5-star PF commits to AU

Auburn and Bruce Pearl have landed a commitment from one of the top overall players in the 2018 class.

E.J. Montgomery, who is ranked the No. 9 junior in the country, informed Pearl Thursday night that he intends to be a Tiger.

“I talked to Coach Pearl and told him I’m committed,” Montgomery said. “I’m very excited about committing to Auburn. I think I’ll fit in good there.”

Montgomery, from Wheeler High in Marietta, Ga., should know. The five-star power forward recruit has an inside source at Auburn. Montgomery’s older sister, Brandy, is a senior on the women’s basketball team.

“She always tells me that Auburn is a good school,” Montgomery said. “She’s excited about my commitment.”

So is Pearl.

Auburn’s third-year coach already has the No. 1-ranked recruiting class in 2017. He’s well on the way to repeating the feat in 2018 with the commitment from Montgomery.

“He was excited,” Montgomery said. “All of the coaches were.”

Pearl and associate head coach Chuck Person were Montgomery’s primary recruiters. The recruit has developed good relationships with both coaches.

“They are good coaches and good people,” Montgomery said. “‘I’ve gotten really close with them over the years. They have been recruiting me since I was in the eighth grade and I’ve always had a good relationship with them.”

Montgomery believes Pearl has Auburn’s basketball program on the rise.

“The future looks bright,” Montgomery said. “They are doing a great job recruiting and it’s only going to get better.”

Montgomery is Auburn’s first commitment in the 2018 recruiting class. He last visited Auburn on Sept. 3 and plans to return this weekend.