Four-star basketball recruit Se’Quoia Allmond has committed to play basketball at Jackson State University. Allmond is the university's highest ranked recruit this year and the first top 70 women's basketball recruit to commit to a historically Black college or university. She also received offers from Louisville, Kentucky and Ole Miss.
“Making my decision wasn’t hard because I knew it was what I wanted to do,” Allmond said.
“Nobody forced me to do it and I was being real with myself.”
Allmond's recruitment wasn't like that of many other top players before her. The COVID-19 pandemic limited her communication with many of the schools that were recruiting her, so she was forced to make decision without visiting campus.
“It was hard determining schools based off of Zoom because schools can show you what they want you to see over the computer,” she said.
“When you’re around people you can catch vibes easily, but over the phone you have to study them and build a process a little longer over the phone.”
Allmond will join a promising Jackson State University squad. Last year, the Tigers finished with a 16-2 record in conference and an 11-1 record at home. Returning sophomore Ameshya Williams won SWAC Defensive Player of the Year honors in her first year and she is a WNBA draft prospect. Head Coach Tomekia Reed believes that adding Allmond will help take the team to the next level.
“She’s going to make an immediate impact,” Reed said.
“We’re excited about the tempo she’s going to bring. We’re excited about the defense she’s going to bring, and we’re excited about her confidence she’s going to bring to the program as well.”
Allmond is not the only top recruit to commit to an HBCU this year. Four-star men’s basketball recruit Duncan Powell committed to North Carolina A&T. Five-star men's basketball recruit Thon Maker made headlines when he committed to play ball at Howard. Not to mention, NFL Hall of Fame Cornerback Deion Sanders has stepped in to coach the Jackson State University football team.
Allmond, Reed and Williams will kick off their 2020-2021 season at the University of Houston on November 28.
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