In-state recruits Davis, Hartman commit to IU

IU got more than a win against Evansville on Sunday afternoon.

Two of the top players in the state for the class of 2013 — Devin Davis of Warren Central High School and Collin Hartman of Cathedral High School — decided to commit to coach Tom Crean and the Hoosiers.

“We couldn’t find a reason not to go to IU,” Hartman said of his and Davis’ choices. “I think it’s going to be great. We’re great friends off the court, so that chemistry will help when we get to IU.”

Davis, a 6-foot-5 forward, is a four-star player, according to Rivals.com and ranks as ESPN’s No. 48 overall recruit in the 2013 class.

He could not be reached for comment late Sunday night. 

Hartman, a 6-foot-6 forward, is also a four-star player, according to Rivals.com.

The Hoosiers — with 2011 forward Cody Zeller (Washington, Ind.) and 2012 forward Hanner Perea (LaPorte, Ind.) — have now added four major in-state commitments in the past month.

Both Hartman and Davis were at Assembly Hall on Sunday for an unofficial visit. After the game, Hartman and his mother, Melissa, began driving home to Indianapolis. 

But within 10 minutes of leaving Bloomington, Hartman asked his mother to turn the car around. He wanted to let Crean know his college plans.

“I’ve been thinking about it for two or three weeks,” said Hartman, who also considered Purdue and Butler. “I just couldn’t find a reason not to choose IU. This was the place I wanted to go.”

Hartman said he really loved how family-oriented the IU program is and said Assembly Hall “has a great atmosphere and a lot of energy.”

He also credited Crean as a major reason for committing.

“Coach Crean is just a genuine guy,” Hartman said. “He’s trying to push everyone to be better in all ways of life. That’s the kind of coach I was looking for.”

Hartman’s mother grew up an IU fan and said her entire family roots for the Hoosiers. Sunday afternoon, though, was the first time she was at Assembly Hall for a game.

She said during the game she had visions of her son possibly playing for the Cream and Crimson.

“I just got emotional within myself thinking Collin could actually go to school here,” she said. “Honestly, he would get a great education at any of those schools, but the chemistry just fit at IU.  It’s unbelievable.”