Recruiting Report: Rashaad Ali-Shakir (2016)
Spotting up outside a three-point line somewhere near you is Rashaad Ali-Shakir, an undecided 6’1” combo guard from Purcell Marian High School (Cincinnati). Even after earning 2nd team All-Ohio Division III as a senior, Ali-Shakir continues to search for a…
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Continue ReadingSpotting up outside a three-point line somewhere near you is Rashaad Ali-Shakir, an undecided 6’1” combo guard from Purcell Marian High School (Cincinnati). Even after earning 2nd team All-Ohio Division III as a senior, Ali-Shakir continues to search for a college fit.
For players in the 2016 class, the window of opportunity to find that school is getting smaller. The list of programs he is considering include Edinboro, McKendree University, Chicago State, Pikeville, and an unnamed JUCO in Illinois. He would also like to gain the interest of Wright State.
“I really want to make it some time in the next month,” Ali-Shakir said, when asked about when the final decision will come.
He mentioned that playing time will be a crucial factor in his college decision.
“I reached out to a couple Division IIs … At this point, I think I’d rather go to a junior college and work on my game a little more.”
Ali-Shakir was a four year varsity starter for Purcell Marian, who went undefeated in Cincinnati’s Greater Catholic League last season. He averaged 15.4 point per game as a senior, while racking up a collection of accolades.
“I’m a very energetic player and I score the ball,” Ali-Shakir said. “Even though I’m pretty good at it, I always work on my shooting skills and I always work on my ball-handling.”
Energetic, indeed. On offense, his off-ball movement comes at a noticeably collected pace. However, he attacks 50-50 balls with an attitude, often winning battles against larger opponents.
Furthermore, Ali-Shakir can really hit the jumper. The highlight tape above, appropriately titled He’s On Fire, mainly consists of him whacking home three after three. He releases the ball without much elevation, but the set-shot isn’t an issue. Ali-Shakir’s cleverness in finding an open spot while teammates penetrate is all the separation needed. When he does make a move, he does so in very few dribbles.
In short, Ali-Shakir is instant offense.
With playing time being important in his decision, it seems like he will end up at a JUCO or D-II program next season. What we do know is this: he will be extending the opposing defense wherever he ends up.
Photo by Mike Dyer