Two former NBA coaches extended offers to 2016 wing Amir Coffey (@coffeyshop_) last night: http://t.co/sYEaXyx8gY pic.twitter.com/FlGEZvPWvP
— Garrett Tucker (@GTuckerHoops) August 26, 2015
Hopkins standout Amir Coffey has chosen to stay home and play basketball for the University of Minnesota.
According to the Pioneer Press, it could be a turning point for the Gophers and Richard Pitino, who is trying to keep some of the state’s top basketball talent at home.
Coffey had plenty of offers. He reportedly chose the Gophers over Arizona, Baylor, Texas, Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan State and Indiana.
Richard Pitino makes a splash today, landing his biggest local recruit yet in Amir Coffey #Gophers | http://t.co/hfAgaOLhzd
— Jeff Wald (@JeffWaldFox9) September 21, 2015
Multiple sources indicated the hometown Gophers were the favorite all along for Coffey, whose father, Richard, also played for the University of Minnesota.
Amir Coffey (ESPN, No. 33) will announce his decision today: Sources told ESPN that Richard Pitino and hometown Minnesota the likely pick.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) September 21, 2015
“It means a lot,” Coffey said. “It’s a big deal to go to the same school that my dad did.”
Richard Coffey played for the Gophers from 1986-90, playing on teams that went to the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 under Clem Haskins.
According to the Star Tribune, Coffey visited the U of M on Sept. 3, and was seen on the field for the Gophers football game against TCU. He was scheduled to visit Texas last weekend, but reportedly cancelled that visit – leading many to believe he was going to choose to stay home.
Coffey is a 6-foot-7 guard. He is regarded as a 4-star recruit – many consider him to be a top 50 talent in this year’s class.
Amir Coffey, Scout's No. 41 prospect in 2016, will announce his college choice today at 4:30 ET at a press conference at his school.
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) September 21, 2015
Coffey helped lead Hopkins to the state championship game in 2013-14 as a sophomore when he hit a memorable 60-foot buzzer-beater.
Amir Coffey (@coffeyshop_) grows past Dad & into a top basketball prospect: Story + videos. http://t.co/rYV1oISTHE pic.twitter.com/CgHXXIdOMp
— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) July 23, 2015
He missed much of his junior season after tearing his ACL. But the Pioneer Press notes Coffey returned last month to lead the Royals to the Pacesetters state championship in St. Cloud.
