2017 Auburn (AL) power forward Garrison Brooks has a lot of different ties in the Southeast. It’s not a surprise that the majority of the programs recruiting him are from the SEC.

Auburn, UAB, Mississippi State, Texas Tech, Alabama, Vanderbilt, and Georgia have offered the 6-foot-9 big man to this point. Ole Miss, Saint Louis, and Missouri are a few of the schools showing interest. He is well-connected with a couple of these programs.

For starters, Brooks’ father, George, has been an assistant coach at Mississippi State for years. First-year head coach Ben Howland made sure to rehire him after being given the reigns in the spring. Over the summer, the Bulldogs made it a priority to keep close tabs on the younger Brooks and his teammates.

Howland watched the Alabama Challenge closely for three games at Best of the South during the first July evaluation period. That sent a huge message to Brooks.

“[Coach Howland being here] really made me feel like a huge priority,” Brooks told HoopSeen.com. “They have always been telling me that, and not just my dad. They really want me to come to Mississippi State and grow as a player and person.”

Auburn has also made Brooks a big priority. Bruce Pearl and Co. are looking to keep the elite talent in-state, and, in this case, within their city limits.

“Coach [Bruce] Pearl coaches really hard. I like the system and I’ve really grown to like all the coaches, especially Coach [Chuck] Person.”

Auburn has the home factor. UAB also has a unique factor, as Brooks’ uncle played for the Blazers during his college days. However, he is open to all schools and isn’t focused on his ties.

“I don’t want a school not to recruit just because my dad is at Mississippi State or because I’m from Auburn. I’m open to any school. I want to be recruited just like anyone else,” he explained.

Brooks took a trip to Alabama a few weeks ago for the Crimson Tide’s elite camp. He didn’t get to participate because of a back injury, though. He also plans to see Georgia soon, too.