The sixtieth ranked player in the ESPNU Super 60, Desmond Hubert, is one of the top rising juniors in the 2011 class. At 6′9 1/2″, Hubert has quickly gained a reputation for being a tough defender and shot-blocker. Throughout the summer many college coaches noticed the big man from Cream Ridge, New Jersey. One coach, in particular, took notice, Kansas head man Bill Self. Coach Self didn’t wait long before letting Hubert know the Jayhawks are interested in him joining their program.
“Kansas actually called on the first day they were allowed,” Hubert said. “It was Bill Self. He said they were interested in me, and that they would be in contact with me,” added Hubert.
Despite having some of the top coaches in the country expressing interest in him, the call from Self still excited Hubert.
“I was pretty excited when Bill Self called me,” said Hubert. ”Pretty exciting to have him call me,” added Hubert.
As for the Kansas program itself, it seems that Hubert has studied up on his college basketball history.
“I like them,” Hubert said. “I like Kansas. I mean, it’s pretty much the birthplace of basketball,” added Hubert.
Hubert has a very interesting mix of schools that are currently on his lost. Along with Kansas, Hubert mentioned Xavier, Wake Forest, Providence, Pitt, St. Joe’s, Rutgers, LaSalle, Penn State and Harvard.
A phone call from Coach Self might have excited Hubert, but it seems that the call from Harvard excited his family.
“Yeah, it was a big deal with my family once they called,” Hubert said of Harvard. “Education is a big deal in my family,” added Hubert.
When talking about his game, Hubert seems to understand exactly what he does well, and what he needs to work on.
“Defense,” Hubert said about what he does best on the court. “I don’t mind playing defense and blocking shots. My perimeter defense is getting a lot better too,” added Hubert.
Hubert isn’t known for his offensive game at this point, but he’s putting in the time to change that perception.
“I have a right handed hook now, and I am currently working on my left hand now,” Hubert said. “I am working to develop my jumpshot and move my range out. I am also working on my dribbling skills because everyone needs to dribble and shoot.
Now that the summer circuit is over, Hubert feels he can really isolate parts of his game to work on.
“I can work really hard during the high school season,” said Hubert. “It’s different than the summer when I’m just running the floor dunking, and getting put backs.
Hubert is one of the Super 60 players in the country because of his hard work. Hubert will continue to be rewarded as he develops his game on the court. With the knowledge that college coaches around the country will be watching him, Hubert also has all the motivation he needs to continue to make strides.
Check out the entire ESPNU Super 60 Here
