Q&A per Marcus:
Q: You plan to narrow your list down soon, right?
A: It’s a little bit difficult. It would’ve been a lot easier if I was able to play in Birmingham or go to Team USA (junior national team minicamp last week), because I would’ve cut my list a lot sooner. But it’s really that I’m going to sit down with my family and coach to just talk about all the schools. Probably come up with a top seven or eight. Not right after Vegas, but I’m going to talk it out soon about (official) visits here and there. And I’m still keeping other schools in mind as well.
Q: How strongly are you considering the Gophers since they’re the home state program?
A: They’ll definitely be in the mix, because it’s my hometown. It’s definitely something to strongly consider. Sometimes here and there I’ll be at the gym and there will be some older (fans) and some even that played there back in the day. They’ll try to convince me to play there. It’s cool to hear their thoughts on everything. I would definitely feel comfortable there.
Q: How do you see Richard Pitino’s program right now?
A: I see the program going up. Last year, they had a super strong season (NCAA tournament second round). They had the two transfers sitting out last year. I think they are very good players who are going to help a lot. Losing (Amir) Coffey hurt a little bit, but I think they’ll pick up pretty good.
Q: Do you have a good relationship with the current U players from Minnesota?
A: Yeah. I went on an unofficial visit (in June). After I watched practice I stuck around a little bit and talked to them. It was pretty cool and all that.
Q: Will your commitment come in the early signing period? Or will you wait until the spring to sign late?
A: Maybe some time in the winter. I don’t really know at this point to give you a 100 percent answer when exactly I’ll decide. I don’t think it will take that long.
Q: What did you think when blue-blood offers came from Kansas and North Carolina? How much harder is Duke recruiting you?
A: It was just a blessing honestly. Talking to the legends on the phone from the blue bloods. It’s just a really cool experience to learn from the greats. I’ve been talking to (Duke) here and there.
Q: You played the role (Duke incoming freshman) Matthew Hurt did last season leading this D1 Minnesota team to the top of the standings. What did you learn from him?
A: Watching him last year (Dawson played on the U16 team) it was a lot of fun. Just seeing a guy who goes out there and puts up numbers and is super-efficient. That’s one thing I liked about his game is that I really liked he was super-efficient and just kept the same pace and demeanor. Throughout the game he doesn’t get too high or too low. This summer I felt like I’ve stepped up my game a lot. I got stronger, more athletic and continued to polish my jumper and handle. Now I’m starting to be known on the national scene. Obviously, I didn’t play at the other live periods, but I can’t wait to get to Vegas to showcase what I’ve been working on in my game from June until now.
http://www.startribune.com/five-sta...ness-and-when-he-might-narrow-list/513402852/
Go Gophers!!
