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Jeff Borzello, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Five-star PG Alterique Gilbert commits to UConn

Men Basketball Recruiting, Men's College Basketball, Connecticut Huskies

Five-star point guard Alterique Gilbert has committed to Connecticut.

Gilbert, a 6-foot-1 Miller Grove (Ga.) product, chose the Huskies over Louisville, Illinois, Syracuse and Texas. He had trimmed his list to five schools in May, and UConn was the first and only school to which he took an official visit.

"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."

Gilbert is the No. 5 point guard in the 2016 class and No. 23 overall in the ESPN 100. He's likely to be the next scoring point guard in a long line of talented Huskies, a list that has recently included the likes of Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright.

"I think I fit in real well," Gilbert said. "I know UConn is a guard-oriented program. They like to get out in transition and create isolation opportunities for the guards. I'm just looking to create opportunities for myself and my teammates."

He is the second commitment for Ollie and Connecticut in the 2016 class, joining ESPN 100 big man Mamadou Diarra (No. 98). The Huskies also will have VCU transfer Terry Larrier, who is sitting out the upcoming season. Gilbert will replace Seton Hall transfer Sterling Gibbs at the point guard position and should form a dynamic backcourt duo with incoming freshman Jalen Adams.

"Me and Jalen actually played together a few years back at Elite 100 Camp in St. Louis," Gilbert said. "We played really well together. Ever since then, I've been watching him, watching how his game has grown."

Gilbert began to generate national hype with an impressive performance at last summer's Peach Jam, and his stock has steadily risen since. He was one of the best players on the Nike EYBL this spring, averaging 15.0 points and 4.9 assists, ranking second on the circuit in assists.

"I definitely have improved my game over the past year," Gilbert said. "I definitely feel like I've gotten more exposure as well, playing with my high school team and my AAU team, CP3. I know I still have to get better, but I feel like I've gotten better."

Ollie is far from done with his class. UConn could need three or four more players, depending on what rising junior Amida Brimah does after next season. Expect the Huskies to pursue a face-up forward and another big man.

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