By Jordan Divens

Jarren McAllister (2018 6-3 SG) officially announced his commitment to Virginia Tech on Friday, June 17, after his fourth visit to the Blacksburg, Virginia, campus.

Pittsburgh, Clemson, and Richmond also expressed interest in McAllister, who entertained an offer from VCU, as well. McAllister is the Hokies' first commitment from the class of 2018. The 178-pound shooting guard out of North Carolina averaged 13.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.8 steals in his sophomore season for Heritage High School, and led his team to a 21-8 record.

Virginia Tech was the only school McAllister visited. He said, “I visited four times; the first time, I went up for a football game against North Carolina State with some coaches and they showed me around campus. The second and third visit were basketball games, and I was really able to see how the team plays live and see where I will fit in,” he said.

McAllister’s last visit solidified his commitment. “On my last visit, I was able to play some pick-up games with the players and Buzz (Williams) introduced me to the entire staff, and then at the end, I talked to Buzz, and that’s when I knew I wanted to be a Hokie.

“He doesn’t want to just have a relationship with me for four years, he wants to have a relationship for life and he wants to help me grow as a person. He likes me as a person; not just as a basketball player.”

When asked about the timing of his commitment, McAllister said, “I wanted to avoid all the pressure and make it easier for me and other college coaches. I’m just glad to be a Hokie.” Now that his college commitment is out of the way, McAllister can focus on getting stronger and preparing himself for the next level. 

“I definitely need to get stronger and work on the consistency of my shot and improve how I produce for the team,” he said. 

What does McAllister believe Williams will receive from his first 2018 commit?

“Motor—I am a relentless worker, and I don’t give up easily,” he said.