As expected on Saturday, Alterique Gilbert, a 6-foot-1 point guard from Lithonia (GA) Miller Grove, committed to UConn.
Gilbert, ranked the No. 6 point guard in the Class of 2016 by 247Sports.com, also considered Syracuse, Illinois, Texas and Louisville, but only visited UConn.
“I love the relationship me and coach [Kevin] Ollie have, and my mom as well,” Gilbert told ESPN.com. “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.”
UConn has Seton Hall transfer Sterling Gibbs coming in for this coming season only, along with freshman point guard Jalen Adams, meaning Gilbert can play alongside Adams in 2016.
“Me and Jalen actually played together a few years back at Elite 100 Camp in St. Louis,” Gilbert told ESPN.com. “We played really well together. Ever since then, I’ve been watching him, watching how his game has grown.”
Gilbert averaged 19 points, six assists and five steals last season at Miller Grove for head coach Sharman White.
“He’s a phenomenal point guard who has a great feel for the game and is also a tremendous athlete,” White told SNY.tv. “He has a very good floor game and can attack at all three levels.”
Gilbert joins 6-8 power forward Mamadou Diarra of Woodstock Academy and VCU transfer Terry Larrier in UConn’s 2016 class.
“I think he felt it was a good fit all around,” White said of Gilbert’s decision. “What he brings to the table, the staff and the rich tradition of the program.”
