Miami Signs Mississippi Men's Basketball Player

April 7, 1999

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Head men’s basketball coach Leonard Hamiltonannounces the signing of 6-7 guard Leroy Hurd (Moss Point, MS) to anationalletter of intent to attend the University of Miami next fall. HurdchoseMiami over several schools including LSU, Southern Mississippi, SouthAlabama, Texas A&M and Georgia.

“Leroy represents what atrue student-athlete should be,” saidHamilton. “He is very good student, a nice person and a tremendousathlete.He is a versatile player who can handle the basketball and score fromtheperimeter.”

Hurd, a Mississippi firstteam All-State selection, averaged 25points, eight rebounds and six assists per game in leading Moss PointHighSchool to a 21-9 record and the Division 7-5A title.

“I loved everything aboutMiami,” said Hurd of his official visit toCoral Gables. “I love Miami’s style of play, the school’s atmosphereand itslocation. I also like the fact that it is a private school with smallerclasses.”

Hurd played all three perimeterpositions for the Tigers lastseason, including point guard, and is an honor student who has alreadyqualified academically to play as a freshman.

“This is a good situationfor me,” said Hurd, who is also a memberof the track team and holds the school record in the high jump (6′-10″).”Miami has a chance to become a big-time college basketball program,and theBIG EAST is a powerful conference with the nation’s best competition.”

Moss Point coach ArthurHaynes, who retired following the 1998-99season, thinks Hurd has the ability to be successful on the collegelevel.

“Leroy is a student of thegame and will only get better with ageand maturity,” said Haynes. “He is a good all-around player who handlestheball well and beats people off the dribble. He can potentially do itall.”

Hurd joins 6-8 forward JamesJones (Miami American) and 6-7 forwardDjahue Rodrique (Miami Northwest Christian Academy) as Hurricane commitmentsfor next fall.