Class of 2023 recruit Ross commits to UConn men

Adam Betz, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·2 min read

Jun. 28—The UConn men's basketball team has landed its second recruit from the high school Class of 2023.

Jayden Ross, a 6-foot-7, 180-pound small forward from St. James School in Sharpsburg, Maryland, announced his commitment to the Huskies Monday evening.

"They've been recruiting me for a little while," Ross said during a telephone interview. "I first heard they were interested in me last year when I was playing 16U. They first started reaching out after the second session. I ended up going on a visit a few weeks ago and I loved it. Coach Hurley, all the coaches. Coach Luke Murray has done a good job of reaching out to me consistently...All the players are great. They're great examples, role models and they all seem so happy to be there and to be a part of the great culture that they have."

Ross is ranked 136th overall in the Class of 2023 by 247Sports.com and is the website's 27th-ranked small forward. He chose the Huskies over the likes of Temple, George Mason, Howard, Penn State, Virginia Tech and Towson.

"There's a long legacy of good players coming out of UConn and going to play pro," Ross said. "That's a dream of mine. So, obviously that's something I want to take advantage of, as well as the academics. Getting a degree from UConn is an opportunity you definitely take advantage of as well."

In addition to the basketball and academic programs at the school, Ross said having family in Massachusetts, including UConn alumni, helped him pick the Huskies.

"I haven't been able to see them too much since COVID," he added. "So that will be good for me."

Ross visited Storrs June 14-15. He joins Stephon Castle, a 6-foot-6 combo guard from Newton, Georgia, in UConn's 2023 recruiting class.

"From what I've seen, from what I've heard from the coaches and obviously from when I went up and visited, they kind of gave me a landscape of it a little bit," Ross said. "As of right now, it's looking kind of open. They obviously have some other good recruits coming in as well with Stephon Castle. He's a great player. I'm excited to play alongside of him.

"I feel like I'm ready to do whatever it takes for the team to win. Whatever role I have to play. I'm just happy to be a part of the culture. I feel like it's a good spot for me to develop as a player."

For coverage of the Connecticut Sun and professional women's basketball, Hartford Athletic pro soccer team, as well as area high school and local youth sports, follow Adam Betz on Twitter: @AdBetz1, Facebook: Adam Betz — Sports Writer, and Instagram: @AdBetzJI.