Five-star sophomore Jovani Ruff talks recruitment, blue blood interest
It’s been casual over the last few years to see talent and success out of the West Coast from the guard spot. In the 2025 class, there’s no shortage of talent and definitely no shortage of talent at the guard spot, and this 6-foot-5 guard from Long Beach is a prime example of that.
Jovani Ruff had a stellar sophomore campaign. 19.5 points, six boards, and nearly two assists. Ruff asserted himself as not only one of the top-rated players in California but one of the 2025 class’ best overall prospects.
This past weekend, California hosted its ‘Cali Live’ Live period event, and man was Ruff putting on a show in front of many high-major college staffs. Ruff saw himself averaging 21.5 points, 5.5 boards, and nearly three assists per game.
Ruff is a prospect we’ve kept on the radar here on the site for nearly a year now. He’s remained on high-major radars for quite some time, but now is when it gets serious as I believe that an influx of schools with interest will take the next steps and extend an offer.
UCLA for example, they’re one of the top local programs for Ruff and had an interest since the contact period began. They decided after Cali Live that Ruff is one of the state's premier players and decided to extend him a scholarship offer.
Since the contact period started on June 15th, Ruff has heard from 20+ programs and leads a very busy recruitment that includes multiple blue blood programs. He discussed recruitment with Stockrisers.com.
Which schools are most involved?
“The schools that are most involved are Kansas, USC, UCLA, Arkansas, LMU, San Diego, Cal, Arizona, Washington, and Illinois.”
Any newer schools?
“Kentucky, Providence, and Oregon are the three new ones.”
That Kansas offer, how did it feel and what is the pitch?
“It was crazy. They came to my game on Saturday and the coach called me afterward and said they really like my game and want to offer me a scholarship.”
Kentucky’s interest, what have they said early on, and thoughts?
“They told me they have been watching me from afar for a while now, and they told me that they are excited about building a relationship. Kentucky is a huge school, so obviously they're hitting me up was huge. I’m very blessed they did that.”
How about Oregon, what was the offer from them like and what is their pitch?
“That was a big offer and I’ve been watching them for a while, and they told me that they like guys like me that are big guards that can score from all three levels. I’m looking to get up there soon for a visit.”
Speaking of visits, what are you working on and is anything set in stone yet?
“I’m working on getting down to Oregon, USC, and hopefully Kentucky down the road.”
How would you best break down your game?
“I’m developing into more of a combo guard, I’m very elite when it comes to scoring at all three [levels]. I’m a good on-ball defender and also an improving rebounder.”
And finally, how would you like to see your game evolve?
“I want to see myself become more of a leader. I also want to see myself get more comfortable running the one.”