Jrue Holiday Verbally Commits to UCLA

By Bruin Basketball Report

Jrue Holiday of Campbell Hall High School in North Hollywood verbally committed to the UCLA basketball program today.

Holiday, a 6'3 180 lb guard, averaged 23.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 4.2 steals a game in leading his team to the state Division IV championship last season. He also shot 57% from the field and 42% from three point distance.  He scored a season-high 38 points against La Canada in a state playoff game last season.

An athletic and powerful perimeter player, Holiday makes  even tough plays look effortless and has been compared favorably to former Bruin guard Baron Davis. 

While he shoots very well from the perimeter, he also has the ability to penetrate and finish strong at the basket.  Holiday is also an outstanding perimeter defender and should fit well into UCLA Coach Ben Howland's offensive and defensive schemes.

Holiday has been rated by most experts as the No.1 shooting guard in the nation and one of the top players in in his recruiting class.

His mother stated that her son's decision to play at UCLA was based on his own desire to play collegiate ball close to home and in front of family and friends.

One of the most sought after players in his class, Holiday narrowed his list of potential schools to just UCLA and Washington last month.  His older brother and teammate at Campbell Hall, Justin, will play for the Huskies next season, and some thought the younger Holiday might follow him up north.  But at the end, the chance to play close to home and play for a team that has played in two consecutive Final Fours were too much of an opportunity to pass up.

Holiday's  commitment gives UCLA four players in the top 50 of most high school player rankings and arguably one of the best 2008 recruiting classes in the nation. Already committed from the class are two other perimeter players in Malcolm Lee from (Riverside North HS) and Jerime Anderson (Canyon HS). The fourth member of the class is 6-9 center Drew Gordon (Archbishop Mitty).

Holiday plays both point and shooting guard positions and should see time at both spots at UCLA.  He has played alongside close friend Jerime Anderson in AAU ball for a number of years

(photo credit: Max Preps)

Comments

[BruinFan]

Dy-NASTY!!

I'm glad I bought season tickets...every game will be a sell-out!!

Welcome JRUE!!!

[AE]

Officially the #1 class of 08.

[JonW]

2008 is going to be an amazing team.

PG Jerime Anderson
SG Jrue Holiday
SF Malcolm Lee, Stanback
PF Keefe
C Drew Gordon

If KLove stays?? Wow!

[LEY Medel]

Holy cow, are you kidding me..Jrue Holiday to UCLA! Bruins will be representing the final four for years to come. Ben howland is taking over college Basketball.

[jojoenglish]

Finally...finally...finally...

What a great news to UCLA and Bruins fans!

I have been waiting to hear this great news everyday since a month ago when he narrowed his list of potential schools to just UCLA and Washington.

Jrue Holiday, you've definitely made an excellent choice to UCLA! What a great combo guard!

Go Bruins...GO...GO...GO...

[DaveW]

Welcome Jrue. You made the right decision. You'll be playing deep into the tourney each and every year at UCLA - hopefully win a banner or two while you're here.

[Scott]

Yeah Baby! Jrue is the real deal!!!

[BruinFan]

Howland, we can't rename the court after you...and it is a little early to call you Wooden Jr., but u r on the right path...you have any daughters I can date so I don't have to pay for my season tickets???

Our team is stacked!! Florida will be served!!

[clyde]

It certainly seemed as though the fireworks were especially brilliant last night with the advent of the Holiday signing. Very very nice. I have no idea how Howland plans to sneak more than 5 guys on the court at one time but it is a nice problem to have. I get a headache trying to think of the potential lineups - luckily I just get to enjoy them rather than sweat them. Let's keep everybody healthy ... and let's jump ball.

[Damon]

Howland is the real deal.
It will be interesting to compare how Howland shapes the top 2008 recruiting class to Karl Dullard's 2008 blue chippers.

[daniel]

Verbal commitments don't ensure anything. Until he signs his letter of intent, UW is still in the picture to sign him.

[alex]

ive seen him play... went to school with him... hes the real deal

[Teddy bruin]

With Mr.Howland locking down all these top recruits i kind of know how all those usc football fans have been feeling the past five years regarding recruiting. Bruin fans - let us refrain from becoming arrogant and pompous as our cross town rivals.

I feel as if i had traveled back to the time when Mr. Wooden was roaming the sidelines at Pauly and locking up all the blue chippers throughout the land. UCLA ROUND BALL BACK, WITH THE BEST ,I BELIEVE, STILL TO COME FROM THE HOWLAND ERA....

[Antonio Wesley]

UCLA is going to shine even brighter now that my #1 inspiration and role model Jrue Holiday is there. Watch out for me in about 3 or 4 more years, im coming!!!!

[Khoosen 1]

Jrue Is the Best Shooting Guard in da class of 08.

But Im Next!...Look Out for Me (SKII)

Jrue Holiday is a Great Player overall and He is very Athletic..

SO CONGRAGULATIONS 2 JRUE HOLIDAY!