Morgan Park’s Tamell Pearson identified one small problem soon after he committed to play basketball for Alabama-Birmingham on Monday.
He doesn’t have anything with the logo of his future school.
Considering UAB is not a team of choice in the Chicago area, the 6-foot-8, 205-pound power forward might have to wait a few days before showing his school colors.
“I have to get some Blazers gear,” Pearson said, laughing.
Rated as a three-star recruit by 247sports.com, Pearson selected UAB over Oklahoma State, Washington State, Missouri State, Murray State, New Mexico State and Cleveland State.
Pearson had never been to Alabama before his official visit over the Labor Day weekend. Pearson said he made unofficial visits to Cleveland State, Northern Illinois and Missouri State.
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“When I first got there, I felt really welcome,” Pearson said of UAB. “It was a great experience, from the coaches to the players who were very cool and it was very uplifting. They were very straight with me with everything they said. It’s a great school.”
Mostly a reserve last season, Pearson averaged 5.4 points. He started, attempting one shot and scoring two points in Morgan Park’s 69-67 overtime win over Fenwick in the Class 3A state title game on March 18.
PrepHoopsIllinois.com recruiting analyst Scott Burgess said Pearson showed some promise in the spring at the Nike EYBL that continued into the summer.
“In July, he opened more eyes playing against quality competition even picking up a few high-major offers,” Burgess said. “I think UAB got a quality mid-major player who will be able to be an impact big man for their program.
“He should be able to come in as a freshman and contribute on the boards, defensively, and running the floor. With the strides he flashed offensively on the circuit, the UAB coaching staff has a chance to continue developing him as an offensive player throughout his career.”
Bob Narang is a freelance writer for the Daily Southtown.