Hull decides to go from Eagles to Grizzlies

Belen High School senior David Hull has chosen to go to Adams State College to continue his basketball career. After being courted by everyone from Baylor to New Mexico Highlands, Hull decided his best bet would be to play for coach Larry Mortenson and the Grizzlies.

“He (Mortenson) seemed like he knows what he’s doing,” Hull said. “I visited the campus twice, and he filled me in on the offense and the defense while I was there”

Hull lead the Eagles in scoring in his senior season, after breaking both of his wrists in a preseason tournament. Hull turned what could have been a career-ending injury into only a minor setback. He came back to the team in time for the district season and lead the team to almost earning their first state tournament berth since 1985.

Hull and the Eagles had a storybook season with their first win over their district rivals, Albuquerque Academy, in as long as anyone could remember.

David is excited to continue his basketball career at the next level with the NCAA Division II school in Alamosa, Colo.

Hull will be trying to get used to the new system at Adams State, but he shouldn’t have too much trouble getting into the swing of things. The Grizzlies run a straight man-to-man defense, much like the Eagles ran for the majority of the season. The Grizzes also run a motion offense, similar to the one that head coach David Medina runs in Belen.

“It will be hard at first, but eventually I’ll get used to it,” Hull said. “It’s just going to take some time.”

The Grizzlies are giving Hull a full ride to come up and play basketball for them, which was one of the deciding factors for David and his family.

Another decider for the family was the man at the helm, Mortenson.

“I talked to him several times and went up and visited twice,” David’s mother, Debra Hull, said. “He (Mortenson) seemed like a really caring individual who should be able to help David be a better player.”

David’s parents, Debra and David Sr., are exceedingly proud of their son and are excited about the opportunity he has to continue his education.

The basketball program isn’t the only reason David chose Adams State as his college of choice.

“I really like the town,” Hull said, “I like how it’s in the mountains, and the weather up there is a big reason why I’m going.”

David will be going to an experienced and solid Grizzlies team which should have a shot at contending in the Rocky Mountain Conference in the 2002-2003 season.