Asa Montgomery’s college decision is almost here.
The four-star small forward from Powder Springs (Ga.) Hillgrove has set his commitment for Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.
ET, bringing a close to a recruitment that has stretched across five official visits. LSU, Duke, Georgia Tech, North Carolina and UConn have all hosted the 6-foot-7, 215-pound prospect, and one of those programs will land one of the fastest-rising names in the 2027 class.
Montgomery’s climb has been impossible to miss. In the latest rankings update, he vaulted 28 spots to No. 14 overall, putting him firmly among the premier prospects in the country.
That rise has come with a look at two different versions of his game. In EYCL play this summer, Montgomery had the ball in his hands often and produced big numbers: 27.9 points per game on 54/34/76 shooting, plus 10.2 rebounds, 3 assists and 3.3 stocks, with 1.4 steals and 1.9 blocks per game.
With USA Basketball, the role shifted. He embraced a more complementary job, bringing energy, offensive rebounding, cutting, defensive versatility and playmaking in fullcourt pressure, even while he was surprisingly hesitant to shoot at times.
That split view says plenty about why he’s so intriguing right now. He’s listed at 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan and a broader frame, and he fits best as a combo forward moving from stretch-four territory toward a bigger wing role. He’s a strong vertical athlete off two feet, times things well in transition and as a cutter, and gives you steady value as a shooting threat who can pick and pop, attack closeouts, work from the midpost and crash the offensive glass.
Defensively, he shows real feel. The scouting report points to good instincts, a nose for the ball and enough rebound-and-switch ability to handle opposing fours, while also getting his hands on plenty of plays even in FIBA competition.
What stands out just as much is how much of the dirty work he’s willing to do. That willingness to handle the little things is part of what makes him look ready to contribute early, while his age points to even more room to grow. Montgomery won’t turn 18 until July after his senior year, leaving him a long runway to keep building the scoring and skill package that made him such a high-upside target in the first place.
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The production has been there all year, even if the recognition has not always matched it. Bates is grading out among the top safeties in Pro Football Focus this season, and his resume still includes only one Pro Bowl selection despite the kind of impact plays that can swing a game in a hurry. With the way he is stacking up those rare interception-and-fumble outings, the next milestone is now very much within reach. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Offense Forced The 49ers Into A Deadline Response
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For San Francisco, the response came quickly after the final whistle, a clear sign the loss carried some urgency beyond the standings. The 49ers moved to shore up the front of their defense after a day in which the pass rush never consistently affected Michael Penix Jr., and the ripple effect of Nick Bosas absence loomed over the whole performance. [Read more 🡒]