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Last August, DJ Russell got offered by the University of Miami.
Last night, Russell became the first member of Miami's basketball recruiting class of 2017 when he committed to Coach Larranaga. Russell chose Miami over other offers from Kansas State, Cincinnati, USC and Virginia Tech.
At only 14 years of age, DJ Russell is a physical specimen, already standing 6-foot-6 - and he's still growing! Russell told me he expects to top out at 6-foot-8.
Hoopsreport.com lists Russell as the #3 player overall in the class of 2017 (LINK).
At his age, Russell is already an elite defender and rebounder, as his length and strength give opposing players fits. At the opposite end of the floor, Russell is working to improve his outside shooting and his handle.
When asked what he liked about Miami, Russell replied "I like their style of play, I think it fits me, and I like how Coach L lets his wings and guards play their game."
The thing I was most impressed by in speaking to Russell was how he kept everything in perspective. He said that even after Miami offered "I couldn't let it get to my head, I just had to keep on working".