UCLA men’s basketball is in good hands with its 2017 recruiting class after adding highly touted point guard Jaylen Hands on Sept. 16.
The 6-foot-2 point guard from Foothills Christian (El Cajon, Calif.) – who is listed as the No. 31 ranked prospect and No. 6 point guard according to ESPN – turned down offers from Arizona, Louisville, San Diego State and Cal to make his early verbal commitment to the Bruins.
Hands told ESPN.com’s Jeff Borzello that UCLA “Is where I wanted to go.”
Hands added: “I felt comfortable with the coaches. I love the campus and I couldn’t pass up the education and lineage of point guards they’ve sent to the league.”
He’s now the third commitment for UCLA’s 2017 class, which includes 6-foot-8 center Jalen Hill of Centennial High in Corona and 6-foot-5 small forward Li Angelo Ball of Chino Hills High School.
Hands caught the attention of several colleges through his summer work in the AAU circuit. He starred on the Compton Magic, which produced fellow Bruin pledges Hill and incoming Class of 2016 recruits Kobe Paras (small forward, Los Angeles Cathedral) and Ike Anigbogu (center, Centennial-Corona). Hands exhibited an ability to double as an outside shooter and rim attacker while playing for the Magic. He also energized his team by leading the fast break charge with his long range passes.
Hands originally starred at Mater Dei in Santa Ana, but transferred and enrolled at Foothills Christian in May 2015 according to the San Diego Union Tribune.
Lorenzo Reyna
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