Indiana nabs top-50 forward Jerome Hunter

Tipping off his July on the travel circuit, Jerome Hunter made quick work of his college decision as he committed to Indiana on Monday morning. A 6-foot-7, top-50 prospect that can play either forward, the commitment of Jerome to IU is the first giant win for Archie Miller since taking over in Bloomington.

Indiana beat out Pitt, Michigan, Xavier and Ohio State for his commitment. Hunter brings a wealth of ball skills, upside, versatility and a progression rate that has been difficult to find from those within his class. Playing for the Ohio NOVA travel program in recent years, Hunter has established himself as a giant commodity despite not playing on a shoe circuit until his senior summer.

Miller’s connection to Hunter, dating back to his time as a coach in the state, was crucial with his decision.

“It was a number of factors but one has to be Jerome’s relationship with Archie (Miller) dating back to Dayton,” Hunter’s trainer, Andreas James, said. “They were one of the first schools to offer Jerome and they kind of hit it off from there.”

Continuing his ascent into the top 50 of his class’ rankings, Hunter is the type of prospect that Indiana fans have come to salivate over in recent years. In need of replacing Collin Hartman next year, Hunter has the chance to step in and immediately contribute thanks to his scoring, playmaking and ability to defend multiple positions.

Hunter is the first commitment in the 2018 for the Hoosiers. Indiana will need to grab at least three more in this recruiting cycle as it continues to prioritize five-star shooting guard and the top-ranked prospect in the state, Romeo Langford.