Wright talks Gopher visit

Rivals 150 point guard McKinley Wright is starting to get very serious about his career. He visited Minnesota today who is one of four programs showing strong interest in him for the future. GI spoke with Wright after his visit.

"The visit to Minnesota today was really cool," McKinley said. "I got a better feel for Minnesota and the coaching staff."

"The coaches are very cool outside of basketball, and they care about me as a person.. The program is also moving in the right direction. So that's a plus. They are also building a new facility as well."

After the visit Wright tweeted out in excitement.

During the trip McKinley was able to do several things.

"I watched a video, went in the practice facility, checked out the weight room, and talked with the coaches for a while," Wright said. "I also got a look at what they are going to do with the new facilities and I went to Williams Arena and got some shots up."

Wright went on the visit with several family members including his mother, aunt, and younger relatives. They all got a chance to talk with Coach Pitino.

"Coach Pitino talked about how he thinks I can make an impact on the program and help others come to Minnesota. How important it is to play in front of friends and family and what kind of opportunity it is."

Wright is coming off another great weekend with D1 Minnesota as they won the Adidas Midwest Regional moving their record overall to 23-1 on the season with the only loss being in overtime by a single point.

Wright's coach Al Harris spoke with GI about what McKinley is doing that has made their team so good.

"He's playing with a lot of poise and unselfishness," Harris said. "Playing at a VERY high level on both ends of the floor.

"He is one of the leaders on his team in three statistics; scoring, rebounding, and assists. His numbers are outstanding considering the depth of this team. McKinley is our vocal leader on and off the floor. Such a special talent full of intangibles."

Many college coaches would agree. Minnesota, Memphis, Nebraska, Xavier, Minnesota, Illinois, Kansas State, Texas Tech, Iowa State, Dayton, and Creighton are among the many that have offered.

Right now four of those programs are calling on McKinley the most.

"I hear from Iowa State, Xavier, Dayton, and Minnesota pretty much every day," Wright said. "My next visit will be an unofficial to Iowa state on June 12th."