Michael Jordan's son Marcus, who led his high school to a state title last month, on Monday announced his verbal commitment to play at Central Florida next season.
[+] EnlargeNoah K. Murray/The Star-Ledger/US Presswire
Marcus Jordan, seen here in January, will join a former high school teammate at UCF.
On the same day it was announced his father had been voted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Jordan, a 6-foot-3 guard, announced he had chosen UCF over schools including Toledo, Iowa and Davidson. He led Whitney Young High School of Chicago to the state 4A title last month, leading his team in scoring in the semifinals and the state final.
"Marcus was looking for a place he could play, have an impact and feel comfortable on campus," said his high school coach, Tyrone Slaughter, according to the Chicago Tribune. "The family felt there was no need to continue the recruiting process."
Brian Davis, Jordan's AAU coach, said Jordan was eager to end the recruiting process before going on spring break, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
"UCF really showed him that they wanted him for more than just his name and he was ready to make a decision as soon as he felt comfortable," Davis said, according to the report. "UCF made him feel comfortable. They wanted Marcus to come in to contribute right away and made him feel like he could make a big impact. They wanted Marcus for Marcus."
Also working in UCF's favor was the fact that Jordan's former high school teammate, A.J. Rompza, plays for the Knights. Rompza was named to Conference USA's all-freshman team this season.
"I'm sure A.J. was a factor in the decision," Slaughter said, according to the Tribune. "Marcus had good feelings and respect for A.J., and whatever A.J. said about Central Florida, you can trust him at his word."
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recru...ory?id=4048749
