'24 SF Amier Ali hearing from Kentucky more than any other school

Amier Ali is used to playing a year or two above his age group — he’s been doing so since middle school. Now a rising junior out of the 2024 class, the 6-foot-8 wing continues to play above his weight, suiting up for the Houston Hoops U17 AAU program on the Nike EYBL circuit. He is one of just two prospects on the U17 team that isn’t from the 2023 class.

We first introduced Ali to the site in mid-April ahead of the second session of the EYBL circuit in Indianapolis. There is some debate around whether or not his publicly announced scholarship from Kentucky is an actual offer or not — as head coach John Calipari is famous (infamous?) for not offering prospects until the summer of their junior year — but that might not matter for much longer. Ali says he’s hearing from the ‘Cats more than any other college program.

“Most is probably Kentucky, to be honest,” Ali said when asked who he’s being recruiting by the most. “All the coaches reach out to my dad and my mentor like every other day so they’ve been in contact. Ohio State and Texas too. I hear from Texas a lot.”

Ali adds that UK likes his overall versatility.

“(Kentucky likes) that I’m a big versatile guard that can play all around and I can guard one through four,” Ali said.

Amier Ali’s stock is still rising 💯📈🦅@simofafan | @MVABasketball | @HoustonHoops17U pic.twitter.com/6qbCDyzrgE

— NIBC (@NIBCOfficial) May 30, 2022

Considered one of the top 25 recruits from the ’24 class by On3, Ali was in Louisville this past weekend for the third session of the Nike EYBL circuit. He spoke with KSR following one of his games for a few minutes to talk about recruiting and his recent travels across the United States.

Ali was originally born in Philadelphia but moved to Columbus, OH at the age of five, where he stayed for most of his life. But another move a couple of years ago, this time to Texas, was then followed by one more transition to Florida where he lives now, playing for national champion Montverde Academy.

“It’s been tough moving around,” Ali admitted. “All the schools I went to were like prep schools so I lived over there. Last year I went to Texas, I was living in a team house. So I’ve been away from my family and it’s been tough, but I got used to it now. All the moving and stuff is nice, also to meet new people and see around.”

Ali has been at Montverde since before the 2021-22 season where he was mostly a bench player behind a slew of five-star recruits all committed to high-major programs. He was one of just two sophomores on last season’s roster. He’ll still be one of the younger guys on next season’s team as a junior but is expected to play a much bigger role alongside the likes of rising seniors Kwame Evans Jr. and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn.

“I’m gonna be working all summer to get my spot,” Ali said. “It’s definitely gonna be tough, we’re all gonna be grinding for a spot so it’s definitely gonna be fun.”

He’s already been working, too, improving his game playing on the wing for Houston Hoops. Through 13 circuit outings this spring, Ali’s averaging 9.8 points and 4.5 rebounds while playing 22.6 minutes per contest. He’s a lanky wing with ball-handling capabilities and a fearless shooting approach. His efficiency numbers haven’t been the greatest as of late though, and he often looks as though he’s playing a year up. Sometimes his body moves faster than his mind.

But there is a very good reason he holds offers from the likes of Ohio State, Kansas, Texas Tech, Memphis, Alabama, and plenty of others. Kentucky is clearly interested, too. Ali has plenty of room to grow while possessing a frame and skillset that fits quite well in the modern era.

As for potential upcoming visits, Ali doesn’t have any planned right now but would like to schedule one for Lexington sometime this summer. “Probably Kentucky, I’m not sure of the date yet,” Ali said of a potential visit. He’s previously taken an unofficial visit to Ohio State, as well, and added that he “loves the coaches,” on the Buckeyes staff.