Steele talks about his UA commitment; Green verbal to follow?

Ivan McDowell, Southeast/Midsouth Editor

Birmingham native Andrew Steele recently pledged his services to the Tide

August 20, 2007 - John Carroll High School standout point guard Andrew Steele took his name off the board last week when he committed to the University of Alabama.

The 6’3”, 185-pound rising senior played well this summer with his AAU mates for the Alabama Challenge in several tournaments; excelling in his decision making, while improving his jump shot along the way. The Crimson Tide will welcome ‘Drew in the Class of 2008.

Andrew Steele (right) and JaMychal Green at this year's NBAPA Top 100 Camp. The two played together on the event's Mavericks team.

“I knew in my mind that it was the best place for me,” said Steele, whose brother Ron is the starting point guard in Tuscaloosa. “It was a definite plus that Ron was already there, but he didn’t try to influence me to come.”

Steele chose the Alabama over overtures from Ole Miss and Tennessee, among others. Andrew averaged 17 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals for the Carroll Lions and won 60 games, while losing just nine over the past two seasons. He also carries a 4.0 GPA.

Previously, Andrew expressed an interest in playing both football and basketball in college, but has since relented, citing the academic rigors and basketball challenges of the SEC as “areas of focus”.

Meanwhile, a little further south in Montgomery, St. Jude Institute PF/C JaMychal Green is nearing a decision on his college future.

The 6’8”, 235-pound rising senior really elevated his game this summer; displaying a myriad of post moves against the nations best, while also playing for the Challenge. Top-tier schools jumped on board.

The likes of UNC, Georgia Tech, Marquette, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Alabama and others have all expressed interest, but Green has chosen a leader among three finalists. He was forthwith when speaking about his relationship with AAU teammate Andrew Steele, his recent commitment to the University of Alabama and the role it plays in his decision.

Green, shooting, did work at the NBAPA Top 100 Camp, held in Charlottesville, VA.

“Drew going to Alabama definitely has an effect on my decision because we are good friends and have always talked about playing together in college,” Green exclaimed. He will visit Alabama, Georgia Tech and Ole Miss in September and decide in October.

““I would say Alabama is my leader right now. Ultimately though it will come down to my connection with the coaching staff and who can help me develop my game.”

“Mike”, as he’s called, averaged 29 points, 15 rebounds, seven blocks and four assists for the Class 1A private school.