Understanding where a college program wanted Eric Hamilton to play next year was essential during the recruiting process.

The Duluth High product found it.

Hamilton ended his recruitment on Wednesday night committing to Wichita State. He selected the Shockers over Georgia, Oregon State, Memphis and Northwestern.

“I like their style of play,” Hamilton said. “It fits how I play and how I can play at the next level.”

Hamilton’s recruitment rocketed over the last two months based on his performance from the Best of the South. The 6-foot-8 forward had a weekend where college programs were intrigued by his athleticism, rebounding and hustle.

In a 72-hour window, Hamilton went from an unknown commodity to a heavily recruited prospect.

“Just the fact that I have been getting a lot of attention from a lot of schools and then the recruiting picked up,” he said. “It definitely has been a tough decision for me but I definitely feel like I made the right choice.”

Hamilton had the opportunity to see Wichita State play on his visit and interacted with the team. The coaching staff is looking for a player who comes in willing to work hard, hustle, play defense and has the ability to score baskets, according to Hamilton.

“I recently developed a knack for scoring and they definitely recruited me for that,” he said. “I got to fully understand what they want from me coming in. I am up for the challenge.”

He is also relived that this process if over. Hamilton wants to focus on his senior season and helping put Duluth in the conversation as one of the better programs in the region and state. However, the Wildcats need to re-group after losing to Brookwood in the season-opener.

“I feel that our team is talented enough to do,” he said. “We just have to come together and play defense together – as a team. It was our first game. We will learn from it and we will take it from there considering that it was an off night for everyone.”

This approach to make improvements and changes is what will attract Shockers fans to Hamilton.

“I am a player that if I don’t know how to do something I will give my 100% to make it my strength,” he said. “I will try to do my best to be a team player.”