Why Chris Hunter Chose Michigan

Michigan head coach Tommy Amaker won this recruiting battle. So says Chris Hunter, a center/power forward from West Side High School in Gary, Indiana.

Hunter verbally committed to Michigan, and will sign a letter of intent next month. "I really like coach Amaker," Hunter told us. "He made me feel real comfortable in our phone calls and on the trip. I mainly committed because of him."

Hunter had previously considered (at one time during his recruiting process) Illinois, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Ohio State, and Seton Hall. His recruting picked up after Hunter had a terrific second half of July. He showed much more confidence in his offensive game. He was always a good shotblocker. Now with this combination, he is a highly valued recruit.

It's going to be up to Chris on how good he wants to be. Consistency is something Hunter has said he plans on trying to achieve during his senior year this season. "I want to get stronger," Hunter said. "I have to get in the weight room more and make my body stronger for the Big Ten. This is going to be my main focus."

Hunter showed some more confidence in his offensive game over the past two weeks, especially at the AAU Showcase and National AAU tournament inside the Wide World of Sports Complex on the Disney grounds. "I want to be better in making my moves in the low post," Hunter said. "I am going to be working hard on that this season."

If Hunter, a mobile 6-11, 200 pound prospect, is able to improve these aspects, Michigan has themselves a forward with a chance to be a very good college basketball player. Hunter has a lot of physical skills. He runs the floor well, blocks shots, and rebounds. His offensive game is still developing but after seeing Hunter for about the 10th time over the past two summers, he can play high division one basketball.

As a junior, Hunter averaged 17 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks as a junior at Westside. "I am going to work hard," Hunter said. "I am going to work as hard as I have ever done."

If Hunter does this, coach Amaker will be very happy. It's all up to Chris now. He has been given a great opportunity to play for one of the nation's richest basketball programs.