One of the very best lead guards available late in the 2016 recruiting cycle may not bring the expected height that one would wish, though he more than makes up for it with his intensity, explosiveness, and alpha-dog mentality. Marcus Ottey, a 5-foot-11 senior playing out his last year of ball at Spire Institute in Ohio, has become a hot commodity this winter.

With the recent trend of successful lead guards that stand below 6-feet tall, including the likes of Oakland’s Kay Felder, Monmouth’s Justin Robinson, and Kentucky’s Tyler Ullis, colleges have begun to loosen their grip in wanting a good sized point guard. Because of just that, to go along with Ottey’s ferocity, toughness, and playmaking skills with the ball in his hands, the Spire guard has seen his recruitment reach the next level.

In the fall, Illinois-Chicago hosted Ottey for his first official visit. While the Horizon bunch has remained in the hunt and a a primary leader for him, many others have begun to chase. “UIC talks to me a whole lot, but so does DePaul, Wichita State, and Valparaiso,” the diminutive floor general stated. “I talk to California, Vanderbilt, and Cincinnati a lot but they haven’t offered me yet.”

What do all these programs see in Ottey? The Spire senior has an elite first step where he can finish at the rack with impressive and poster-worthy dunks that he can convert on with either hand. Sporting a 6-foot-7 wingspan, the product of the Canada Elite travel program is the first to ramp up the physicality in any given affair. He is a hound in defending the basketball, can create for others within the half-court setting, yet also knock down the perimeter jumper whenever he is left open.

With a bevy of production at his fingertips, offers have continued to accumulate. “Right now I have offers from New Mexico State, Valparaiso, Detroit, UIC, Toledo, Iona, Delaware, Loyola Chicago, Wichita State, and DePaul,” Ottey said, as the latter two seem to have a good chance in landing a visit from him. “I am visiting DePaul soon and Wichita State whenever the season winds down.”

Ottey, who brings an immediate spark to the hardwood, is looking for early playing time with his decision and it seems like while his recruitment may lead into the spring, the Canadian will have no shortage of quality options to pick from in the coming months.