Jalen Reece, one of the top point guards in the country in the 2025 Class, committed to Louisiana State University last week. On the surface, it may look like a standard top 75 recruit going to a Power Five school. However, there were other factors in play that made this recruitment a bit out of the ordinary.
Reece has grown up in a high-level basketball culture. Father Steve Reece is not only a highly successful coach at Orlando Oak Ridge, but also heads up the well-respected Florida Rebels program in Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). Coach Reece has been a part of the recruiting process for a great many players at all levels, and Jalen has been able to watch the process many times over from the outside. Add to those factors that mom Karen is a fifth-grade teacher looking for a place where her oldest son will be set beyond basketball, and you have a situation where college coaches recruiting Jalen had to have their program in good order to make the best impression.
“We’ve built so many relationships over the years”, stated Jalen after announcing his decision. “Having watched older players get recruited and hearing their stories, I felt comfortable going through the process. Still, the decision wasn’t easy.”
Reece’s final three came down to LSU, Cincinnati, and Providence, where long-time teammate and friend Jamier Jones had committed to a few months prior.
“It’s a different feeling when you are both the coach and the dad”, said Steve Reece. “As a dad, you look at more than just basketball; you want to know and feel comfortable with the culture of the program. As a coach, you want your player to be able to play right away for a coach that believes in him. We’ve met with a lot of great coaches and there were a lot of positives with each program that was considered.”
“The recruiting process can be overwhelming”, stated Karen Reece. “There are lots of phone calls and communications with various members of each program that want your child to play for them. Fortunately, Jalen fielded pretty much all of the phone calls. All of the coaches involved in his recruitment communicated a lot with us. Each expressed a real desire, not just an interest, in having Jalen join their respective program.”
After putting on a Bayou Bengals hat, Jalen gave some reasons why heading to Baton Rouge was the choice for him.
“I was just really impressed with the entire environment”, he said. “The game day atmosphere is incredible. I had seen it in the past when we have gone there to watch former teammates and it is like no place else. Also, I felt the support has always been there from the coaching staff. We’ve built a great relationship. It’s great to have the decision made and be able to focus on winning a state championship.”
“This was 100% Jalen’s decision”, stated Coach Reece. “J just went with his heart on where the best place to be was. His mom and I both like the family atmosphere in the program and feel confident that he is in good hands both on and off the court.”
One burning question is how a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal impacts a recruit’s decision. The answer was a bit surprising.
“The NIL deals were all similar”, Coach Reece said. “However, in the end, that wasn’t really a factor.”
Providence commit Jones admitted to being a bit disappointed his buddy would not be joining him at the next level.
“I’ve played with Jalen since the fifth grade”, he said. “While I wish we could continue our journey together, I am super proud of him and know he will be successful.”
After finishing his remarks regarding his recruitment, a video made by the family was shown. In it, Jalen gave thanks to all those who have made an impact on his basketball journey, no matter how small. At the end, various LSU basketball alums, most notably Shaquille O’Neal, welcomed him to the Tiger Family.
“I’m looking forward to getting to Baton Rouge and putting in the work”, Reece said a bit later. “I just want to win and bring LSU basketball back to a championship level”.
Reece joins 6’4 wing Mazi Mosley and 6’10 forward Matt Gilhool as members of the LSU recruiting class.