2005s Ollie in final hour of decision

Roderick Ollie, an unsigned senior shooting guard from Gentry High School in Moorehead, Miss., is down to three schools. The 6-foot-6, 205-pound prospect knows his time is getting close to making a decision. Mississippi State, Texas A&M and UAB are his finalists. He's been to all three schools and now he's weighing all each program. Coaches from all three programs are now waiting on his final pick.

After enjoying a great senior season by leading his team to a 27-5 record by putting in 26 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three blocks a game. He earned all-state honors and was the MVP of the Mississippi-Alabama all-star game after recording 21 points, 11 rebounds, two blocked shots and two steals.

Since the season has ended, his recruitment has gone to new heights. All three of his finalists have hosted the athletic wing for visits. He's looking at each school closely.

"Right now, I'm open. I just thinking about what school best fits my style of play," Ollie said.

It's purely a basketball decision. Academics are all on an even plain, Ollie says. His decision is Xs and Os, playing time and what program can best utilize his deep threat scoring touch and slashing ability the best.

What does he like about Texas A&M?

"Most of the schools that are recruiting me are telling me that I'd come in a play the two and three spots. With Texas A&M, they are losing three players at the spot and Antoine Wright is one of them," Ollie said.

"Coach (Billy) Gillespie said I could basically come in and play right away. Plus, it's the Big 12. It's one of the best conferences in the country. I could really see myself playing there. I could fit well in their system. They like to get up and down."

His last trip was to Birmingham. There he spent time with UAB head coach Mike Anderson and the rest of the Blazers program. Their style of player is intriguing, he says.

"They press the whole time. From start to finish, they press the whole game. It's crazy. I like that though," Ollie said. "Plus, they are losing like six players. That's something I'm looking at."

The home school, Mississippi State, was the first high-major school to offer a scholarship, he said.

"Of course the location is great. I could play in the SEC. The way they play is alright," Ollie said. "They have a lot of wings coming in and that are there right now so that is something that I'm going to have to look at, too."

Ollie said he'll sign with one of the three schools next back.

"I'm just sitting back and thinking right now," he said.