Pollard Rolls with the Tide

High flying five-star Devonta Pollard, ranked the fifth best small forward by Scout.com, 25th overall, has committed to The University of Alabama basketball team. The long anticipated announcement by the 6-7, 200-pound versatile athlete was made at the Kemper County High School (De Kalb, Miss.) gymnasium at 5 PM CDT Friday afternoon.

Devonta Pollard becomes the 10th McDonald’s All-American to become a member of the Alabama basketball program.

Previous McDonald's honorees were JaMychal Green (2008), Richard Hendrix (2005), Maurice Williams (2001), Gerald Wallace (2000), Jamal Faulkner (1989 transfer from Arizona State), James Robinson (1989), Buck Johnson (1982), Bobby Lee Hurt (1981) and Ennis Whatley (1981).

Alabama, Georgetown, Missouri and Texas were the final four suitors for the two-time Mississippi Dandy Dozen selection. Among the additional 2012 accolades include being named a Parade All-American and the Mississippi Boys Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year. He was awarded team MVP honors in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game held in March.

Consistent scoring, rebounding and shot blocking has been a Pollard trademark. Averaging 23.8 points, 15.7 rebounds and 5.1 blocks as a senior, he recorded a double-double (points and rebounds) in 59-of-60 games the past two seasons.

Explosion from the wing and an offensive presence in the paint area are two attributes the Magnolia State Player-of-the-Year will bring to Tuscaloosa. Pollard dominated the Mississippi Class 3A title game, a 75-65 victory over Booneville, capping his career with a seventh triple-double – 28 points, 10 rebounds and 10 blocked shots. So far he is the lone class of 2012 addition for Bama Coach Anthony Grant and the Tide.

Pollard inked National Letters of Intent to the four contending schools on the last day of the regular signing period, May 16th, with intentions of delaying the decision. A 21-day window exists for a school to submit to the conference office to be validated.