If you talk to Milton (GA) junior Alex O’Connell for five minutes, you’ll get a sense that confidence is not an issue. And that’s a good thing. The long and athletic wing has a swagger to him this season and it shows in his play.

The all-tournament selection at the Lake City Classic was the best scorer at the post-Christmas event at Allatoona High School. He’s been in a good offensive zone dating back to his time on the travel circuit. O’Connell finished the travel season strong at the Best of the South with the Atlanta Celtics.

“Things switched for me this summer. I knew right away that I was going to be the guy on that team. I knew my team was going to not only look up to me for scoring but for rebounding and intensity,” O’Connell said. “I knew that as soon as we started the season that I was going to have to be aggressive all over the floor. That’s when it started for me.”

That’s when recruiting started, too. O’Connell said he is considering offers from UAB, Clemson, Ole Miss, Kansas State, Auburn, North Florida, Western Carolina and Georgia Southern. He added Georgia, Stanford and Georgia Tech are also involved but haven’t offered a scholarship yet.

He’s been to the campuses of Ole Miss, Clemson, Georgia, Auburn, UAB and North Florida.

“Stanford, that’s my next priority visit,” he said.  

What will the No. 9 ranked junior in Georgia be looking for at the next level?

“I’m looking at fit. Does that school need me? There are some schools that I’m looking at that really need someone that can score and shoot the ball. So, I’m looking at their fit. I’m also looking for a place that let’s say I get hurt, can I be happy at that school and enjoy the college experience. Development is going to matter. Can I go somewhere that can develop me and maybe someday be considered for the NBA. That’s my main goal.

“I’m going to plan to commit in September or October and sign in the early signing period,” O’Connell said. “I’m loving the recruiting process and living it up. I’m going with the flow.”