Rivals150 SG wants to make right decision
Since he committed to Kevin Ollie and Connecticut about six months ago, class of 2015 stud Prince Ali has developed a great relationship with the Huskies' staff. That's why it was both difficult and important for him to open his recruitment back up.
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A 6-foot-4 shooting guard from Weston (Fla.) Sagemont who currently ranks No. 68 in the class of 2015, Ali felt that he might have rushed into things. He really likes UConn and will take an official visit there, but he wants to make sure he is looking at all of his options.
"I committed a little early," Ali told Rivals.com. "I probably could have waited a little bit longer to do something. I've never really watched a lot of college basketball and this year when I really started to watch I got to see a lot of different teams and I thought to myself I never really got a chance to see this school or that school and if I would be a fit.
"When I went to visit UConn it was the only visit I had taken outside of the state. So when I take official visits I'll go (out of state) and UConn."
Even though Ali knew opening up his recruitment was the right thing to do for both him and UConn, calling Ollie to break the news wasn't easy. But, Ollie was very understanding and isn't going to let up.
"It was a tough phone call," said Ali. "He was a little disappointed but he understood and he definitely is going to recruit me. He told me that he still wants me at UConn and that he thinks I'll end up at UConn. He wasn't mad or anything, he's real cool."
During the spring portion of the grassroots circuit, Ali has looked like one of the most improved players in the country. He says that much of it has to do with a change in attitude.
"Coaching and me willing to be coached," said Ali of what has allowed his game to blossom. "It started in the high school season. When I first got to Sagemont I always wanted to do things my way. My coach really had to scram at me a lot early and I finally did it his way and the right way. He taught me about taking good shots and making smart plays."
One of the best wing athletes in the country, Ali is tough to keep out of the line. He is a big time driver and can finish over the top of much bigger players. But, he doesn't want to be a one dimensional player.
"To take my game to another level I would definitely have to say I would love to get more assists," said Ali. "I want to work on my left hand. I want to make my left hand as good as my right hand I'll be working on that the whole month of June."
Since opening up his recruitment Thursday night, Ali says that nearly 50 programs have expressed interest. Some of those who have reached out in addition to UConn include Michigan, Arizona, UCLA, Maryland, Georgetown, Florida State, Indiana, California, Washington, California, Providence, Nebraska, Tennessee, Minnesota, Georgia and Virginia Tech. Ali also mentioned that he expects to speak with Michigan State soon and said that North Carolina stands out as a school that he would be interested in speaking with that he hasn't heard from yet.
For now, Ali is hoping to get his list cut down to 10 sooner than later but for the time being he is thinking he may wait until spring. But, he's not determined to wait things out and is looking forward to meeting and getting familiar with the coaches that are interested in recruiting him.
"That's what I'm thinking now but anything can happen," said Ali of waiting until next spring. "I could come to the
realization that UConn is it or or that another school is it in the next three or four months.
"Kevin Ollie is a great dude and his staff is a great staff. I've never really met any other coaching staffs. I want to get to know what these other staffs are like. I've spoken to them some in the past but I've not really gotten to know them."
Eric Bossi is the national basketball recruiting analyst for Rivals.com. You can click here to follow him on Twitter.
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