As the early signing period quickly approaches and players continually find destinations for their college experience, the talent pool gets smaller and smaller. With that in mind, college coaches are making it a point to get into Duluth (Ga.) High School and see 6-foot-7 senior forward Eric Hamilton.

Every week there seems to be a new crop of schools showing up to the Gwinnett County program to meet and watch Hamilton, one of the rising stars of the summer evaluation period. A revolving door of schools from coast-to-coast have thrown a hat into the recruiting race, too.

 "My hard work is definitely starting to pay off. I've constantly been in the gym and working on the things that I need to work on to improve myself to be the best basketball player that I can possibly be," Hamilton, who played with the Southern Kings in July, said.

"I know I'm nowhere near the type of player I can possibly become. With hard work and the right program, I can definitely get there. Without a doubt, I'm willing to work towards that goal 150 percent."

Most recently Oregon State, Miami-OH and Northwestern have been in to see him. Wichita State, Houston, Auburn, Murray State, Cleveland State, Memphis, Murray State, Columbia, Brown, High Point, Norfolk State and others have all been, too, this fall.

The list of schools will certainly grow as more and more big men make their decisions and schools continue to look for multi-faceted players in the frontcourt.

"Pretty much all of the coaches (say they like) my versatility," Hamilton said. "I think they like the fact I can play multiple positions, at the three or four. I think they like the fact that I can knock down shots. I've improved my range outside of the college three-point line and in.

"They all say 'keep that motor.' I want to keep that drive so I can stay on the court for wherever the team needs me - rebound, score or whatever it takes to win."

Hamilton is in high demand, no doubt, and with the SAT test already behind him and the ACT scheduled for Saturday, he's trying to get it right in the classroom, too.

Hamilton has taken one official visit already. He tripped to James Madison in September but doesn't have any plans on visits in the fall. If he does take a trip, it will be as an unofficial and stay within the Southeast.

"(My dad and I) both decided that I'm going to sign in the spring," Hamilton said. "We're not going to rush into it. We're not going to use up all of the visits in the early part of the season."  

What is Hamilton ultimately looking for at the next level?

"I'm looking for a college that has good academics and a degree that is respected," Hamilton said. "I know basketball will end I have to enter the business world. I would like to have a degree to get myself started. I hope to find a school that has a great player development program and will help me reach my potential."

With an intriguing roster of talent at Duluth, there will be plenty of opportunities for college coaches to see Hamilton in action against quality opponents. Hamilton hopes his senior year will help convince school that he is the right player for their respective programs.

"We definitely have the talent to at least compete in the state," Hamilton said.  "We have the talent in order to, at least, compete for a serious run at state. We just have to work for it."