UIC hauls in Marcus Ottey
Geneva, OH
Marcus Ottey, one of the best lead guards available within the 2016 recruiting class, is no longer still on the board after committing to Steve McClain and the UIC men’s basketball program. Quite possibly one of the greatest hauls in all of the senior class, the Horizon bunch has picked up a tenacious weapon with the ball in his hands.
A native of Canada playing out his final year of play out at Spire Institute in Ohio, Ottey is an elite competitor. The lefty flourishes whenever the game speeds up and can really score the ball at the basket. He is deceptively explosive at the rim where he can throw down dunks with either hand but can also create for others off of the dribble-drive. While his shot does need further polishing, the product of the Canada Elite travel program can convert whenever his feet are set and time is given.
Buying in on the defensive side of the floor isn’t much of an issue either which should make Ottey an immediate producer for the Horizon League bunch. With some shades of current Oakland star Kay Felder to him, the 5-foot-11 guard, who sports a 6-foot-7 wingspan, could be a guy that Steve McClain and his staff gives the ball to from day one on campus.
Ottey took only one official visit throughout the entire process, of which came to UIC back in the fall, and while a few others were being set up, it was the priority attention that the speed demon received throughout that led to his commitment. “Coach McClain, that’s my guy. They have showed me a lot of love the entire time,” the Canadian said.
Joining his Spire teammate in 6-foot-7 play making forward Jordan Blount within the 2016 class, the duo add to another two commitments out of Tarkus Ferguson and KJ Santos, along with another Canadian guard in Godwin Boahen, which looks to be the clear cut, top class within the Horizon League and a group that could be the building blocks to a successful few years for the UIC basketball program moving ahead.
