Top-30 prospect Amier Ali updates recruitment, possible visits

Amier Ali, a 6-foot-8, 180-pound small forward out of Columbus, Ohio ranks as the No. 29 overall prospect in the 2024 class, according to the On3 Consensus.

The On3 Consensus is the average ranking from all four major recruiting media companies (ESPN, Rivals, 247Sports, On3).

Ali transferred high schools over the summer, making the move from powerhouse Montverde Academy to another powerhouse down the road in IMG Academy.

“It’s been really good,” Ali said of the transition. “The facilities, the coaches, everything has been way different. We’ve been lifting (weights) and that’s what I need basically. That’s what I’m looking for the most in my development.”

I caught up with Ali over the weekend to talk about his game and the recruitment process.

Ali discusses his game

“I would say my strengths are facilitating and shooting is my big one,” he says. “I like getting downhill, getting my teammates involved, and also shooting the ball like catch and shoot is one of my main things and I’ve been striving to get better at it.”

While Ali wants to add muscle to his frame, he also wants to focus on improving his defensive ability.

“Defense,” Ali said when asked what other improvements he wants to make. “I’m getting better at defense but I’m looking to improve that area.”

Schools involved

Ali holds over 15 offers, including the likes of Ohio State, Kansas, LSU, Memphis, UCLA, Texas Tech, Oregon, Alabama, and others.

Several of those programs are staying in the most consistent contact.

“Ohio State, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Texas. I can’t remember all of them but those are the main ones that have been reaching out.”

Ali has taken two unofficial visits, to Ohio State and Texas.

Ohio State: “I’m from Columbus, Ohio so it felt like home. I was an Ohio State football fan growing up.”

Texas: “The Texas visit was great too. We didn’t really get too deep since it was an unofficial but when I take my official, I’ll look into it more. The coaches were very welcoming and everything.”

Potential official visits?

Ali is in the middle of setting up some official visits. He named Florida State, Texas, and Arkansas as possible trips but made it clear he was open to other programs.