playing in the Big 12 and wanting to play against the likes of Kansas, Texas and Baylor really excited him.”
As for his skillset, DeMeo added, “Stephen brings a unique skillset that most big men don’t have. He can really pass the ball, can score with his back to the basket with either hand and has extended his range to the 3-point line.
“In addition he is an excellent student and leader.”
Hurt is K-State’s first commit in 2014.
