7/13/2022 basketball Edit

Jordan Hulls gained valuable experience as recruiter on road this summer

Alec Lasley • TheHoosier

Senior Writer

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The Indiana basketball coaching staff had some changes from this time last summer. That included elevating Team and Recruiting Coordinator Brian Walsh to a full-time assistant and also bringing Jordan Hulls in to take over Walsh's position.

In this position, most of the recruiting work is done in the office. Whether it's on the phone building relationships or watching film on recruits, there isn't a lot of time during live evaluation periods when the Team and Recruiting Coordinator can get out on the road.

So, being able to dive into connections and relationships is key, as is the ability to scout over video -- something that's not always an easy thing to do.

"When I was getting recruited, there's a lot of rules that have changed, a lot of different things that you can or cannot do," Hulls said earlier this summer. "... being back here and being in this realm just for a short time, you can already see the things that need to be done as far as, you know, staying in contact with those that you can and just trying to research and learn everything about the prospect that you can or whoever, just so you can build that relationship."

Jordan Hulls has gained valuable experience on the road this summer that will help him adjust to his new role with Indiana.

Often times, the Team and Recruiting Coordinator is the first point of contact for a lot of recruits. It's where the relationship starts and does go a long way in how far the relationship goes between the school and the prospect. Hulls understands that and knows there needs to be an emphasis on leaning on his contacts to lay his groundwork.

"For me, whether it's business or recruiting or whatever, relationships are everything, and that's how I'm treating that here as well," Hulls said. "So, I know that's very important for me and I know that's important when I was going through the process as well, but you're going to be playing and devoting your life to the school academically but also on the court. So, you want to make sure that it's the right fit for you, and I'm doing the best that I can with that."

While Hulls has had no true recruiting experience before as a coach, Mike Woodson threw him into the fire almost immediately earlier this summer during the second June live evaluation period.

Hulls was at the Charlie Hughes Invitational around the Indianapolis area, filling in for Woodson himself.

"It was great," Hulls said of the weekend. "You know, to get in there, get out there on the road and see these kids play in person is different than watching them be on a computer. It's a lot better to see them in person, see them interact with their teammates and see the little details they do when they run off the court, what have you.

"For me it's special to be able to go out there and do that and like you said I'm trying to learn as much as I can. So, taking notes on whatever I can and whatever I see that I think can help me not only as -- be the best that I can in my role but also to try and help these kids in the future."

And despite that being his first time on the road as a recruiter, his 14 years playing in college and professionally has given him a lot of added knowledge on what to look for in a player.

"For me, I think it's paying attention to the details and those are things that really helped me personally was just staying the course and knowing that I was doing the right things," Hulls said. "Obviously, it's a crazy, crazy atmosphere. There are so many different kids in the country, so just knowing that you've got to go out there and work. I know that is what worked for me and that's still a good recipe for kids out there today. I think learning more about the kids and how they work, for me, is you know, is something that I'll be looking forward to... You can see how they control the game or their fundamentals. They are not turning the ball over. They are good teammates. Those kinds of things go a long way.

"So, it's me adjusting to that but also applying those pro philosophies that I've learned and really try to pick out certain things or characteristics that guys have. That's the fun part for me is diving in and seeing the players that have the intangibles to help us succeed or whatever comes with that.

"That's a very exciting thing for me to try and just watch good basketball, watch good players and try to get those guys."

Hulls also filled in for Mike Woodson on Wednesday of the fist live period in July, getting out on the road for a full day as well.

While Hulls has a big hole to fit in the seat that Brian Walsh sat in the last few seasons, he has the knowledge and now even additional experience from this summer that will help Indiana right away.