Amier Ali cuts list to five, includes Kentucky

2024 four-star wing Amier Ali has included Kentucky as a finalist during the home stretch of his recruitment.

Now down to five, the 6-8, 180-pound prospect out of Columbus, OH has the Wildcats listed alongside Alabama, Arizona State, Arkansas and Kansas. He previously considered Michigan, Ohio State and Texas before naming his finalists.

Ali announced his list cut on Sunday.

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The IMG Academy product is rated as the No. 56 overall prospect and No. 19 small forward in the On3 Industry Rankings. He announced an offer from John Calipari and the Wildcats back in April 2022.

“They like me a lot and I like them. The coaches are nice and we gel together really well. They’re just trying to get me, honestly,” Ali told KSR this spring. “Trying really hard to get me, just checking up on me daily. Coach Chin (Coleman) and all of them, Coach Cal. They think I’m like a slimmer guard, and they have a history of those players in that system, all of those great players they’ve had.”

Ali is a bit of a polarizing prospect, a quick-trigger shooter with limitless range and confidence. Considering himself a big guard, he’s got the tools to be a high-level player in college with pro potential. But he’s also got issues with shot selection, efficiency and defense while also being an average athlete. What does he bring to the table when his shot isn’t falling? That’s the concern. The potential is clear, but there’s a reason evaluators just haven’t been able to get there with him regarding five-star status.

He averaged 10.8 points on 40.6% shooting and 31.6% from three in 11 games for The Skill Factory during the 2023 EYBL season. Ali returns to IMG Academy for his senior campaign, joining the likes of Darius Acuff, Amari Allen, Khani Rooths and Chase McCarty.

What’s next for him in his recruitment? The 6-8 wing previously told KSR that a commitment was expected during the fall.

“I would say September or October, somewhere around there,” he said. “That’s when I’ll probably make my decision.”

What will he be looking for when he chooses a school in the coming weeks?

“Definitely a coaching staff that takes care of you, checks on you daily and wants to build a relationship,” Ali added. “Basketball-wise, it’ll come down to their history and coaches that put you in position to succeed.”

We’ll see where he lands in the near future.