2014 Pledge committed as ever
It's been 13 months since Ahmaad Rorie committed to California and the Tacoma point guard's pledge is stronger than ever.
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This, in a climate where the "flipping" of recruits has become the new normal.
But Rorie is no ordinary individual.
A 3.8 GPA student and quintessential gym rat, the decorated junior puts time and energy into everything he does. So when he committed to the Golden Bears over a year ago, there was little reason to doubt his fidelity.
"When I went on my unofficial visit and met all the coaches, I just felt like they had my best interests in mind," Rorie told GoldenBearReport on Wednesday. "I was real comfortable with the atmosphere, their style of play, and the academics; it all just fit real well."
And while several programs initially continued to reach-out, they quickly submitted.
"They've been good about respecting my decision," noted Rorie.
An electrifying playmaker, the Berkeley-bound floor general can score, as well as distribute.
He poured-in a record 101-points over a three game stretch during 2012's Washington State Tournament and this year guided his squad to the semi-finals.
Rorie's strong showing, however, may be just a glimpse of things to come.
Not one to rest on his laurels, when GBR caught up with the Lincoln High student, he was headed back to the gym to put in some late night work.
"Next year, I want to win State, get Mr. Basketball, and I want to play in the McDonald's All-American game," declared Rorie. "So I just got to go out there and destroy this summer and spring."
But in addition to having his way with the competition, the 6-1 hoopster will also be doubling as a recruiter.
"I tell guys to come here if they want to get better in academics and in basketball," remarked Rorie.
On the basketball side of things, one coach, in particular, has stood out to the young shotmaker.
"I have a really great relationship with Coach Travis DeCuire," he said. "From the start I could always tell that he cared about me as a person. I knew a little bit about Cal because Jason Kidd and Jerome Randle went there, but once I started talking to him, he told me all about the school."
Of course, DeCuire knows a thing or two about coaching, too, and the fifth year Cal assistant envisions his pupil contributing right away.
"He told me I'd have an impact as a freshman. Their system is similar to the one we run so that's good. I like to be at the top of the key. If I'm driving from there, shooting from there, breaking my man down from there, I feel most comfortable."
And though Rorie agrees his state has produced some talented guards in recent years, there's still some roads to pave, in his opinion.
"Yeah, we have a lot of talent," said Rorie. "But, I think we also have a lot of guys who don't work hard enough. I think my class is dedicated, though, so hopefully we're going to finally put Washington on the map."
Provided he does it in California, Bears fans are all for it.