By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Baylor’s rise in success on the court is due to how it has changed its approach in recruiting guards.
Maybe the borderline 6-0 prospect is out there and will be pursued. But to win, size in the backcourt matters. And the trend will continue with Rivals No. 60 in Dillon Hunter. In early February, the Atlanta native, now Ypsilanti (MI) Prep standout gave his commitment to the Bears.
And like many in today’s recruiting climate, he did it on a leap of faith. Hunter has yet to visit the Baylor campus. But when a program has won 48 games in the past two seasons, has been ranked in the Top 5 for practically all two of those seasons and is a national title contender, the rest can take care of itself.
“The staff started with coach Nu (Director of Player Development Jared Nuness) started the recruitment around this time last year and never really let off the gas,’’ Hunter said. “He just stayed on me and talked to me almost every day.’’
A terrific ball handler at the point who loves to play defense, the role that Hunter could fulfill once he arrives on campus could be either where Jared Butler or Davion Mitchell plays.
“They see me as a guard who can handle the offense control the pace,’’ Hunter said. “I can contribute with my ability to score and get others involved. I love to play defense so that’s a main contribution too.”
Hunter, who transferred from Atlanta Westlake, has been a pretty solid facilitator averaging 5.5 assists per game along with nearly six rebounds and 12 points.
He did his recruitment through zoom calls and the virtual tour. While he hasn’t been around the staff personally, he got enough of what he needed especially when it came to talking with head coach Scott Drew.
“It’s a lot of energy and just a good vibe,’’ Hunter said. “He always is in good spirits and just makes you smile when he’s talking. Every time we talk, he’s always making sure thing are OK and building a bond.’’
For now, he gets to play fan watching his future team play. The Bears are into the postseason at the Big 12 tournament and almost assuredly will be a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament.
Still, there will be a way he will watch this team, especially the guards and how they handle the postseason pressure and the expectations.
“I’m looking to see how Davion and Jared will continue to step up and get the team to where they need to be,’’ Hunter said. “That’s really important as a guard. There wasn’t a certain spot they showed me I’d play. But they just showed me that I could turn my role into how Jared and Davion play.”
As a member of the Rivals 150, Hunter is rated as the No. 17 point guard. He committed to Baylor over Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and Florida State among others.
He is expected to sign his national letter of intent in April.
The Hunter Dunk
Publisher
Baylor’s rise in success on the court is due to how it has changed its approach in recruiting guards.
Maybe the borderline 6-0 prospect is out there and will be pursued. But to win, size in the backcourt matters. And the trend will continue with Rivals No. 60 in Dillon Hunter. In early February, the Atlanta native, now Ypsilanti (MI) Prep standout gave his commitment to the Bears.
And like many in today’s recruiting climate, he did it on a leap of faith. Hunter has yet to visit the Baylor campus. But when a program has won 48 games in the past two seasons, has been ranked in the Top 5 for practically all two of those seasons and is a national title contender, the rest can take care of itself.
“The staff started with coach Nu (Director of Player Development Jared Nuness) started the recruitment around this time last year and never really let off the gas,’’ Hunter said. “He just stayed on me and talked to me almost every day.’’
A terrific ball handler at the point who loves to play defense, the role that Hunter could fulfill once he arrives on campus could be either where Jared Butler or Davion Mitchell plays.
“They see me as a guard who can handle the offense control the pace,’’ Hunter said. “I can contribute with my ability to score and get others involved. I love to play defense so that’s a main contribution too.”
Hunter, who transferred from Atlanta Westlake, has been a pretty solid facilitator averaging 5.5 assists per game along with nearly six rebounds and 12 points.
He did his recruitment through zoom calls and the virtual tour. While he hasn’t been around the staff personally, he got enough of what he needed especially when it came to talking with head coach Scott Drew.
“It’s a lot of energy and just a good vibe,’’ Hunter said. “He always is in good spirits and just makes you smile when he’s talking. Every time we talk, he’s always making sure thing are OK and building a bond.’’
For now, he gets to play fan watching his future team play. The Bears are into the postseason at the Big 12 tournament and almost assuredly will be a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament.
Still, there will be a way he will watch this team, especially the guards and how they handle the postseason pressure and the expectations.
“I’m looking to see how Davion and Jared will continue to step up and get the team to where they need to be,’’ Hunter said. “That’s really important as a guard. There wasn’t a certain spot they showed me I’d play. But they just showed me that I could turn my role into how Jared and Davion play.”
As a member of the Rivals 150, Hunter is rated as the No. 17 point guard. He committed to Baylor over Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and Florida State among others.
He is expected to sign his national letter of intent in April.
The Hunter Dunk
