Mr. Basketball contender Trevon Faulkner picks NKU

Trevon Faulkner, a two-sport star at Mercer County High School, recently decided his future will be in basketball.

And the next chapter of that future will be written at Northern Kentucky University. Mercer County’s boys’ basketball Twitter account (@MercerTitansBB) announced Faulkner’s decision on Twitter via a short video Monday night.

Faulkner, a senior point guard who’s rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports, also had reported offers from Middle Tennessee State, Western Kentucky University, Louisiana-Lafayette, Valparaiso and Wright State.

NKU, which made the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history last season, continues to load up on in-state talent under third-year coach John Brannen. The Norse have seven Kentuckians on their roster, only two of whom are seniors: Nick Ayers, who played at Simon Kenton, and Lavone Holland, a former Ballard standout.

“Just connecting with those guys and talking to ’em, they’re Kentucky kids, too,” Faulkner said. “That means a lot, to just go in and play with those guys.”

Faulkner, who will be among the favorites for Mr. Basketball honors in 2018, also had burgeoning interest from colleges on the gridiron. He’s a cornerback and wide receiver for the Titans’ undefeated football team.

But basketball was his first love. He’s passionate about football but “I think one day Trevon’s got an opportunity to play for some money,” Coach Josh Hamlin said.

Faulkner’s all-in on that dream.

“The coaching staff, I feel like they can push me to go to the next level,” Faulkner said. “’Cause my dream is to go to the NBA and I feel like playing there can help me do that.”

This story was originally published August 29, 2017 at 8:48 AM with the headline "Mr. Basketball contender Trevon Faulkner picks NKU."