Fifth-ranked point guard Perry devotes to UCLA

• Jeff Borzello Close Jeff Borzello ESPN Personnel Author Basketball recruiting expert. Signed up with ESPN in 2014. Graduate of University of Delaware.Paul Biancardi Close Paul Biancardi Basketball Recruiting National Recruiting Director for ESPN.com 18 years of coaching experience at Department I

  level Former Horizon League coach of the year at Wright State Might 8, 2024, 09:39 PM ET

• Senior guard Trent Perry, a McDonald’s All-American and the highest-ranked uncommitted prospect in the 2024 class, has devoted to

UCLA, he informed ESPN on Wednesday.Perry had actually initially dedicated to USC in October however resumed his recruitment when Andy Enfield left the Trojans to take control of at SMU. The Los Angeles-area native is now headed to USC’s crosstown competitor.

“What attracted me was that there’s an excellent opportunity to turn things around after this past season, and I wish to do that for my hometown,”Perry said.While Perry went to Virginia in late April and the Cavaliers seemed to have momentum, it was the point player’s relationship with coach Mick Cronin that provided UCLA the edge.”Throughout the process, Cronin expressed just how much he desired me however he

also appreciates me outside of basketball. That was a huge thing,”Perry stated.”He values me and my game. Whatever he says, he indicates. He’s a sincere and uncomplicated guy. He does not beat around the bush. He is requiring however it originates from a good location and heart. “The Gatorade Gamer of the Year in California, Perry led Harvard Westlake High School to 2 CIF open department state championships. He’s a 6-foot-2 player from North Hollywood who ranks No. 27 general in the ESPN 100 and as the No. 5 point player in the class.Perry had excellent efficiencies in prominent games throughout his senior season, consisting of a 24-point, 9-rebound, 4-assist efficiency in a win over Perry High School (Arizona) at Hoophall West in December. He likewise averaged 12.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 23 games on the Nike EYBL circuit last spring and summer, shooting 36.4 %from 3-point range.Early in the examination process, Perry’s psychological durability and desire to be a total guard were evident. He shoots similarly well off the catch and the dribble. The cerebral point player is consistent and a fantastic decision-maker, playing with a high basketball IQ and successfully checking out ball-screen protections.

He understands when to move the ball, produce for his teammates or score.”Trent Perry is a big-time winner and individual,”Harvard-Westlake coach David Rebibo said.Perry is the 8th beginner to UCLA, joining six transfers– Kobe Johnson(USC), Skyy Clark(Louisville ), Eric Dailey Jr.(Oklahoma State ), Tyler Bilodeau(Oregon State), William Kyle III (South Dakota State)and Dominick Harris (Loyola Marymount)–

and ESPN 100 hire Eric Freeny. They will combine with returning beginners Sebastian Mack(12.1 PPG

), Dylan Andrews(12.9 PPG)and Lazar Stefanovic(11.5 PPG )on what need to be a top-25 team.The Bruins are expected to recuperate after last season’s 16-17 showing– Cronin’s worst single-season record given that he was at Cincinnati in 2008. And Perry needs to be at the heart of that turnaround.”I’m going to bring all that I have to effect winning,”Perry said.”Going through the process was quite stressful and got difficult at times however I’m really blessed to now have peace and clarity.”