The University of Cincinnati picked up a major commit for the 2024-25 season Friday when 6-8, 200-pound forward Tyler Betsey chose the Bearcats over his home state Connecticut Huskies and Alabama.

“The love that I got during the process,” Betsey said when asked what swayed him to UC. “I hung out with Millie (Jamille Reynolds), Jizzle (James), Rayvon (Griffith), CJ (Fredrick), really everybody.”

As for Coach Wes Miller’s reaction: “He was in the office screaming telling everybody to come. He was going crazy!”

Betsey is preparing for his senior year at St. Thomas More High School where he averaged 21 points, five rebounds and three assists last season as the Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year. He was also First Team New England Preparatory School Athletic Council.

Bearcats competition for Betsey

Betsey visited UC the weekend of the Oklahoma football game. Among his other suitors were Creighton, Indiana, Duke, Auburn, Georgia Tech, Iowa, LSU, Memphis, Michigan State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, St. John's, TCU, Virginia Tech and Washington.

A former Bearcat tutors Betsey

For his final high school season, Betsey's coach will be former Bearcat guard Cane Broome who played two seasons under Mick Cronin, the last being in 2018-19 when UC last made the NCAA tournament. Broome is also from Connecticut and describes Betsey as a basketball junkie who is in the gym two to three times a day.

"He (Betsey) is a tremendous shooter," Broome said. "I haven't seen anyone in the last few years that can shoot the ball as effortless at 6-8. The last three months his main priority has been to become an overall scorer, not just be labeled a 'three and D' guy. Essentially, everyone wants him for his three-point shot. His release is effortless. That's his best attribute."

Said Betsey, “The best thing I do is shoot.”

He’s kind of a big deal

Betsey is ranked the top player in Connecticut by 247Sports.com and the No. 40 forward in the 2024 class. ESPN has him at No. 53 overall and Rivals at No. 27. He's also a 4.0 student.

"He's going to be a great community kid," Broome said. "He'll be ready. He picked Cincinnati. He's got no choice but to be ready."

Betsey will join 6-9, four-star Tyler McKinley, now at Winton Woods, as part of the freshman class next fall. He knows McKinley through the AAU circuit.

Both will be welcome additions to the rigorous challenge of Big 12 basketball.

Big 12 beckons Betsey

“I’m really excited to play in the Big 12,” Betsey said. “It’s probably the best league in the country. Going out and competing knowing every night’s going to be a battle is exciting for sure.”

Betsey says he’s glad his hard work paid off. He knows he’ll have to earn his spot but is a confident player.

“I think I’m going to be alright,” Betsey said.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Wes Miller snares 4-star forrward Tyler Betsey for 2024-25 UC hoops