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Taking charge Top point guard Hurt will try to lead Louisville revival
Posted: Monday July 10, 2000 02:26 PM
By Albert Lin, CNNSI.com INDIANAPOLIS -- As he was leaving the National Institute for Fitness and Sport Thursday evening, something caught Carlos Hurt's eye. He wandered over, raised both of his fists, and started swinging away at a speed bag. No luck. He reached up, held the bag in place with one hand, then started punching again. Strike two. After a couple more futile attempts, he shrugged, smiled and exited the gym. "I was just playin'," he laughed when reminded about his brief attempt to channel Rocky Balboa. Thankfully, Hurt finds a lot more success on the basketball court. The 6-1, 179-pounder is considered by most the best pure point guard in the country. Entering the July evaluation period, CNNSI.com recruiting analyst Brick Oettinger ranks Hurt the No. 8 prospect overall in the senior class. Louisville coach Denny Crum, to whom Hurt has verbally committed, will be only too happy when Hurt matriculates in the fall of 2001. Hurt, however, finds himself in an interesting situation. Though he already knows his college destination, he remains undecided about where he will spend his senior year of high school. Hurt played the past three years at Alief-Elsik High School just outside Houston, the alma mater of Seattle Sonics forward Rashard Lewis. But he will not return there in the fall. His mother grew up in Louisville and attended the University of Louisville, and she is moving back to her hometown with Hurt's younger brother. Hurt could follow his family and enroll at Male High School. But he is also considering traditional power Oak Hill Academy, in Mouth of Wilson, Va. He expects to make a decision by the beginning of August. "If I go to Oak Hill, it would be an independence thing," he said. "To be by myself, learn how to become a man on my own." Hurt's college choice was easier. A few months ago talk was that Hurt would follow his AAU coach, Josh Pastner, to whichever university hired him. A walk-on/coach-in-training at Arizona, Pastner was retained by Lute Olson. Shortly thereafter, though, Hurt announced for Louisville. "My mom told me to go somewhere where I can have an impact," he said. "Arizona already has their team; they'll probably be national champs next year. They're stacked. Louisville has good players, but I think I can come in and give the little bit of help they need." Hurt is aware of Louisville's recent struggles but is also familiar with the school's history of success and its rabid following. "There's no professional team there, it's all the University of Louisville," Hurt said. "They have a very good tradition, from Darrell Griffith to Dejuan Wheat. They're used to winning, but they haven't in a long time, and I want to help get them back on the map." A top-notch point guard is ussually a good place to start. Hurt is a deft ballhandler, accomplished defender and great penetrator. He could stand to get a bit stronger, but the same can be said of most high school players. He thinks pass first (9.3 assists per game last season) but can also put the ball in the basket (17 points per game). "My game is leadership," he said. "No matter who's on my team -- even if I have four 4-footers and I have to play center -- I just want to win. My objective is to win, and I'll do anything it takes to win. There's a lot of great point guards, but what separates me is my hard work and dedication to winning. There are guys who are a little faster, who shoot better, who handle better ... but in terms of a will to win, I'm in a league of my own." If he spearheads the rebirth of Louisville's program, no doubt many would agree. Just keep him out of the ring.
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