by Alex Schwartz

When I was a freshman I knew for sure where I wanted to go to college. By the time I was well into my junior year, I did not want to go there, to my "dream school," anymore. The major I was looking for was not offered, and back when I was a freshman, I was not even thinking about that. So if I had "verbally committed" to that school as a freshman, I would have had to de-commit if I wanted to pursue my major. There are a few players in the class of 2011 who have already made a verbal commitment to a college before entering their sophomore year. There's also a 2012 player who made his choice during his eighth grade school year. I spoke to the most highly-regarded of the nine in Orlando, Florida at the AAU Super Showcase. Aaron Ross '11, a 6'7.5 forward from Pulaski Academy (AR) who runs with Arkansas Wings Elite, selected the Arkansas Razorbacks while he was still a freshman. Aaron took some time to discuss his commitment and more with me after a victory from his high-powered U-15 Wings Elite squad.

NB: First of all, what went into your decision to choose Arkansas?
AR: I [have] always wanted to go there.

NB: Was it being . . . an in-state school a key part in your decision?
AR: Yes, yes sir.

NB: Were you always planning on committing during your freshman year, at a younger age, or was it [the] kind of thing where it just felt right at the time?
AR: Yeah, I’d say it felt right at the time.

NB: Who else was showing interest in you at that point?
AR: Baylor, that’s it.

NB: Do you ever think about the publicity . . . and all the attention [you are] getting, [being] regarded as one of the top players in your class? Does that stuff ever get to you in any way?
AR: No sir.

NB: How do you not let that faze you and just play your game?
AR: I don’t know, I [have] been doing it all my life.

NB: What do you think is the strongest point of your game?
AR: On the block.

NB: What’s the weakest point of your game?
AR: Probably defense.

NB: Is there any specific aspect of defense that you think you need to work on the most, or just the general [play] . . . on that end of the court?
AR: Probably taking charges.

NB: What’s a way that you think you can try [to] work on that?
AR: Start taking them probably.

NB: Being one of the few committed players in your class, . . . do you feel there’s any added pressure when you go out and play and people look at you as the . . . handful of kids in your class that is committed? Do you ever feel that?
AR: No sir.

NB: What do you think is . . . too young of an age for a player to commit? . . . You’ve got kids . . . that [have] committed during their eighth grade year, do you see that as too young?
AR: No sir.

NB: Is it the type of thing where you think if a player feels right [it] doesn’t matter his age?
AR: Yes sir.

NB: What are some of the goals [that you have] for your high school career?
AR: Probably [to] get better in school and work out.

NB: What about on the court?
AR: I don’t even know, just [to] work out every day.

NB: Do you have anything that you want to accomplish . . . at the college level in a few years?
AR: Getting a national championship.

Whether or not Ross feels the pressure of being one of the few committed players in his class, it's definitely there. It comes with the territory of early commitments, something which many people are against. Aaron knew what he wanted though, and jumped at the opportunity. John Pelphrey, the Arkansas Head Coach, was on hand for a number of Ross' games at the event, showing his continued interest in the already-committed youngster. Say what you want about early commitments, but know this, Aaron Ross is a great basketball player with a lot of potential.

Scouting Report on Aaron Ross
Aaron Ross stands 6'7.5 and has a good frame, but is a bit slim. He is a good shooter, especially for someone his size. Ross' shooting motion is pretty up until his release, when his hands turn to the right a bit. Along with being a good shooter, Ross is a solid rebounder and a strong passer. He has an inside-outside game, which not many players his age can boast. On the other end of the spectrum, Ross runs a bit awkwardly, yet it might just seem that way because he doesn't run too hard. At times during the game he even seemed uninterested and acted nonchalantly. He would stand around the three-point line on offense a lot and usually sat at the end of the bench when he came out. Specifically with his game, there were no major flaws, it was just the nonchalant play that was worrisome. Right now, Aaron is a solid player, and he has the potential to become an even better one. Assuming he continues to grown and adds bulk, there's a chance that Aaron Ross could become a special player.

Note- photo is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/.