Recruiting Report: Jarvis Thomas (2018)
Orono power forward Jarvis Thomas earned himself double figure major conference offers and most of them watched him at the Peach Jam but tonight he committed to the Minnesota Gophers.
Jarvis got straight to the point tonight during his press conference. He put on his Minnesota hat, his Minnesota shirt, and said “I am committing to the University of Minnesota.
“The biggest reason why I chose Minnesota is that it just felt right on my visit. When I told Coach Pitino he said I’m hyped, I’m Hyped.”
Jarvis then went into greater detail on his college choice.
“I am headed to Minnesota and I picked them because it’s home,” Thomas said to Scout.com. “I have a good relationship with the coaches and I’m just comfortable. The style of play, it fits the way I play.”
https://twitter.com/harvisthomas/status/887461184554897408
Thomas joins AAU teammate Daniel Oturu as a Gopher commit and that class ranks 14th in the nation. Oturu is the 40th ranked player in the country while Thomas is ranked 140th in the nation by Prep Hoops.
“The recruiting class that they have coming in right now is really good,” Jarvis stated. “I think we can get a couple of good guards to go with me and Daniel.”
Jordan Murphy is going to be a junior this year and Minnesota will need a player to fill his spot. Jarvis Thomas can be that player, because he fits what they do at Minnesota.
“That is one the biggest parts. You can’t play at a place that you don’t fit. You can’t force yourself into a place that you don’t fit. I’m long, I have athletic ability, I defend and fit in a press.”
How much did Oturu already being committed to the Gophers help with this decision?
“I made a decision for myself, but Daniel was just a plus to it. Me and Daniel room every tournament that we play and we are always together.
“I think we are going to get majority of the hometown kids and maybe one or two.”
Richard Pitino has led the way on the recruiting along with Ben Johnson who recruits this area. Pitino played a big part.
“Pitino is a great guy,” Thomas said. “A good coach. He understands the game obviously and he really turned the program around and I think we can do something special.”