Recruiting Report: Jeremiah Hernandez (2019)

St. Viator 2019 Jeremiah Hernandez is a 6’4” athletic and rangy small forward.  One of the more intriguing upside wing prospects in the 2019 class.  He has a smoothness to his game on the perimeter.  Looks effortless handling it and slashing off the bounce.  Likes to play above the rim finishing with big dunks.  Playmaker as a finisher getting out in transition and has vision to find guys as a passer.  D1 prospect that should pick up some offers this spring playing with the Illinois Stars. St. Viator got off to a rocky start during the regular season, but they clicked in the state tournament. “It showed our youth.  We won some really big games and lost some of the not so tough games.  That was just because we were so young.  Toward the end of the season we really picked it up and brought in.  We won a sectional championship.  Unfortunately we lost to Fenwick in the supersectional, but it was great to be there my first year on varsity.” They have a great young core coming back next season. “We are excited because we know what we can do once we buy in.  We have to play defense.  Offense will come for us because we are very talented and athletic.  Losing Addison Lubert is big, but we have a freshman who is projected to be 7’0” so we are going to try to put him in that role to get rebounds and get run outs.” How did he feel his season went from an individual standpoint? “I think I did good.  I started out not really confident in myself.  My teammates and coach really helped me pick it up.  They told me what they needed me to do with scoring and facilitating.  So I started to do that.  It got me all conference and all area.  I was real blessed to have that.” Hernandez spoke about the being a versatile player. “I can create and make plays.  I feel I don’t have to score every play, but if I get my teammates open looks I feel I am helping the team out.  If they need me to score then I have no problem scoring for them.” He will be playing with the Illinois Stars on the Powerade circuit. “The exposure and playing with Coach Troy is huge.  I know he has put a lot of people in college.  That was the main thing that attracted me to their program was that he will get me to the next level and help me work on my game.” How are things going on the recruiting front? “It was quiet during the year, but it is starting to pick up.  I went to an Illinois State game.  Tulane sent me some stuff, Holy Cross has sent me some stuff, Southern Illinois is interested, Butler has reached out, and Marquette wants me to go on a visit.” Hernandez broke down the Illinois State visit. “We went to the locker room and hung out with some of the guys.  That was the game they beat Wichita State.  It was a real fun atmosphere.  I got to talk to the coaches.  They said they like my work ethic and my size.  That I can create for others.”