Hood makes it official
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Talk of a commitment from Jon Hood, one of the top perimeter players in the 2009 class, has been in the air for the last few weeks. And on Wednesday afternoon, the 6-foot-6, 185-pound perimeter player from Madisonville (Ky.) North Hopkins High School made it official.
Hood will stay in-state and play for the Wildcats of Kentucky.
"I'm relieved and excited," Hood told Rivals.com. "I went up there Friday for a visit and sat down with Coach Gillispie and Coach Cox. The facilities don't get any better, and the fans don't get any better. They know their basketball. It was the best fit for me, and I know that is where I want to go."
In the end, Tennessee and Duke where the last schools challenging Kentucky for Hood. Duke backed off, feeling the need to recruit different positions, but Hood had to break the bad news to Tennessee.
Playing strong basketball this spring just after getting out of a cast for a broken right wrist, Hood expects to play multiple positions at Kentucky.
"They want me to play both guard positions and small forward," he said. "Coach Gillispie said he wanted me to play the point. I'm not sure if he means at the end of the shot clock or as a scoring point, but it looks like the ball will be in my hands."
Presently ranked the No. 39 prospect in the class of 2009, Hood is knocking on the door of five-star status.
Jon Hood scouting report:
Versatility is Hood's greatest attribute. Lanky and athletic, he has the all around skill base to effectively play every perimeter position. Very good off the bounce and with the length to cause trouble on the defensivel end, Hood mainly needs to gain strength to improve his game.