What Will Alleyne Do Now
A source close to Shagari Alleyne, the 7-2 center from Rice, told RivalsHoops.com that he has backed out of his verbal commitment to Rutgers. A source told us that Alleyne has told the Rutgers staff about his decision.
Alleyne could not be contacted. Alleyne is scheduled to play in the Derby Classic. Kentucky is high on Alleyne's list too. In fact, even though Alleyne had been verball committed to Rutgers back in December, Shagari's dad was spotted at a game in New York City wearing a Kentucky hat and shirt.
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It was only last month that Rice Raiders Head Coach Mo Hicks told RivalsHoops.com: "As far as I know, he is still going there," Hicks said. "The last time that I spoke with Shagari or his parents, he was headed for Rutgers."
But the rumors swirled in recent weeks that Alleyne might be thinking about reopening his recruitment. Hicks previously said that Alleyne didn't sign early because he had not yet qualified academically back in the fall.
But Alleyne received a qualifying test score last Saturday, Feb. 8.
There is a report in a Kentucky newspaper identifying Shagari's dad with quotes confirming Alleyne backing out of the commitment.