By JACOB POLACHECK
Matthew Hurt, the 6-foot-9 power forward from John Marshall (MN) High School, told Rivals Saturday that a core group of schools has emerged in his recruitment.
“There are about seven schools right now that are primarily the ones who are contacting me a lot,” said Hurt. “I probably won’t cut any schools, but it’s really those seven or eight. Duke, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Memphis, Minnesota and North Carolina.”
Hurt has never publicized a true list and won’t be announcing any cuts, according to Rivals.
“I’m trying to get my official visits in for games,” said Hurt. “Like on a Saturday when I can come down and see the real atmosphere and environment for a game. I want to see how they prep a team before a game and stuff like that because I’ll consider a lot of that in my decision.
“Football games are probably more fun type visits because you are there with the team and the students having fun. But I think I will get more out of it by going to a basketball game.”
Hurt is also taking into consideration the changes a team may have over the next year before he goes to schools, such as coaching changes and player departures.
“It always takes place in my mind,” said Hurt of considering who else may be going to a school. “But I’m not going to make my decision based off of if a player I may not like or do like is going to a school. I think I can play with anybody and once we get into a system I can work great with anybody.”
He also spoke about what he’s looking for when deciding where to commit.
“I think it’s just relationships with the coaches,” said Hurt. “How comfortable I am with them is big for me and my family. So I think as I get closer I’m going to really lock in and focus on that.”
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