Andrew Steele commits to Crimson Tide

BIRMINGHAM | In the end, Andrew Steele decided to follow in his brother’s footsteps and play basketball at the University of Alabama.

However, the younger Steele says it wasn’t simply a case of family tradition.

“Ron’s advice to me was that I needed to make the right choice for me,” said Andrew Steele, who announced his commitment to UA on Thursday. “He said it was not a choice for anybody else to make. He said I should go to a place where I fit in and where I could feel comfortable.

“It was actually a pretty tough choice between Alabama and Ole Miss. I like Ole Miss and I like what their coaches are doing. I also considered Tennessee. But in the end, Alabama was the best place for me.”

Steele, a 6-foot-3 combination guard from John Carroll High School, isn’t simply a legacy signee for the Crimson Tide. He is rated the No. 50 prospect in the country by Rivals.com, and is considered the state’s No. 3 prospect.

The No. 1 prep prospect in the state, 6-7 forward Jamychal Green of St. Jude in Montgomery, is expected to announce his college choice soon as well. He has also narrowed his choices to Alabama and Ole Miss.

Alabama already has one public commitment, 6-foot-6 forward Tony Mitchell of Swainsboro, Ga.

While Ronald Steele is viewed exclusively as a point guard, his younger brother brings a different skill set to Crimson Tide basketball.

“I think he is more of a true point guard,” Andrew Steele said. “I’m more of a scorer.”

Andrew Steele averaged 16 points per game for a talented John Carroll squad last season. He also plays quarterback for the Cavaliers football team and is a top student with a 26 score on the ACT.

“I think I can help at Alabama right away,” he said. “The talent down there is pretty good, but I am going to work my hardest to prove myself in practice so I can have a chance to play.”