Ernest Udeh Jr., 2022 four-star, commits to Kansas
Ernest Udeh Jr., a 6-foot-10 center out of Orlando Dr. Phillips has committed to Kansas basketball for the class of 2022, he tells On3.
Udeh is the Jayhawks’ fourth commitment to the class. He joins four-stars MJ Rice, Gradey Dick, and Zuby Ejiofor. Kansas has now solidified itself with a top-5 recruiting class.
Udeh ultimately chose the Kansas Jayhawks over UCLA. He also received offers from Michigan, Florida, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Alabama, Miami, Baylor, among others.
Udeh breaks down his decision to Kansas
“I only took two visits, UCLA and Kansas,” Udeh said. “Just going to both of those places, on the basketball side, it was pretty neck and neck. I feel like both programs have a great playstyle and allows players to reach their maximum output. So it really came down to the environment and feeling I got when I went there. Going to UCLA, it’s Hollywood…there’s a lot of things to do but then going to Kansas, it was more of a basketball environment. Just to say basketball was invented there, so you can tell there is a heavy pull when it comes to basketball. I was really comfortable with the coaches. I could really express everything to them. We could really be transparent with each other and that’s something I really liked. I feel like I can trust them.”
Udeh mentioned in a previous interview: “They’ve had a lot of success with their bigs. That has a lot of value to me considering I want to get to the next level. Their whole coaching staff is a bunch of genuine guys.”
What was the coaching staff’s recruiting pitch to Udeh?
“Honestly, it wasn’t anything I didn’t really expect,” Udeh said. “They just told me what they needed me for, why they needed me, what my role and position would be once I got there. Just basically keeping it straight with me and not beating around the bush at all. Just telling me how they play and obviously, it’s evident how they use their big men and they put a big emphasis on how they use them.”
What does Udeh expect his role to be as a freshman?
“First and foremost, anything coach needs me to do,” Udeh said. “Come in and make an impact from day one. Whether it be defensively or offensively. I’ve developed my offensive game this past summer. I’ve always been great defensively. I want to stay true at what I do best. So just hoping to make a very big, big impact on the defensive side and also show I’m good on the offensive side as well.”
It’s a match made in heaven for Udeh and Kansas. The Jayhawks will lose David McCormack after this season and Udeh is the perfect replacement.
How does Udeh desribe his game?
“I’ve always been a defensive threat,” Udeh said. “I’ve really gotten to this point by playing with high energy, being able to guard one through five, and just me and my drive. How I approach the game is something that is going to stand out at Kansas.”
Scouting Report on Udeh
On3’s Senior National Recruiting Analyst Gerry Hamilton had this to say about Ernest Udeh:
“Ernest Udeh is one of the top center prospects in the country, regardless of classification. Stands a legit 6-10 with a strong body to take, and play through contact. Long arms with an 86-inch wingspan. His combination of size, strength, and quickness off the floor makes him a plus offensive rebounder. Can rebound outside his area. Possesses strong hands. Not going to make mid-range jumpers consistently at this point, but can score over the left shoulder in the paint. Can continue to unlock more explosiveness with increased flexibility and bend.”