Four-star Eric Ayala still undecided on reclassification decision
PHILADELPHIA – After months of deliberation, Eric Ayala is coming closer and closer to making a final decision. The No. 67-ranked prospect in the 2018 Rivals150, Ayala has the chance to reclassify into the 2017 class and become an instant contributor for a contending college basketball program this winter.
Tough, mature, productive and well-rounded, there are not many players in the 2018 class than are more college-ready than Ayala.
While a number of programs have made a push for his commitment as a 2018 prospect, Ohio State and Oregon have risen above and pushed for his commitment in the 2017 class.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Ayala spoke further on each school.
Ohio State: “Just the opportunity that they have for me to make things happen. They have also been showing a lot of love. I like that. They are making me feel like a priority coming to a lot of my games.”
“The opportunity is there for me to come in and make things happen.”
Oregon: “West Coast basketball, I kind of like the way that they play over there in the Pac-12. It is fast-paced but it is not as physical as it is over on the east coast. I kind of like the Pac-12 a little bit. Oregon, coming in, and jumping right in, definitely interests me.”
WHAT'S NEXT
Ayala wants to visit Oregon and Ohio State before making his decision.
“Right now, it is about finding the right school that I like as either ‘17 or ‘18," he said. "I haven’t found that exact school just yet so I could be willing to wait in ’18 or I could go right to ’17.”
RIVALS' REACTION
Ayala remains on the fence about reclassifying, but as Ohio State and Oregon have continued their push, the chances of the Rivals150 guard playing college ball this winter increase.
Look for a decision from Ayala this August on reclassifying. All signs point toward him entering college this year, with the Ducks and Buckeyes sitting as the likeliest of landing spots.