Five-star incoming junior Jovani Ruff talks his recruitment
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. He averaged 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.
In June, 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.
June was the breakout month for Ruff who added several prime-time offers including, once again, UCLA, and blue-blood, Kansas.
Ruff got with Stockrisers.com to go in-depth on his recruitment...
Which schools are the heaviest involved?
“The schools I hear from the most are Oregon, UCLA, USC, Arkansas, Kansas, Washington, Cal, and LMU.”
Any new schools?
“I would say Arkansas could be considered a new school because I don’t have an offer from them, but, they’re very active. I hear from someone on the staff daily.”
How about UCLA?
“They are one of the hometown schools so I’ve been hearing about them for a long time. They are very active, they were at almost all my games at Peach Jam and I am actually in the works of setting up a visit there.”
Oregon?
“Oregon tells me that they love that I am a three-level scorer and how I get my team involved. They always tell me how picky they are when it comes to who they recruit. Coach Altman came to almost all my games at Peach Jam, and I hear from their staff on the regular.”
Kansas was also a big one for you?
“They are also a big program so it is an honor for them to look at me as a major target. I always see them at my games. They were there at the NBPA Top 100 Camp and Peach Jam.”
Setting up any visits?
“I’m trying to set up visits to UCLA, Oregon, and Cal right now.”
A brief breakdown of your game?
“I feel like I am an elite three-level scorer and a good passer. I feel like I am a good perimeter defender and an improving rebounder.”
One area of your game you want to improve in?
“I would like to keep up my ball handling.”