With the 2015 scholarships all allotted, the University of Minnesota basketball staff has turned its focus to the 2016 class. Near the top of the list is Rochester wing Michael Hurt, who is ticking up in the national ranks (he sits at No. 146 for the 2016 class, according to rivals.com) as he heads into his junior year at John Marshall. I caught up with his prep coach, Kirk Thompson, to talk about Minnesota's recent offer and the road ahead.

Q How did Michael react to the offer from coach Richard Pitino?

A I think it's very exciting for him that they're showing interest. He was impressed that they're thinking about getting a new practice facility. ... He likes the idea of things they're presenting for him, how they see him as a player and I think everything has been positive.

Q His recruitment really took a jump over the summer. How is he handling all the new attention?

A He's got a lot of college coaches calling on him. The great thing about Michael is he's a great kid with a level head. So he is garnering a lot of attention, but he's very down home. He's a gym rat, he works hard, he just works on improving his game.

Gold in the Barn: startribune.com/gophers