IMG Academy's Louis Hutchinson discusses his recruitment
2022’s Louis Hutchinson made the decision this summer that he would make the move and enroll at IMG Academy. The 6-foot-7 combo guard transferred from Episcopal High in Alexandria, Virginia.
An underrated prospect, Hutchinson only holds a slew of Division One offers but I fully expect the list of potential suitors to grow. He’s a lengthy combo-guard, fast, versatile, and he’s a utility prospect that you can slot at several positions including the point guard spot.
His recruitment, as I mentioned, is one that’s seeing tons of growth. He recently added an SEC offer from Mississipi State and already was extended a scholarship offer by Memphis’ Penny Hardaway, Howard’s Kenneth Blakeney, and several others.
Hutchinson took the time out of his busy schedule at IMG Academy to discuss his recruitment with Stockrisers.com.
Which schools are heavily involved?
“I hold offers from Memphis, Mississippi State, Howard University, and Mount St. Mary’s. Solid interest from Tulsa, Georgia, Tennessee, Syracuse, Clemson, Florida State, Virginia Tech, Maryland. Princeton, GWU, George Mason, James Madison, Lehigh, Oral Roberts, and UCLA.”
Which programs have newly entered the mix?
“Mississippi State, Tulsa, and UCLA.”
Memphis offered you in June, discuss your relationship with the staff and overall thoughts.
“I’ve been talking to Memphis since June and my first [virtual] meeting with Coach Hardaway was amazing and their mentality as an organization and play style fits me well. They play fast on both sides of the floor and really put pressure on the opposing team defensively by putting a lot of pressure for 94 feet. The team defense as a whole is also some of the best in college basketball. Offensively their fast-paced play works to my strengths as an exceptional downhill guard.”
How about your newest offer from Mississippi State? Thoughts on them.
“Over the last few years, Mississippi State has had a very strong play in my position with sizable guards that run the pick and roll at the NBA level, facilitate in transition and the open court, and defend relentlessly.”
And how about a program like Tulsa, which has shown heavy interest?
“Tulsa’s coaching staff has been nothing short of consistent, we have communicated back and forth almost every day. Their playstyle and culture are very similar to that of IMG, they like to play methodical but fast, play with a lot of pressure defensively, and they like to utilize their shooters and making the extra pass is a strong point for them.”
Commitment timeline?
“Later this summer.”
How has your game improved the most since your arrival at IMG Academy?
“My shot has improved even more and my explosiveness has skyrocketed. I have become stronger, a relentless facilitator, a quicker and faster defender of three to four positions for 94 feet, and I could always score at all three levels. My relentless work ethic is also welcomed here, allowing me to continue to improve.”
And how about an overall breakdown of your game, what stands out?
“As a player, I am a complete player that is a true and humble student of the game with a high basketball IQ. I feel I can do many things by setting the tone for the team defensively, being the fired up but poised floor general, or getting a difficult bucket when my team needs it. I am an elite scorer at all three levels and a great facilitator in the half-court and in transition.
Defensively, I am a lockdown defender and can guard 1-4 for all 94 feet. As a big athletic guard, I also rebound and cause havoc in the passing lanes. My shooting causes other teams to have a concern about my long-range shot but my explosiveness allows me to play above the rim and keep the defense on its toes at all times.”