UAB lands pledge from 2019 PG Jalen Benjamin
UAB received a verbal commitment from 2019 Norcross (GA) Meadowcreek point guard Jalen Benjamin on Tuesday morning. The 5-foot-11 guard was one of the top targets for head coach Rob Ehsan and the Blazers.
"UAB was just the place that felt most like home to me," Benjamin told HoopSeen.com following his commitment. "It reminded me of how Stackhouse Elite treated me and that was one of the best experiences of my life."
Benjamin, a heady, cat-quick guard, distanced himself as one of the best mid-major floor generals in the South. The senior lit up opposing defenses in May at the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions and was eventually named as one of the top six players in the event. Benjamin mixed things up with his scoring, playmaking, and facilitating abilities throughout the spring and summer.
"I also chose UAB because I know when I go there, the coaches are going to let me be who I am from the beginning. All I have to do is show them I'm ready to step in right away and impact."
Benjamin, who recently transferred to defending state champion Meadowcreek, was a priority for the Blazers throughout the summer. Ehsan and his staff followed Stackhouse Elite closely throughout the July recruiting period, and, in the end, their persistence paid off.
"My relationship with Coach Ehsan is amazing. I feel like when I get there Coach Ehsan will take the time to help improve my game. Also, he has the confidence in me to come in and impact right away," Benjamin explained.
Benjamin made his official visit to Birmingham the first weekend of August. He also considered Northern Kentucky and Lehigh.
Benjamin joins Louisiana wing Jahein Spencer to make up UAB's two-man 2019 recruiting class.