Rossi chooses California

Alex Rossi’s junior season wasn’t what he had hoped it would be.

He and New Trier suffered through an up-and-down regular season and then had their year ended by rival Evanston with a 25-footer at the buzzer in the regional semis. It didn’t help that Rossi was guarding the miraculous shot or that it was on New Trier’s home court.

But when Rossi walked off the court on that frustrating March evening, he left that all behind. Since then, his basketball story couldn’t be much more perfect.

It began shortly after the high school season with a scholarship offer from California. It was followed by a terrific spring where he proved to national scouts he was among the top shooters in the country. Then came even more offers. Last week, he participated in the NBA Top 100 Camp.

On Monday, Rossi continued his off-season in a positive manner as he ended his recruitment and committed to California.

He chose the Golden Bears over Northwestern, Notre Dame, Stanford and Virginia.

“All of them were great academic schools and good basketball systems,” said Rossi, who is 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds. “Cal had an opportunity for me to play right away when I come in. They’re losing all their wings. I’ve always wanted to go out West. The main that separated them was my gut feeling when I went down there. They made me feel comfortable.”

Rising Stars coach Mike Weinstein, who coaches Rossi during the club season, believes Rossi is a perfect fit for California. The Golden Bears led the country in three-point shooting percentage last season.

“Alex is one of the top-5 catch and shoot players in the country,” Weinstein said. “He’s an amazing catch-and-shoot player. He can shoot anywhere on the floor. He can get his shot off quickly. He’s a big-time shooter with a very big IQ.”

Rossi especially proved that during April on the club circuit. As a result, he shot up the national rankings and started getting calls from Florida State, Miami, Notre Dame among others.

Rossi doesn’t believe he was any different of a player this spring than before, but his sudden jump in stock was due to the way he’s used during the club season.

“In high school, I’m asked to do a lot of things, bring the ball up, rebound,” Rossi said. “They’re things I’m not comfortable in doing. In the AAU season this spring, I was in my sweet spot. I just do what I do. We have a point guard, we have big guys. I think that’s why I’ve been noticed a lot more this spring.”

Rossi was the second New Trier and Rising Stars player in the past week to commit to a Division I program. Last week, 6-10 center Fred Heldring committed to William and Mary.

“It’s a big load off our shoulders,” Rossi said. “We can work on our game, have fun.”