Nov. 13--The UCLA and USC men's basketball teams both added four-star recruits to their 2015 class during the fall early-signing period.
UCLA's signees address the Bruins' most pressing concern: the backcourt. Guards Aaron Holiday of Los Angeles Campbell Hall High, and Prince Ali, of the Sagemont School in Pembroke Pines, Fla., signed on Wednesday. Both are rated as four-star recruits -- out of a possible five -- by various national recruiting services.
"Aaron is a very talented player who we know will really help our backcourt next season," UCLA Coach Steve Alford said in a statement released by the school. "He is a quick, tough guard who possesses the ability to be both an efficient scorer and a lockdown defender."
Holiday is the younger brother of former UCLA player Jrue Holiday.
Ali tweeted that he had signed his letter on Wednesday evening, after UCLA announced the signing of Holiday.
USC added Bennie Boatwright, a 6 feet 9 forward from Los Angeles Village Christian High, and is expected to add 6-10 forward, Chimezie Metu of Lawndale High, on Friday. They are also rated with four stars by recruiting services.
"Bennie is an elite shooter at 6-10, and we expect him to have a huge impact on our success next year and throughout his career," Coach Andy Enfield said in a statement released by USC.
Both teams are expected to add to their classes in the four-week spring signing period.
zach.helfand@latimes.com
Twitter: @zhelfand
