Halperns Recruitment Going to New Levels
This is going to be a busy week for Tucker Halpern. The 6’7” junior forward from the Noble & Greenough School will be in Ann Arbor this weekend as he takes an unofficial visit to the University of Michigan. Then on Thursday, Georgetown Head Coach John Thompson III will be at Nobles to watch Halpern practice.
The interest from Michigan and Georgetown is a clear indication that Halpern’s recruiting status is on the rise. Previously, Halpern was hearing from a variety of mid-major programs including UMass, Davidson, Fordham, and Pennsylvania. But now it is clear that those schools are fighting an uphill battle with more and more high-major programs likely to follow the lead of the Wolverines and Hoyas.
With Halpern’s size, versatility, and three-point range it was likely only a matter of time before he generated this level of attention. He projects as a small forward at the high major level although he could even provide some minutes as a perimeter four in the right system. His three-point stroke is clearly the most potent aspect of his offensive game as there are few players who are as accurate as him from down-town, and even fewer who stand at 6’7”.
Style of play also appears to be an important factor. Michigan and Georgetown are two schools who both adopt systems based on the Princeton offense, which is a style of play that would be ideally suited for a player of Halpern’s size and skill. Similarly, their defensive systems are based, in part, around zone concepts where Halpern’s versatility would be valued.
But regardless of the style of play when national powers like Michigan and Georgetown are interested, you can bet there will be lots of other programs from high major schools who follow suit. Consequently, this could be the first of many busy weeks for Tucker Halpern.
Tucker Halpern