Matthew Horton Is On The Map
By Kirven Lang
In Tuscaloosa, Alabama its Alabama football everywhere you go. Nick Saban this, Bear Bryant that but there is some good basketball played in football country at nearby Shelton State Community College.
Matthew Horton has seen his stock rise and has a chance to be the best big man from Tuscaloosa since D.J. White. However, Horton had to take a different route to enjoy later success. The JUCO route was the option he took while not being heavily recruited by four-year schools and to improve his academic situation.
A product of Paul W. Bryant High School, which is crosstown in Cottondale, Shelton State head coach Joseph Eatmon had the luxury of building a relationship with the 6’10” power forward. Most kids with the size, athleticism and skill set that Horton has, are usually pulled away by junior colleges that offer full scholarships (housing). You would typically see a kid like Horton at a Florida or Texas junior college. With Horton staying close to home and showing loyalty, dividends have paid off as Horton has emerged as one of the best JUCO bigs in the country.
He recently received an offer from Georgetown, which is huge especially for a junior college player. With NBA Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing at the helm of the Hoyas program, Horton is almost certain to entertain the offer. That doesn’t necessarily mean he will end up in a Georgetown uniform with a number of other programs lurking. Arkansas, Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky amongst others are battling hard for the 6-foot-10 power forward.
Official visits have been arranged with Middle Tennessee September 1st, Arkansas September 8th and Georgetown September 15th.
Horton has a good situation with the programs recruiting him. He can either end up high or at a good mid that competes at a high major level. Nevertheless, wherever he ends up, expect him to be a contributor day one.
Matthew Horton has seen his stock rise and has a chance to be the best big man from Tuscaloosa since D.J. White. However, Horton had to take a different route to enjoy later success. The JUCO route was the option he took while not being heavily recruited by four-year schools and to improve his academic situation.
A product of Paul W. Bryant High School, which is crosstown in Cottondale, Shelton State head coach Joseph Eatmon had the luxury of building a relationship with the 6’10” power forward. Most kids with the size, athleticism and skill set that Horton has, are usually pulled away by junior colleges that offer full scholarships (housing). You would typically see a kid like Horton at a Florida or Texas junior college. With Horton staying close to home and showing loyalty, dividends have paid off as Horton has emerged as one of the best JUCO bigs in the country.
He recently received an offer from Georgetown, which is huge especially for a junior college player. With NBA Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing at the helm of the Hoyas program, Horton is almost certain to entertain the offer. That doesn’t necessarily mean he will end up in a Georgetown uniform with a number of other programs lurking. Arkansas, Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky amongst others are battling hard for the 6-foot-10 power forward.
Official visits have been arranged with Middle Tennessee September 1st, Arkansas September 8th and Georgetown September 15th.
Horton has a good situation with the programs recruiting him. He can either end up high or at a good mid that competes at a high major level. Nevertheless, wherever he ends up, expect him to be a contributor day one.