Hood chooses MSU

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20101028/SPORTS06/10280354/Hood-chooses-MSUHood chooses MSU

When it came time to choosing a school, however, it was familiarity that tipped the scales in favor of Mississippi State.

“They have been there for me the whole time,” said Hood, who verbally committed to MSU on Wednesday and plans to make his choice official when the week-long early signing period begins Nov. 10. “I don’t think there was a coaching staff that believed in me more as a player than Mississippi State did.

“Coach (Rick) Stansbury has been recruiting me since eighth grade. I think (MSU assistant) coach (George) Brooks has been knowing me since I was 2 years old. That means a lot to me.”

Hood, a versatile 6-foot-8 senior, picked the Bulldogs over Louisville and Florida State after previously eliminating Alabama, Georgia Tech and Marquette.

A second-team All-State pick by The Clarion-Ledger last season after averaging 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the Class 6A runner-up, Hood is ranked among the country’s top 30 prospects in the Class of 2011 by ESPN, HoopScoop, Rivals and Scout. He and East Side power forward Johnny O’Bryant – who committed to LSU this month – are generally ranked as the state’s top prospects by national recruiting analysts.

clarionledger.com
10/28/10