Creighton added its third recruit of the 2013 class in Pierre, South Dakota native Zach Hanson. Hanson had been recruited by the staff for the better part of the two years and it was clear over the last few months that he was a priority for Head Coach Greg McDermott as a replacement for rising Senior Gregory Echenique. McDermott was active in watching Hanson and his Dakota Schoolers squad battle at the recent NY2LA Sports Invitational. Hanson’s play caught the eye of fellow coaches from Minnesota, Marquette, Wisconsin, and Ohio State who began to up the evaluation of the South Dakotan. Hanson also collected offers from Arizona State, Missouri, Gonzaga, Iowa State, New Mexico, Northern Iowa and Nebraska. Its no secret that new Nebraska Head Coach Tim Miles made Hanson a priority for his class.
Similar to this summer’s previous verbal commitments, Zach attended the Creighton Team Camp earlier this summer. Hanson, Toby Hegner and Darian Harris were all top performers during their time on campus this June.
Hanson has a high motor and great hands which couple his size and strength down low. He prefers to play under the rim, utilizing a multitude of post maneuvers. Hanson enjoys banging down low and creating space for either himself or penetrating guards.
Hanson’s verbal commitment comes at an odd time during the hectic AAU season. This allows the staff to focus on future classes. The Staff can still take one more player in the 2013 class, but would need to use what Jays fans are referring to as “Daddy Scholarship”. This would require Greg McDermott would pay for Doug’s tuition, opening a spot for another scholarship player. This would finalize both the 2013 and 2014 classes. If they choose not to use the “Daddy Scholarship,” there would still be one opening for the 2014 class.
Zach Hanson Stats:
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 240
City: Pierre, South Dakota
AAU: 17U Dakota Schoolers
Honors: 2012 South Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year
2011-2012 (Jr.): 17.3pts – 7.7reb – 2.3asts – 1.9blks – 52% FG% – 1st Team All State