The latest on Top-60 junior Ramel Lloyd Jr.

Four-star junior Ramel Lloyd Jr. has transitioned into a new role at Sierra Canyon High School (CA). After his time with Rancho Christian, Lloyd Jr. made his move to the West Coast powerhouse and shifted his focus strictly to his development on the court. 

Lloyd Jr. has been on the national landscape for quite some time. He lured in his first Division One offer from UNLV when he was playing at the middle school ranks. He can be seen as a ‘big guard’ as he stands at 6-foot-7 and plays with guard skills. Lloyd Jr. can score the ball at multiple levels, great athlete, tons of length, and has an excellent handle for his size, and is a matchup nightmare around the perimeter.

He trimmed down his recruitment pretty early as well. In the month of December, he cut his list down to eight programs, the list included: Rutgers, Arizona, Washington, Nebraska, Oregon, Arkansas, Illinois, and Baylor.

As far as potential goes, I think that Lloyd Jr. will be a major snag for whatever program is able to land his talents. Obviously, he’s a Power-Five prospect but I believe he will have a major impact from day one regardless of where he lands. He’s an elite competitor, always trying to figure out ways that he could improve.

Stockrisers.com sat-down with Lloyd Jr. and he updates us on where things stand with his final list, updates on his season, etc.

Where do things stand with your finalists?

“Still the eight. All the schools on my final list remain in the mix.”

Nebraska, what are your thoughts on Fred Hoiberg and the Huskers?

“Nebraska, Big 10 program on the up and coming. Coach Hoiberg and Coach Matt, I just love their pitch, their playstyle. I love the direction they’re trying to go in with this program.”

How about playing close to home in the Pac-12 at Oregon?

“Oregon, Pac-12, is close to home. I’ve been a big fan of Oregon since I was a kid. A lot of guys from my area like Jordan Bell and Tyler Dorsey went there and had tons of success. I like their playstyle as well and how they utilize their guards.”

Staying in the Pac-12, what are your thoughts on Arizona and Sean Miller?

“Arizona, I’ve been involved with them for a while now. I built a pretty close relationship with Sean Miller and the assistants. They’re a big-time Pac-12 program, close to home and I took an unofficial visit there my sophomore year so I’m pretty in tune with everything going on there.”

Let’s go to the Big 12, thoughts on the surging Baylor Bears?

“Baylor, the number two team in the country, playing in the Big-12 and they’re just killing it right now on all aspects. Just being a top team and getting top recruits and everything, I just love their pitch for me as a player.”

How about out East, Rutgers, they’ve been on you heavily. Thoughts?

“Rutgers, Big 10 as well, back home down there in the East Coast in New Jersey. Coach Pikiell, I had a great conversation with him before. Coach Hobbs is my lead recruiter and he’s very close with my family. So, it has been good talking to them.

What about Washington? Thoughts on them and your father’s former coach.

Washington, another Pac-12 team. I love the way Coach Hop utilizes his guards, especially the guards with size, and how he really utilizes their length. Also, very close with my family as he coached my dad at Syracuse. If I were to go there I believe I would have an opportunity with them early on.”

How about Illinois and Brad Underwood, thoughts on the Illini?

“Illinois is great. You know, Coach Underwood and the guys love to get after it. Obviously, they produce guys who go to the league. Those guys like Ayo Dosunmu, kinda like me in a sense to where he’s a big guard who can space the floor and they see me coming in and being in that mode.”

Finally, how about Arkansas and Coach Eric Musselman?

“Arkansas, Coach Muss (laughs), I love Coach Muss. He and I have been in contact for a while now and I love how they get after it down there. If I were to go there, they’d have a lot of plans for me offensively.”

When will you commit?

”I’ll probably commit sometime my senior year. I’m hearing there might be some openings for visits coming up soon, so I definitely want to take some of my visits before I commit. I want to see the schools and what they’re like and actually meet coaches in person.”

How has your move to Sierra Canyon been?

“The move this year has been great, just playing with high-level players and getting better every day has just been perfect for me. Coach Dre and the rest of the staff push me to be my best and hold me accountable and that’s what I really wanted for my last two years of high school. Just getting ready to play this national schedule this year and next year and just show everyone what I can do.”

Where does your game stand? Where did you improve after the move?

“My game has improved drastically, I’ve always been a very skilled player but now I feel I’m getting sharper with it. The game is coming really easy for me and I feel like the way I’m playing now at school and defensively, I’m becoming a big-time two-way player, rebounding and doing all types of stuff on both ends of the floor. Just keeping my motor, attacking the glass, attacking the rim hard, and just playing with energy and skill.”