Four-star point guard Shai Alexander talks Kentucky
John Calipari and Kentucky landed their third commitment from the class of 2017 on Monday morning when four-star point guard Shai Alexander made the call for the Wildcats.
A 6-foot-4 floor general from Canada who attends Chattanooga (Tenn.) Hamilton Heights, Alexander says the way UK goes about their business and the impression made by Calipari got the job done.
“It was the professionalism and the demeanor when I went to Kentucky," Alexander told Rivals.com. "There is a a business-like attitude in practice, with how they go about their game and their game day and everything else that I really liked.
“Coach Calipari made a really strong impression on me, obviously. He’s a great guy. He ha s a great sense of humor. He cares about the person before the player and hes an energetic guy.”
During the summer, Alexander had the opportunity to play with Canada's Senior National team. The experience put him around much older and more experienced pros on a daily basis and served as a great learning experience.
“I learned a lot of things, a couple of them being like acting like a pro off the court, taking care of your body and stuff like that," said Alexander. "I learned a bunch of new moves and tactics to get the defense on their heels and stuff. The experience really matured my game and gave me confidence.”
Alexander said that he's been recruited to play the point. A tall playmaker who can really see the floor and a good scorer off the dribble, he's got a goal of being a McDonald's All-American and looks forward to showing what he can do during his senior season.
“I’m going to go hard every play and I’m going to attack every play," said Alexander. "I’m going to take what the defense gives me and take good care of the ball.”
With commitments already in hand from five-star forward P.J. Washington and five-star center Nick Richards, Kentucky's class will move to number five nationally in 2017. Alexander is looking forward to playing with those guys and helping out any way he can in recruiting.
“The guys that they have already are great players," said Alexander. "I can’t wait to see who else they have and play with them. I’m excited to get there and will do what I can to help out with recruiting."
