Roy Williams personally watched 4-star 2018 6-7 WF Jairus Hamilton this week at the Chick Fil-A Classic in Columbia, South Carolina. And THI spoke to the Charlotte (NC) Cannon School forward in an exclusive one-on-one interview:
THI - So first things first, how do you feel your personal game has grown over the past year? You were a known commodity last year as one of the elite sophomores in the state. And now you're one of the top juniors. How has your game evolved?
Hamilton - "Well I've really tried to incorporate the mid-range game into my arsenal. I've worked a lot on that and I feel it's helped me become a more efficient scorer. As well I feel that my ball-handling and passing has improved a lot. "
THI - What schools have come out to see you so far this season? What colleges have you noticed out there? Whether it's an open gym, a regular practice or a game?
Hamilton - "I've seen a lot of schools come to my school and gyms like Wake Forest, UNC, Kansas, Cal, NC State, Arizona and some others."
THI - Speaking of Carolina, tell me about how they're working for you right now? How active have they been recruiting you?
Hamilton - "They are still very active. They've seen me play a lot this summer and year. They still tell me I'm a priority and like my game a lot."
THI - So you're a junior now and pretty well established. You have local offers. You have regional offers. You even have some national offers. When you think it through; what's it really going to take for someone to convince you to pick their school?
Hamilton - "I'm really just trying to find the fit for myself. A school with my major and a system I can come in and contribute immediately."
THI - A lot of prospects that I talk to mention fit. They want a school that fits them, but I want to hear what that word means to you? What does fit mean when you mention it?
Hamilton - "Like a place where I can go and play quickly. And a nice campus with great people around it so I can enjoy my college experience."
THI -- Thanks for that elaboration. Have you taken any visits in the past couple months?
Hamilton - "Haven't really taken any right now. Been really working hard in the gym, but towards when the season dies down that's when I'll go visit and support some schools."
THI - What are those schools you want to get out and see when that time comes? Which ones pop up in your head that you want to see or see again?
Hamilton "I wanna get a chance to go visit the west coast schools like Arizona and Cal, but get back to places like UNC, Duke and Wake to show support to the coaches that come to my games."
THI - Thanks for your time Jairus and for the candid interview. Hamilton - "No problem at all. Thank you."
