OConnell attracts high-majors

Milton (Ga.) shooting guard Alex O'Connell began to generate some high-major interest during the summer while playing with the Atlanta Celtics.

He's continued to improve to the point where schools such as Auburn, Clemson and Ole Miss came through with offers during the fall. Other high-majors continue to monitor his progress, as he's likely to become a highly recruited player in the 2017 class due to his ability to shoot the ball from deep.

IN HIS OWN WORDS

O'Connell took visits to each of the schools that offered him in the past few months, as well as Georgia and Vanderbilt. He talked about what interests him with each program.

Auburn: "They are up there. I've been to a practice and went to a game. The way they play is great. Coach (Bruce) Pearl lets his guys take a lot of shots. They push the ball up the court. Me and my dad both agreed that it's a great fit for me."

Clemson: "I like them. They were the first big school to offer. They just got a commitment from A.J. Oliver, so I'm not sure exactly where I stand with them now."

Georgia: "I'm definitely still interested in Georgia. It's a great school. It would be nice to play for an SEC school that is not one of the top-ranked teams so if I went there I could make an impact right away."

Ole Miss: "It was a great visit. I saw the new gym they are building. They have a really nice set-up. They had a nice academic presentation for us and then we went to the football game."

Vanderbilt: "That was a great visit too. I got to watch practice and there were a bunch of NBA scouts there watching Damian Jones. That was pretty cool."

WHAT'S NEXT?

O'Connell will continue to play out his junior season and there is little doubt that he'll have college coaches at his games throughout the year. His current plan is to cut down his list after the season, take more visits and then come to a decision before the early signing period next year.

RIVALS' REACTION

O'Connell has had the opportunity to get out and see all the schools currently recruiting him, so there is more clarity for him than most prospects at this stage because he has a good feel for what each school can offer him. All five schools currently most involved with him will have a shot, but O'Connell's combination of basketball skills and academic prowess will make him a hot commodity in the 2017 class and that makes it hard to project where he will end up.

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