McDonald's All-American point guard Trent Perry commits to UCLA

Senior guard Trent Perry, a McDonald's All-American and the top-ranked uncommitted prospect in the 2024 class, has committed to UCLA, he told ESPN on Wednesday.

Perry had originally committed to USC in October, but reopened his recruitment when Andy Enfield left the Trojans to take over at SMU. The Los Angeles area native now heads to rival USC.

“What attracted me was that there's a good opportunity to turn things around after last season, and I want to do it in my hometown,” Perry said.

While Perry visited Virginia in late April and the Cavaliers seemed to have momentum, it was the point guard's relationship with coach Mick Cronin that gave UCLA the edge.

“Throughout the process, Cronin expressed how much he wanted me, but he also cares about me outside of basketball. That was a big thing,” Perry said. “He values ​​me and my game. He says what he says, he means it. He's an honest and direct guy. He doesn't beat around the bush. He's demanding, but he comes from a good place and with a good heart.”

Perry, California's Gatorade Player of the Year, led Harvard Westlake High School to two CIF open division state championships. He is a 6-foot-4 player from North Hollywood who is ranked No. 27 overall in the ESPN 100 and the No. 5 point guard in his class.

Perry had impressive performances in high-profile games during his senior season, including a 24-point, 9-rebound, 4-assist performance in a win over Perry High School (Arizona) in Hoophall West in December. He also averaged 12.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 23 games on the Nike EYBL circuit last spring and summer, shooting 36.4% from 3-point range.

Early in the evaluation process, Perry's mental toughness and desire to be a complete guard were evident. He shoots equally well off the catch and off the dribble. The cerebral point guard is stable and a great decision maker, he plays with a high basketball IQ and reads screen coverages effectively. He knows when to move the ball, create for his teammates or score.

“Trent Perry is a great person and a great winner,” Harvard-Westlake coach David Rebibo said.

Perry is the eighth newcomer to UCLA, joining six transfers: Kobe Johnson (USC), Skyy Clark (Louisville), Eric Dailey Jr. (Oklahoma State), Tyler Bilodeau (Oregon State), William Kyle III (Oregon State), South Dakota) and Dominick Harris (Loyola Marymount) – and ESPN 100 recruits Eric Freeny. They will combine with returning starters Sebastian Mack (12.1 ppg), Dylan Andrews (12.9 ppg) and Lazar Stefanovic (11.5 ppg) for what should be a top-25 team. .

The Bruins are expected to bounce back after last season's 16-17 finish, Cronin's worst single-season record since he was in Cincinnati in 2008. And Perry should be at the center of that turnaround.

“I'm going to give everything I have to impact victory,” Perry said. “Going through the process was quite hectic and stressful at times, but I am very lucky to now have peace and clarity.”