Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
By SAM LANCE
USF coach Amir Abdur-Rahim has landed a commitment from Jayden Reid, one of best available point guards in the class of 2023. Reid announced the move on Twitter.
Reid, the 5-foot-10, 160-pound guard from Long Island Lutheran (NY), chose USF over SMU, Dayton, Seattle and others.
“South Florida actually came in later in my recruiting process but coach Amir came in strong,” Reid told 247Sports. “He’s the head coach and not a lot of kids get recruited directly by the head coach. He called me everyday, talked to my parents and even set up the visit and all the details. It showed me the belief he has in me.”
Reid is ranked the No. 151 player nationally and No. 20 point guard in the class of 2023 by 247Sports. He was the best available point guard remaining in the class.
This is the first high school recruit Abdur-Rahim has picked up since taking over USF in March. However, he’s added three portal players — Kasen Jennings, Brandon Stroud and Chris Youngblood — from his former head coaching spot at Kennesaw State.
Abdur-Rahim led Kennesaw State to an Atlantic Sun conference tournament championship and 26-9 season overall last year. If you remember, Kennesaw State also gave Xavier a run for their money in the first round, narrowly falling 72-67.
“Coach had a starting point guard over the past three years who was a 5-10 point guard like myself,” Reid said to 247. “He needed a point guard that can make plays, and I can do that for myself and others. They also got a lot of shooters that they’re bringing in so having that will allow me to play my game.”
Reid continued.
“They showed me film and videos of how they used their point guards this past year. They let him play dynamic and free. They get the ball on the rim, run a lot of pick and rolls, handoffs, and a lot of things that play to my strengths.”
Abdur-Rahim is taking over a USF program that hasn’t had a winning season since 2018-19. The last of USF’s three total NCAA tournament appearances was in 2012.
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