Four-Star Point Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Decommits From Florida


Four-star point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has decommitted from the Florida Gators. He is the No. 12 point guard and No. 46 overall recruit in the 2017 class.


A focal point of Florida head coach Mike White’s 2017 recruiting class is officially back on the market.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a four-star point guard out of Hamilton Heights Christian in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has decided to reopen his recruitment after originally committing to Florida in November of 2015. With his de-commitment, the Gators lose one of the best playmakers in the 2017 class.

“Shai has indeed de-committed from Florida,” Hamilton Heights coach Zach Ferrell told Scout.

Gilgeous-Alexander is a perfect example of a player that makes his teammates better. His court vision and passing abilities are outstanding, and his ball-handling skills allow him to drive to the basket at an effective clip. He has a very high basketball IQ and excels both on and off the ball.

Plenty of high-profile schools are likely to join the sweepstakes for Gilgeous-Alexander. With a hefty number of 2017 recruits already committed, he’ll become a hot commodity as one of the highest rated recruits available in his class. He stands as the No. 12 point guard and No. 46 overall recruit in the 2017 class.

The Gators are now left with two remaining commits in their 2017 class: four-star shooting guard DeAundrae Ballard and three-star power forward Chase Johnson. Ballard, one of the most aggressive and effective scorers in his class, would have thrived with Gilgeous-Alexander running the offense. A playmaker that can distribute the ball, create space and consistently find open looks for his teammates is every pure shooter’s dream.

With graduate transfer Canyon Barry’s eligibility ending after the 2016-17 season, adding Gilgeous-Alexander into the mix would have worked wonders for the Gators. The good news for Mike White is that former four-star point guard Chris Chiozza is only entering his junior season and, assuming he doesn’t transfer or depart for the NBA, will act as Florida’s starting point guard for the next two seasons. The bad news? Florida is right back to the drawing board in finding Chiozza’s future replacement.

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