10 offers for Hummel

When Robbie Hummel was making the long drive to the Kingwood Classic back in April with his SYF Players AAU team, he was looking through a magazine that had rankings of the top players in the country. The class of 2007 prospect knew one person on the list. On next year's drive, Hummel will certainly see his name amongst the best of the best.

The 6-foot-7, 200-pound small forward from Valparaiso (Ind.) High School jokes that the one person he knew in the rankings was his teammate E'Twaun Moore, who was sitting just one seat away from him.

After having a great spring and summer, Hummel debuted in the Rivals.com class of 2007 rankings at the 60th overall spot in his class. The four-star prospect read the news on Wednesday when the rankings were released.

"It's weird (to see my name on the list) but it's also pretty neat to see my name up there with all of these good ballplayers," Hummel said. "I thought I played real well. It was my first time to play at the highest level. Before, I was playing with a little 'ole team from Valpo."

And the kid from little 'Ole Valpo is turning into quite the coveted prospect. Hummel said his offer count is up to 10 schools: Valpo, Northwestern, Indiana, Iowa, Purdue, Notre Dame, NC State, UNC-Charlotte, Xavier and Wisconsin-Green Bay. Hummel said national powers Kansas, Arizona, Duke, Michigan State and Ohio State have all inquired over the summer.

Hummel said he has plans to visit Purdue, Northwestern, Illinois and Notre Dame in the fall for football games and such and a possible trip to North Carolina to see NC State, UNC-Charlotte and possibly Duke.

"I might trim it down soon," Hummel said.

His ride to becoming a high-major prospect started at the Kingwood Classic where he played a key role to helping his SYF Players club advance to the championship finals. Then he shined on his own at the Nike All-American camp and went back to work at the Peach Jam with another run to the championship game. Hummel and his SYF crew won the AAU Super Showcase.

Coaches have become accustomed to seeing Hummel use his versatility to perfection.

"I did a little bit of everything playing both guard and forward spots. I thought I shot it well but I'm always working on my shot. In one game, I'm bringing the ball up against (point guard) Nic Wise and the going down low with (6-foot-7) Gary Johnson. I was all over the floor."

Hummel said he'd like to find a school that always him to utilize his versatility both on and off the court.

"Academics are real important. I want to have a life after basketball. Getting to know the university is real important because you have to get along with everyone there for the next four years," Hummel said. "Of course, style of play is important too. I'd like to get out and play in a motion offense where I could use my strengths."