The Connecticut Huskies may have their next great guard in tow, securing a commitment from five-star prospect Alterique Gilbert.
A six-foot-one point guard from Lithonia, Ga., Gilbert joins UConn head men's basketball coach Kevin Ollie's recruiting class of 2016. Gilbert confirmed his decision to ESPN and CBS Sports.
"I love the relationship me and coach [Kevin] Ollie have, and my mom as well," he told ESPN. "My reasoning for the commitment is me being comfortable with the whole situation. I just decided to take the best thing for me and my family. We just came to a conclusion together that it would be the best fit for me."
Gilbert, who was reportedly also considering Louisville and Syracuse, will have a clear-cut opportunity to earn a starting role once he arrives on campus. As CBS Sports pointed out, UConn is likely to start Sterling Gibbs at point guard this season, but he is a transfer from Seton Hall with one year of eligibility left.
247 Sports rates Gilbert a four-star prospect, as does Rivals, but ESPN gave him an extra star even though all three ranked him similarly among other point guards in his class. Evaluators say he has outstanding athleticism, but needs to work on the finer points of his position.
Gilbert's decision seemed to have something to do with UConn's basketball alums at his position. From Ollie to Ray Allen to Ben Gordon to Kemba Walker to Shabazz Napier, UConn has a reputation for developing guards.
"The history there - especially with Coach Ollie and Coach Ricky Moore helped me with the decision," Gilbert told CBS Sports. "I want to go where those guys have been."
