Tarris Bouie gives Alabama hoops 2nd top-50 commitment - ESPN

Top-35 wing Tarris Bouie announced his commitment to Alabama on Wednesday, giving the Crimson Tide their second top-50 recruit of the week.

Bouie's commitment comes just two days after Chris Washington Jr. picked Alabama. Both players visited Tuscaloosa last weekend and didn't wait long to commit to Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide after returning home.

«Coach Oats recruited me hard, and I really like their style of play,» Bouie told ESPN. «Over the summer I remember him being at almost every one of my games. I really like their style of play, it fits me. That was big for me. They play fast, and in the open court they shoot 3s and attack the basket.»

Bouie built a strong connection with Oats and assistant coach Preston Murphy, whom Oats has previously called the «best recruiter in the country.»

«I have a very good relationship with Coach Oats, and we talk often, and that was the big difference,» he said. «He is a genuine guy. I also have a strong relationship with assistant coach Preston Murphy.»

Bouie, the No. 33-ranked player in the ESPN 100, had trimmed his list to Alabama, Cincinnati, Georgetown, Marquette, Mississippi State, NC State, Ole Miss and Texas last month, but ended up making just the Alabama trip before deciding. The 6-foot-7 wing averaged 15.5 points and 6.0 rebounds on the Nike EYBL circuit this past spring and summer, while showing some shooting ability by making five of his 12 3-point attempts during July's Nike Peach Jam.

He is a gifted scorer with versatility and makes offense look easy with his natural instincts. Bouie's greatest impact comes in the open floor because of his ability to put pressure on the defense as a pure scorer or playmaker. He displays a soft touch, explosiveness and can score at