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Recruiting update for three-star Macaleab Rich

On3 imageby:Jamie Shaw•09/08/22•

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On3 image
Macaleab Rich (pictured here) will visit Ole Miss this weekend, as will Josh Hubbard

Three-star forward Macaleab Rich came on strong during the travel ball season. Word started to get out of East Saint Louis, Illinois, toward the end of the year. Things really started to pick up this summer with the SW Illinois Jets.

The 6-foot-5, 225 pound forward averaged 19.2 points and 10.8 rebounds per game for his 28-6 East Saint Louis (IL) High program. He added 2.1 assists, 2.6 blocks, and shot 65 percent from the field.

Rich claimed 12 offers along the way and has recently narrowed his list to a top four; Kansas State, Ole Miss, Illinois-Chicago, and Missouri.

Rich’s recruitment

Rich has taken two official visits; Missouri (8/25) and Ole Miss (9/1). He has two upcoming visits set, Kansas State this weekend and Illinois-Chicago (9/16).

Rich has set a commitment date for September 26, his birthday.

In Rich’s words

“I want to go somewhere they welcome me like home,” Rich told On3. “I’d like to catch a great vibe with everyone, the players and coaches. I want to be confident it’s what fits me and my family best.

“I just really like to hoop. I’ll want to play in a system that gets up and down the floor and pushes the ball.”

Thoughts and intel

Macaleab Rich will see his recruitment out. He has been adamant from the start that there are no favorites, and he is going into each visit with an open mind.

His first visit was to Missouri. Sources close to the situation told On3 Missouri was on the fence about Rich going into the visit. Since the visit, they have jumped two feet in and are pushing hard for the three-star forward. Rich speaks about Missouri being two hours from home.

Kansas State has pushed all in on Rich from the start. Jerome Tang and his staff have made it clear that Rich is a priority. Rich has consistently spoken about the fan base and atmosphere.

Luke Yaklich has done an admirable job even getting Rich to visit UIC. He built a relationship, and Rich wants to honor that. However, at this point, this one feels like it is a two-team race.

Sources have told On3 that Missouri was the offer Rich wanted. However, Jerome Tang and crew have given Rich a lot to think about. He will visit Kansas State this weekend; watch this visit closely.