Four-star forward Jayden Ross commits to UConn men’s basketball team
The UConn men’s basketball team added its second recruit from the Class of 2023 as Maryland forward Jayden Ross announced his commitment to the program on Monday evening.
“UConn is the complete package,” Ross told The Courant. “I had a strong connection with the coaches, players believe in the program and it has great academics. The coaches truly believe in me and will help me maximize my potential. My aunt and uncle are alumni, and I look forward to being closer to family I don’t get to see often.”
Ross is a four-star recruit, according to ESPN. He’s ranked No. 136 in his class, according to 247sports.
The 6-foot-7 forward from Sharpsburg, Maryland, had five schools as his finalists heading into Monday: UConn, Temple, Virginia Tech, Penn State and George Mason.
Ross heads into his senior year at St. James School, a private school in St. James, Maryland. He averaged 18.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks as a junior. He also plays for Team Melo in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League.
Ross is an elite athlete who can play both ends of the floor. He thrives in transition and loves to push the pace. Ross uses his length and speed to attack the rim.
“When I join the team in the 2023-24 season, I believe I’ll immediately add length, shooting and a good part of the offense as well as defense,” Ross said. “I also believe I’ll be a good overall teammate, and I’m willing to sacrifice to do whatever I need to do for the benefit of the team. As I develop more and more over my time at UConn, I think I will be a great scoring option and playmaker.”
UConn offered him a scholarship on April 27, and he took an official visit to Storrs on June 14-15.
“The visit was amazing,” Ross said. “Great campus, people, facilities and everything. I really enjoyed it.”
Ross loved the relationship he built with the coaching staff.
“Meeting all of the coaches was great,” he said. “I think we got a good feel for each other, and I feel really comfortable going and playing for them when I get there.”
Ross joins Stephon Castle, a guard from Georgia who committed to the Huskies in November, as the second Class of 2023 commitment for the UConn coaching staff.
Ross wants UConn fans to know he’s counting down the days till he puts on a UConn uniform.
“I’m really excited to be with them (fans) up in Storrs, and I can’t wait to play for y’all,” he said.
Shreyas Laddha can be reached at sladdha@courant.com or @shre98 on Twitter.
