'25 Jerry Easter talks Michigan State, Ohio State, South Carolina, UCLA already prioritizing him

Jerry Easter is tracking as one of the top point guards in the 2025 class. At 6-foot-4, he has used his jet-quick first step and floor vision to be one of the top stories of the Adidas 3SSB April sessions.

“I get my team involved,” Easter told On3. “I try to be a leader on the floor; if I need to take over the game, I can do whatever it takes to get the win for my team. I watch a lot of Kyrie Irving. He is my favorite player. Kyrie has handles; he can shoot, get his team involved and finish at the rim.”

The Toledo (OH) Emmanuel Christian guard has already started to have college programs take note while playing with his Super Friends team on the 3SSB 15u circuit. On3 caught up with Jerry Easter recently to talk about the early stages of his recruitment.

“I have offers from South Carolina, Michigan State, Ohio State, Toledo, UCLA, Bowling Green, and there are some more too, Easter said. “I went up to Michigan State for a game; I’d like to get to UCLA, South Carolina, and Ohio State.”

Easter talks recruitment

UCLA: “I have been watching them for a while. They have been my favorite college since like fourth or fifth grade since Lonzo Ball was there. They have a good team now; their coach (Mick Cronin) lets them play and have fun. I’m a point guard, so I like how he lets Tyger (Campbell) control the floor and take control of the team.”

Ohio State: “I watch Ohio State a lot this year. Meechie Johnson was one of their guards, and I used to watch him when I was in middle school before he even went there. He plays five-out and just lets his guards make plays. He is a good coach.”

South Carolina: “I watched them last year; they had a good team in the SEC. I liked the coach (former head coach Frank Martin) and how he coached his team. I think I could fit with that playstyle.”

Michigan State: “They talk all the time about playing hard. You see it on the floor; they don’t take any plays off. Coach (Tom) Izzo gets on them when they’re slacking, and I like a coach who likes to get on me because I want to win. I went to the Michigan and Michigan State football game last year, and all the basketball team was around and the coaches. After they won the game, he offered me it was a surprise. I wasn’t expecting it, but I was so happy I got that offer. Coach Izzo was like right there in my face.

On Duke and Kentucky watching

During Adidas 3SSB second session, Easter had both Duke and Kentucky travel off-site to watch multiple games.

“I feel respected,” Easter said. “I can’t let it get to me, but it’s cool; got to keep working hard, keep them in the gym.”

Easter’s take

“I play the best with a fast-paced team and style,” Easter said. “I like getting out and running, reading the floor, and making plays for my guys and playing man-to-man. My defense is one of the strong parts of my game. Playing four or five out and fast suits my game well.”

On3’s take

Jerry Easter has a special feel for the game. His ability to attack the defense and create plays is very advanced for a freshman. He has a strong frame, long arms, and broad shoulders. Easter is just returning from a broken wrist that has kept him sidelined for a few months. He has a jet-quick first step, and his feel for tempo and passing is excellent. Tracking as one of the top point guards in the country, for his class, watch closely as Easter continues to progress.