Despite not playing on a shoe sponsored circuit this past summer, the recruitment of Dre Perry has remained fluid and improved further as the year wore on. On Monday, the 6-foot-5 wing out of Baltimore took things one step closer to a college commitment by narrowing down his list to a group of five.

Running with the Team Melo 17-under squad this past summer, his teammate, Darryl Morsell, was not the only one to see his stock improve. Perry went into the travel season with just a few high-major looks and offers and left his final event in July receiving heavy interest along with a bevy of offers from some of the best programs from all across the nation.

A hard-nosed and tough minded wing that has gotten better at making shots from off the bounce while also progressing his ball skills, all the while remaining a versatile, shut-down defender out on the perimeter and even in the post, Perry’s upside and value on the floor is evidently clear.

After decompressing a bit, Perry has narrowed down his list of schools as he is now to a final group consisting of Virginia Tech, Temple, USC, Kansas State, and Seton Hall. “All five of these schools are family-type of situations and are all great fits for me,” Perry said.

Perry went on to speak further on each program that made his final five.

Virginia Tech

“Coach Buzz (Williams) is not only a good coach; he’s a good person and has a good heart. His energy reminds me of my high school coach, Sam Brand. Coach (Christian) Webster and I have built a solid relationship as well and we talk all the time.”

Temple

“Coach (Fran) Dunphy is a down to earth coach and me and Coach (Aaron) McKie created a strong relationship after Coach (Dwayne) Killings left and went to UConn; he was my head recruiter from Temple.”

USC

“Coach (Andy) Enfield is a good coach and believed in me when nobody else did. They gave me my second offer during the fall going into my junior season and have been loyal ever since.”

Kansas State

“Me and Coach (Chester) Frazier talk all the time. He tells me all the time that they need some dogs with killer instincts and that I fit that role perfectly.”

Seton Hall

“Coach (Kevin) Willard and I don’t talk that much but when we do, there’s always that connection between the two of us. Coach Grant (Billmeier) and I pretty much talk all the time and we speak about stuff outside of basketball; it’s not all about basketball all the time.”

Two visits are set for Perry now that he is down to a final five as he will head off to Temple on September 1, then take a trip to Blacksburg to get a look at Virginia Tech on September 24, as both visits will come in the official visit variety.

The Team Melo product will also take an unofficial visit to Virginia Tech on August 27 where it looks like Perry will attempt to visit all five programs on his now cut list, leading to a potential early signing in November.