The recent Sabes Invitational gave Gopher fans an opportunity to watchquite a few players that they are targeting for the 2011 recruitingc lass, including Christian Kirk, a 6-foot-7, 205-pound juniorpower forward from St. Charles (MO) West. Kirk comes from a basketball family as a sister and brother both played at Missouri State and both parents played college basketball in the state of Georgia. GopherHole caught up with Kirk to learn the latest about his recruitment, his interest in Minnesota and more about his style of play.

GH: What kind of contact have you had with the Gophers?

CK: I have talked to Coach Jirsa who came down to one of high school practices and he said they were interested and wanted me to visit.

GH: What have you liked about Coach Jirsa?

CK: He seems like a great guy. I was injured when he came to see me but he said he just wanted to get to know me and didn't pressure me to practice.

GH: Have the Gophers offered yet?

CK: They have not but they said they would like to get me on campus to check everything out.

GH: What do you like about Minnesota?

CK: I like Tubby Smith. He's a legend in college basketball. The assistants are really nice. I like the campus and the area.

GH: What other schools have offered?

CK: Southern Illinois, Missouri State and St. Louis University.

GH: What other schools have shown interest?

CK: Arizona State, Missouri, Illinois, Alabama and Wichita State.

GH: Do you have any front runners?

CK: Not yet. I think I'll narrow it down after the summer.

GH: What are your strengths as a player?

CK: I can attack the rim and create my own shot.

GH: What position are most schools recruiting you as?

CK: Most are recruiting me at a 3 or 4.

GH: What parts of your game are you working on?

CK: I want to gain about 10 more pounds and I want to be able to shootoff the dribble a little better.

Talk about Gopher Basketball Recruiting on Tubby's Barn message board.