The former Holy Angels standout had just finished his freshman season at Binghamton University, a Division I program in New York, and on the surface, all had gone well. He had a productive season and figured prominently in the program's future.

But Hannan wasn't happy. Playing college basketball wasn't what he envisioned it would be when he accepted a scholarship to Binghamton before his senior season at Holy Angels.

The interaction between coaches and players fell short of expectations, Hannan said, and he was convinced he could play at a higher level.

After talking it over with his family in April, Hannan decided to look for a place where he could prove it.

Having landed at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, the 6-6 Hannan has guaranteed himself another eventful spring.

A recruiting trip to Las Vegas looks like a real possibility; perhaps a visit to Wyoming. A trip to Madison, Wis., seems likely as well.

Hannan has become a player in major college basketball recruiting.

Illinois assistant coach Tim Jankovich will be in attendance Friday night when MCTC puts on the Minnesota Community College Conference tournament. Illinois is the latest team to inquire about the forward/guard, who has led MCTC to a 23-1 record and the top spot in the national Division III junior college rankings.

Hannan leads MCTC in scoring, rebounding and steals and is tied with point guard Tyler Pivec for the team lead in assists.

Jay Pivec, who in 13th seasons at MCTC has coached the likes of current Gophers center Jerry Holman, said Hannan is the best player he has coached.

Hannan returned home for the summer with two possibilities for his immediate basketball future: Walk on at the `U' with hopes of earning a scholarship, or attend MCTC. When an invitation to join the Gophers was not extended, Hannan's decision was made for him.

``Things didn't work out there,'' Hannan said of the Gophers, ``so I'm here. And I'm here to help this team win and to prove that I can play at that level. It has kept me motivated, that's for sure.''

And if the Gophers showed interest now? ``I'd listen to them,'' Hannan said, ``But I don't know what I'd say.''

Pivec understands Hannan's disappointment, but also understands the business of recruiting.

``It comes down to need, and they don't have a need for a 6-6 swing player,'' Pivec said of the Gophers. ``They have those spots covered.''

Hannan has made unofficial visits to Wisconsin and Marquette and, after the seasons ends, hopes to use all five of his official visits before making a decision.

Wisconsin, Wyoming, UNLV and Northern Iowa have shown the most interest, but Pivec said he has heard from a different school every day for the past couple of weeks.

Hannan looks back to a summer of playing basketball in St. Paul against the best Minnesota had to offer and sees it as the point when his game came together. Pivec was impressed with what he saw.

``I knew what we were getting after watching him play against the Alan Andersons [Michigan State], the Troy Bells [Boston College]), the Mo Hargrows [Gophers],'' Pivec said. ``In some areas, he is better than those guys. He's a throwback-type player. He's a catch-and-shoot guy, very athletic, efficient.

``One [recruiter] asked me, `What's the flaw? What doesn't he do?' Well, for us, he does everything. Whatever campus he steps on, he'll be ready.''

Knowing he will be playing for his third program in three years, Hannan vows to be patient in making his decision. It's an approach Pivec endorses.

``Ten days ago, Illinois wasn't on the map,'' Pivec said. ``We're talking about top teams, and he can play at every one of them. There's no question in my mind that whomever gets him will have a gem.''

- Dean Spiros is at dspiros@startribune.com.

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