Five-star prospect Devonta Pollard announces for Alabama

The last five-star player is finally off the board. Devonta Pollard announced on Friday evening that he is headed to Alabama.

Heading into Friday, Alabama didn’t have a single commitment in the class of 2012. For a team that lost Tony Mitchell and JaMychal Green in the frontcourt, that spelled some trouble.

Devonta Pollard, the last five-star prospect in the class of 2012, committed to Alabama. (US Presswire)

All that changed on Friday, when Devonta Pollard committed to the Crimson Tide during a press conference at his high school. Pollard was the final five-star prospect available in the class.

“I’m going to go to the University of Alabama,” Pollard said at the presser.

The 6-foot-7 forward from Kemper County (Miss.) chose the Tide over Texas, LSU, Georgetown and Missouri. Pollard had played things very close to the vest throughout his recruitment, not giving out any hints as to where he was headed. He took his time, and never paid much attention to the people clamoring for him to make a decision. Different teams seemed to be in the lead at various times, but the pull of coach Anthony Grant and the Crimson Tide was just too much in the end.

“We are extremely excited about the addition of Devonta Pollard to the Crimson Tide family,” Grant said in a release. “Devonta is an extremely gifted player who is capable of playing multiple positions and has demonstrated the ability to impact games in a variety of ways. 

"He possesses the character and work ethic of a champion student-athlete and will be a great ambassador to our university, community and program." 

Pollard was ranked No. 22 overall by CBSSports.com, and as the No. 4 small forward in the class. The lefty can play both forward positions, and his athleticism makes him a difficult matchup for most opponents. He finishes effectively around the rim and he is also good in the mid-range. In transition, Pollard is excellent at running the floor and going to the rim. His ability to score inside and out will have an immediate impact in Tuscaloosa.

Expect Grant to plug Pollard into the starting lineup right off the bat, where he will combine with point guard Trevor Releford and a host of talented sophomores to try and lead Alabama back to the NCAA tournament.