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DMVelite Q&A: Hunter Dickinson

By Marcus Helton, 12/04/18, 6:00PM EST

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Up close with the DeMatha 2020 big man.

DeMatha Catholic (Md.) 2020 center Hunter Dickinson has grown into one of the area's premier players, currently holding a list of scholarship offers that includes Boston College, Florida State, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Notre Dame,  Oregon, Pittsburgh, Providence, Purdue, South Carolina, Stanford, Syracuse, USC, Virginia and Wake Forest. He said Gonzaga and Kentucky have also been in contact.

The 7-foot-2, 255-pound Dickinson is unquestionably a presence on the block, and has expanded his game to display a soft touch from the perimeter. Dickinson was instrumental in DeMatha's sweep of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, Maryland Private School and Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament titles last year,  and is aiming to repeat that success in his junior year.

After posting a game-high 21 points in DeMatha's recent win over St. Maria Goretti at the 2018 Charm City Challenge, Dickinson took some time to discuss his recruitment, expectations for the season and more:

WHAT IS THE TEAM'S MINDSET GOING INTO THIS SEASON?

“I think we’re really starting to try to transition from the celebration phase to now we’ve got to go back to work and try to get this back to back.”

HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR GAME HAS EVOLVED?

“I think Coach [Mike] Jones has allowed me to play more, like, freely, and I think that’s just really helped me more on the perimeter. He lets me - not do whatever I want, but he lets me flow and I think that really helps me on the perimeter and be more of an all-around player.”

HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK YOUR 3-POINT SHOOTING CATCHES DEFENSES OFF GUARD?

“I think we’re so good at penetrating to the rim that if I’m out on the perimeter at times, it will open up driving lanes and keep the big man out there so it’s easier for them to drive.”

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A SCHOOL?

“A head coach that I can really relate to and really wants me to be there. That’s probably the biggest thing. And then a pretty good school with a big fan base and that’s know for getting bigs to the NBA.”

DOES IT HELP HAVING AN OLDER BROTHER [FORMER GONZAGA STANDOUT BEN DICKINSON] WHO HAS GONE THROUGH THE RECRUITING PROCESS?

“It helps a lot, because even though I was at a young age, I still paid attention to what was happening. I think that really helped me with what to look for in coaches and stuff. It’s really helped me with this process.”

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OFF THE COURT?

“I’ll just be at home. I just chill and play some video games. Black Ops, that’s my main game.”

DID YOU PLAY ANY OTHER SPORTS GROWING UP?

“Ever since I could walk, basically, I’ve played basketball. Because of my brother it was, like, my main thing growing up. I wasn’t forced to play - I wanted to play - but that was the thing. I really liked baseball but I couldn’t do it anymore, I just had to dedicate so much to basketball.”

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVORITE ON-COURT MEMORY?

“Probably winning Peach Jam [with Team Takeover], that was just so fun. The year before, we lost and I was so hurt, and winning that was just a great feeling. Russell Westbrook and all the stars were there, and to win - and to play good, too - was really nice.”