Donnie Hale made his college decision Tuesday, his family announced. The New Albany star will stay in-state after his senior year of high school to play for Matt Painter’s Purdue program.
Hale, a 6-foot-8 forward, is relieved the recruiting process is behind him.
“I’m really glad it’s over,” Hale said. “I put a lot of thought into it for a long while; and at the end of the day, it just seemed like (Purdue) was the best option for me. I’m really glad to be a part of their program now.”
The Boilermakers were one of the first major Division I schools to show interest in Hale.
“They offered me (a scholarship) a long time ago but other players committed and it was taken away,” he said. “But they never backed off of me, and they were always there – at open gyms during school and at AAU tournaments in the summer. They seemed really interested and did everything they could to get me there.”
Hale also fielded serious interest from Butler, Indiana State, Oklahoma State, Virginia and Xavier.
“I really appreciate the interest (from other schools),” he added. “They’re all good colleges with great coaches. But I felt Purdue was the place for me and I’m honored to get the chance to play there.”
The entire New Albany team will travel to the West Lafayette campus later this month for a team camp and again on Jan. 2, 2010, for the Super Hoops New Year Classic, a one-day showcase of games where the Bulldogs will face Zionsville.
“Going to Mackey (Arena) is going to be really cool, especially now that I’m committed there,” he said. “Mackey is a great place to watch a game or play. It’s going to be really nice to play there with my high school teammates.”
With his college decision finalized, Hale now will focus on the upcoming whirlwind of July AAU tournaments. During the month-long tour, his Spiece Indy Heat team will play in Indianapolis, Louisville, Kansas City and Fort Wayne.
“A lot of people don’t have the opportunity to have colleges come to them. Now that the process is over, it feels really good.”
Floyd County Sports
Hale pledges to Purdue
NA star gives verbal committment to Boilers
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OUCH: Bulldogs sent home with tails between their legs after 50-20 loss at Providence
For only the 15th time in program history, Providence defeated the archrival Bulldogs by a record-setting score, 50-20. The 30-point margin is the widest Pioneer victory margin in the 54-year history of the rivalry.
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BOYS' HOOPS: Floyd Central falls to Bedford, 52-44
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HIGH SCHOOL ROUNDUP: Silver Creek finishes at Salem, 63-53
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GIRLS' HOOPS: Highlanders oust Dragons in regular-season finale, 48-45
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POOLSIDE: Area girls’ teams prepare for swimming sectional
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Bramble headed for Dartmouth
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Dance team hopes to dazzle judges at nationals
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H.S. ROUNDUP: New Albany downs New Washington, 69-50
Tanner Marcum was a perfect 8-for-8 from the field and scored a game-high 22 points to lead the New Albany girls’ basketball team past host New Washington on Tuesday, 69-50.
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