Rockets Nab Another Hoops Commit!

Just two weeks after securing a verbal commitment from recruit Jordan Dressler, UT basketball coach Gene Cross was hitting the recruiting trail hard again this weekend. The result? Another out-of-state commitment for the Toledo Rockets class of 2009. Which prospect was on campus this weekend for an official visit and ultimately decided on Toledo?

With just weeks before the start of the early signing period for the basketball class of 2009, Toledo Rockets head coach Gene Cross appears to be putting the finishing touches on a strong recruiting class. Two weeks ago, recruit Jordan Dressler, a sharp-shooter from Columbia, Mo., became the third member of the Rockets class.

This weekend, back for his second visit to Toledo in just over a month, Valparaiso, Ind., forward Hayden Humes made the same decision, pledging his future services to the Rocket program.

“I was there this weekend on an official visit,” Humes told Rocket Digest. “I was there for a walkthrough of Savage Hall. They’re really redoing the entire gym. I really liked the gym. I really liked the coaching staff. You could just tell it was a good situation and that the program is headed in a really good direction.”

Humes now becomes the fourth member of Cross’ first full recruiting class. A 6-foot-8, 210-pound forward, Humes gives the Rockets continued depth and a variety of options in the post.

“They don’t see a single position for me,” Humes continued. “They just see me as a basketball player. I’m pretty versatile. I think that my strengths are shooting ability and the ability to guard a lot of positions on the defensive side. I know I’ll definitely have to get stronger in the upper body for college, and I’m working on that right now.”

The official visit was Humes’ second visit to Toledo in just over a month. In Toledo to participate in an open gym and catch the Toledo Rockets football game against Fresno State on September 20, Humes had a good idea of what he was getting into.

“I basically just went down and played with the guys in their open gym,” the forward said. “We went to the football game then and had to head out the next day. It was good to play with the guys, though, and to talk to the coaches.”

Shortly after the visit the Rockets made their way to the front of the pack. Once he returned to campus the second time, the time was right.

“I was definitely favoring them (Toledo.) The official just sealed the deal.”

Humes also considered Wisconsin-Milwaukee, IPFW and Ball State before ending his recruitment in Toledo this weekend. Toledo was his first and only official visit.