Hamilton Heights senior forward Joan Duran has committed to continue his basketball career at Middle Tennessee State University.
The 6-foot-6, 220-pound strong forward, whose first name is pronounced “Jo-wan,” also was being recruited by Belmont, Lipscomb, Richmond, Shorter, Eastern Florida State and Chattanooga State.
“They’re getting an extremely versatile player who can play or guard any position,” Hamilton Heights coach Zach Ferrell said. “Joan can shoot from the outside, post up or even handle the ball well enough to bring it up the floor. He just has a great overall skill set.”
The native of the Dominican Republic has a 7-foot-1 wingspan. He has attended Hamilton Heights for three years and has averaged 10.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists a game for the Hawks this season.
“I am excited about my future at MTSU,” Duran said. “The coaches are great. They were very persistent with me in my recruitment, and that made me feel valuable and wanted.
“I think their program will really give me an opportunity to take my game to the next level. I like the location of the school, which will keep me close to some important people in my life.”
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.