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THE BEST IN ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL RECRUITING!

Introducing Spencer Hull
by Pat Benninger
September 10, 2006

It’s been a long road for class of 2007 Chicago Taft student, Spencer Hull.  From Fenwick to St. Pat’s to St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, in Delafield, Wisconsin, Hull has been everywhere.

This 6’9” forward wasn’t always big.  In fact, until a couple seasons back, he was a guard.

“My strengths on the basketball court are my face up skills”, exclaims Spencer.  “For the longest time I was a guard, then I had a growth spurt up to 6’7”.”  “Though I am a tall, I’m fast and a good leaper.”

He then explained, “…they tried to throw me in the post but I was too thin.”  It was a good thing he kept his guard skills.  “My 6’9” body puts me at a great advantage over other guards because I can post them and if a big man guarded me, I would use my quickness and crossovers.”

He currently feels his physical strength and use of aggression through attitudes are two things he needs to work on.  “Although power isn’t my game, there are times I get pushed around…but I make up for it with my disproportionately long arms and athleticism.  As for attitude, I have been known for my share of technical fouls, but never for arguing with the refs.  It’s because I’m hanging on the rim or taunting the opposing team.”  He then clarified, “That's not the kind of person I am but when you're in the game you get the rush.”

Last season, at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, Hull teamed up with Marcus Melvin, who is now at University of Florida, and Trevor Hughes, who is now at Wisconsin.  He tells us his roll was shot blocking, defense, and to run out on fast breaks.  “My coach would tell me not to worry about getting the rebound and just run and outlet because Marcus or Martin Esters [a versatile forward from Germany] would surely get the rebound, get it to Trevor, and he’d get it to me.

The transfer from SJNM Academy to Taft High School had nothing to do with basketball.  “St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy had a fantastic year last year, when I was there, but I just didn't like the military aspect at all.”

Though he is originally from the Chicago area, he doesn’t really know who will be the factors for his high school team this winter.  However, they all know who he is.  He left us with “I'm sure Taft has an assortment of good players but we'll find out in due time, I guess.”

Schools that have contacted the 6’9” forward include Wisconsin-Lutheran and Marquette.  Because of late growth, he hasn’t been highly recruited but we assure you, that will change very soon!  He is not a prospect that mid and high majors should overlook.  His potential is outstanding.

On the AAU circuit, he’s competed mostly with Chicago Demons but spent a little time with Larry Butler and the Illinois Warriors, back when Julian Wright and Jon Scheyer were both headliners.

Be on the lookout for Spencer and Taft as they should be one of the more underrated teams throughout the state.