2024 Xander Alarie talks development and recruitment

As we approach the end of September, we are at the time of year where many of the rising seniors' recruiting pictures are becoming clearer. While some are making commitments, the majority are still taking their fall visits and will look to come to decisions sometime before the new year. One prospect fits the latter of that statement is St. Andrew's combo forward Xander Alarie Xander Alarie 6'8" | SF St. Andrew's | 2024 State MD .

Alarie had a steady spring and summer playing with Global Squad 17U on the UAA Circuit. The 6-foot-8 southpaw showed improvements in overall motor, scoring through physicality on a more routine basis and a better knack for corralling rebounds at both ends.

“I think I've gotten better in every area of my game,” Alarie told Prep Hoops reflecting on how he has improved since the beginning of spring. “My IQ has gotten better, my shot is falling more and I've become more consistent with being more physical. Over the summer by playing with older guys has given me a new outlook on how much strong that I need to play.”

Alarie is aware that there is still more improving to do in the future.

“I think I'll continue to get bigger, strong and faster, which will help me continue to improve my game. That'll all translate in the next year or so.”

Based on bloodline alone, it's safe to bet on Alarie still having plenty of untapped potential. His father, Mark, is a legend from his playing days at Duke where he was eventually drafted into the NBA and played six seasons.

When we caught up with Alarie after Stevenson University Team Camp, he was fresh off an unofficial visit to Colgate, which sparked conversation surrounding his recruitment.

“A lot of schools that are like Colgate are recruiting me right now. You know, teams from the Patriot League and that sort of level.”

“It was a good visit. I got to meet the entire coaching staff, see the campus and then finished up by playing pick up with their guys. It was a really good experience. I like how they play. They play really good team basketball and that's something I pride my game on. They're really well-coached and the staff was really welcoming. I thought I fit in really well.”

Alarie is the type of player that can fit seamlessly into a program that prides themselves offensively in more of a structured system. For his size, he can read the floor well from the top of the key and make decisions to cutters, play in handoffs with guards or get to spots in the mid-range with limited dribbles.

St. Andrew's has the talent once again this year to be one of the better programs in the DMV and Alarie will be a foundational piece in living up to expectations.