Gophers SG target Cedric Hankerson said “anything can happen” after next visit
After his first official visit last weekend with the Gophers, Coral Reef High School (Fla.) guard Cedric Hankerson could have ended his recruitment by making an oral commitment to coach Tubby Smith.
It seemed like that was a strong possibility, but Hankerson told the Pioneer Press he’s taking his second trip to Boston University on Sept. 14. The Miami native said “anything can happen” after that as far as him making a decision. But it’s “probable” right now that he still visits Virginia Tech (Sept. 21) and Pennsylvania (Sept. 28).
“I know (the Gophers) play in a great conference with a high level of competition against schools like Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State,” Hankerson said. “I wouldn’t mind being a part of that.”
But Oklahoma State recently offered Hankerson a scholarship, so now he will have an opportunity to play in the Big Ten, Big 12 or ACC. He won’t completley overlook the fact that the Cowboys were late to show him interest.
“I definitely have to consider timing,” Hankerson said. “But I can’t dwell on it too much. (The Cowboys are) in a big-time conference. It’s just a lot to think about to talk over with my family. I’m still considering making them my final visit.”
Hankerson said one of the highlights of his Minnesota visit was attending the football team’s 44-7 victory against New Hampshire on Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium. The fan atmosphere really made an impression.
“I’ve seen the (University of Miami-Fla.) play and it’s sort of similar to that,” he said about the football gameday experience. “Even at the Minnesota football game, I saw how much the fans supported them and how everybody was wearing (maroon and gold). I went to a lot of (Miami) games growing up because it was right down the street from me. This was great, too.”
The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Hankerson sees himself being able to rotate between the point guard and shooting guard spots in college. He talked to Minnesota’s Andre Hollins and Maverick Ahanmisi during the visit about the program’s style of play. Smith told Hankerson he wants the Gophers to be a running team.
“Coach said they like to run, penetrate, kick and swing the ball,” Hankerson said. “He said they’re more of a spot-up shooting team. I really enjoy that aspect of them.”
– The Gophers don’t have any official visitors scheduled for this week. But they are expecting to unofficially host several top local players from the 2014 and 2015 classes, including Cooper guard Rashad Vaughn, DeLaSalle forward Reid Travis, DeLaSalle guard Jarvis Johnson and Grand Rapids forward Alex Illikainen. Rice Lake (Wis.) forward Henry Ellenson, the brother of Gophers freshman Wally Ellenson, could also join that group. Apple Valley’s high profile junior guard Tyus Jones, the No. 2 player in the 2014 class, might make an unofficial trip to campus on Sept. 27, according to 1500ESPN.
– Next week’s official visitors scheduled right now are 6-8 forward Tory Miller from New Hampton Prep (N.H.) and 6-8 forward Alex Foster from Seton Academy (Ill.). DeLaSalle (Ill.) guard Alvin Ellis moved his visit from Sept. 21 to Sept. 28.
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