Great Article on UND Recruit Quinton Hooker

North Dakota was very excited when Minnesota guard Quinton Hooker committed to the school last year. As a recent article from the Minneapolis Star Tribune shows, UND will be getting a great player on the court, and a loyal person off the court.

“I could go on for the next 45 minutes about Quinton,’’ said Larry Lawler, Park Center’s athletic director. “He’s a great athlete and an honor roll student. But the best thing about Quinton is that he takes an interest in everyone.’’

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Quinton’s talent was obvious by the sixth grade. There was a thought one of the high-profile hoops programs — be it public or private — would draw Hooker by the time he reached ninth grade.

“No names, but I’m sure there were other schools that would’ve loved to have him,’’ Lawler said. “Quinton’s decision to stay at Park Center, to keep playing with kids he grew up with, meant everything to this school and community.’’

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Hooker has not dealt with such big-time adoration. He signed with North Dakota last fall.

“I visited the campus, loved it, and the coaches and everyone else made it clear how much they wanted me,’’ he said.

Quinton then repeated the advice offered by John Turner, a former Vikings defensive back and now an administrative assistant at Park Center: “J.T. told me, ‘Love those who love you.’ That’s another reason I’ll be at North Dakota.

North Dakota will have a crowded and experienced backcourt next season, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Hooker grab some minutes. Either way, he is a huge part of North Dakota's future.

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