The Hurt Brothers will visit Minnesota next week, and rising junior Michael says an offer from Minnesota would be amazing.
Michael Hurt, a 6-foot-7 rising junior forward from Rochester (MN) John Marshall, is one of Minnesota’s top players in the Class of 2016. He and younger brother Matthew will visit Minnesota next Monday and an offer could be coming.
Hurt averaged 16.1 points and nine rebounds per game as a sophomore with a season-high 30 points versus Mankato East. John Marshall finished 20-9 last season, losing to eventual state champion Lakeville North 96-61 in the Section 1AAAA championship game.
Hurt shined in the Twin Cities Classic Sunday, scoring 14 points to lead Team Courage to an 86-84 win over Team Persevere. Gopher Hole caught up with Hurt after the game to learn the latest on his recruitment.
Gopher Hole: You are supposed to visit the University of Minnesota next Monday. What are you expecting to come out of that visit?
Michael Hurt: Just kind of knowing what the Gophers have. Get to talk a little more with Coach Pitino and getting to see a few things that I haven’t seen and check out the facilities. Getting to know the campus a little bit more.
Gopher Hole: It sounds like that there is a good chance that they might offer during your visit, right?
Michael Hurt: Yes, I think so. I have been talking to Coach Johnson a lot and Coach Pitino. They have been to a lot of my games. They were at the adidas Unrivaled (in Chicago) and out in Vegas. I hope so. I had a pretty good July, so I am just hoping to get more looks.
Gopher Hole: Since we last talked, you picked up four offers from Davison, North Iowa, Drake and San Jose State. That obviously has to make you feel pleased.
Michael Hurt: Yes. It just kind of shows that all the hard work is finally paying off.
Gopher Hole: What would it mean to you if Minnesota did offer you next week?
Michael Hurt: That would be pretty amazing. Kind of being the first really big offer, especially a Big Ten school and also being in your home state.
Gopher Hole: I know that Minnesota was a school that you grew up watching. Would that maybe make you make a decision sooner than later? Would that have an impact?
Michael Hurt: I am just trying to explore my options right now. Just trying to see what every coach has to offer.
Gopher Hole: It seems like you are really gaining confidence throughout this summer. Have you noticed that yourself that you are gaining more confidence when you are walking onto the court?
Michael Hurt: Yes. Playing the adidas Gauntlet and playing in the Unrivaled, that just really showed the level that I want to play at. Just showing that I can compete at that level.
Gopher Hole: Your brother had a very good game in the Twin Cities Classic and was named the MVP. Are you excited about the possibilities when you guys are going to be playing together this high school season?
Michael Hurt: Yes. It is going to be really fun. I have never really gotten to play with him in high school or middle school. I have never gotten to play with him, so this is the first time that I have to play with him. It will be a lot of fun.
Gopher Hole: I know that he is starting to get some early looks. Have you ever talked about playing at the same college? Has that ever come up?
Michael Hurt: No. It has never come up, but I think that maybe we’ll get that down the road.
Gopher Hole: I know that you mentioned that Coach Johnson and Coach Pitino were at a lot of your games this summer. What has your relationship been like with them so far?
Michael Hurt: It has been pretty good. Coach Johnson has talked to me a lot. I have talked to Coach Pitino a lot. They are really nice. They are really supportive, coming to the games. I have talked to them a lot about playing basketball up there and it would be a lot of fun.
Gopher Hole: Are you hearing from any new schools since July?
Michael Hurt: I got a call from Iowa. I would have to look through my phone, but Iowa and a couple of other schools have called.
Gopher Hole: What other things are you going to be doing soon? Any other events or visits?
Michael Hurt: I think that I might be taking a visit to UNI and Drake, possibly, on a weekend before the summer is over.