The talented and versatile Bryce Dortch is a big addition for the program. Photo credit Rutgers Athletics
Rutgers men’s basketball has landed a commitment from 4-star wing Bryce Dortch in the class of 2024. He announced his decision to become a Scarlet Knight on Tuesday. It was a big addition to an already strong recruiting class for the program.
On his decision to commit to Rutgers, Dortch told Joe Tipton of On3 “I chose Rutgers because it was the right fit,” Dortch said. “Me and my family have a great relationship with the coaching staff and the love from the fans was crazy. They are a program who are great at developing their players and care about winning.”
Dortch is 6’8” wing from the Boston area where he attends Brimmer and May school in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. He is currently listed as the No. 108 overall prospect and No. 25 power forward and in the 2024 class per the 247 Sports composite rankings. The service also ranks Dortch as No. 4 in Massachusetts. In addition, the long, athletic two-way recruit is ranked No. 4 in Massachusetts and No. 5 in New England by the New England Recruiting Report (NERR).
His offer list includes Marquette, Texas A&M, Xavier, Seton Hall, Providence, Virginia Tech, VCU, Temple and UMass among others. He took official visits to Marquette and then Rutgers, which was less than two weeks ago. Dortch visited both schools last fall as well. He ultimately had a final three schools that included RU, Virginia Tech and Temple.
As a junior, Dortch took a major step in his development on the New England Prep Circuit. He is very good defender with long arms, ability to defend multiple positions, a high motor and good bounce. His potential to become an elite defender in Steve Pikiell’s system seems high. He can also can create his own shot and is extremely athletic. He has great body control and is able to play through contact when attacking the rim.
Dortch needs to add muscle to his 6″8″ frame, which will help him finish near the rim at the next level. However, his natural strength and ability to get downhill already make him a physical force difficult to contain.
247 Sports recruiting analyst Adam Finklestein said positive things about Dortch after watching him in late April on the Adidas AAU circuit. He wrote “Mass Rival’s Bryce Dortch remains a high-upside proposition because of his length, fluidity, ability to cover the court, and natural touch.”
Steve Pikiell offered Dortch all the way back in August 2021. The staff played the long game in recruiting him and it paid off in a big way. As soon as 4-star point guard Dellquan Warren decommitted, Rutgers set an official visit for Dortch. Getting him on campus so quickly is an example of how organized and prepared the Rutgers staff is. This isn’t a recruit they rushed the process with in order to fill a hole. Dortch is a long term fit that upgrades the talent on the roster and brings a skill set the staff covets.
Rutgers is on the verge of a program changing 2024 recruiting class. 5-star big man Ace Bailey is the No. 3 recruit in the 2024 composite rankings from 247 Sports. 4-star big man Lathan Sommerville is the No. 85 recruit overall and has had a big spring on the EYBL and at the Panagos camp. Adding Dortch to the mix only strengthens the depth and talent of the group.
The 2024 class was ranked No. 7 nationally before Dortch committed and is now ranked No.2 behind North Carolina.. With things looking very positive with No. 2 overall recruit Dylan Harper, Rutgers is well positioned to not only have a powerhouse recruiting class, but a balanced one that fits together on paper too.
Adding a talented wing in Dortch is another big win on the recruiting trail for Rutgers. He brings versatility and long term stability to the program.
For my rapid reaction and breakdown of the 2024 recruiting class, click here.
Watch highlights from a high level game this past season below.
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Will be very interesting to see the lineup choices that Pike uses as we are now projected to be very deep on the 3/4 spot with Griffith, Mag, Ace, and now Dortch. Feel like we could see some cool jumbo wing lineups with one of them sliding to the two guard position if we can get enough shooting out of them.
Very good point. We do have to wait and see if Mag returns for a grad transfer year though. I was actually thinking today for this season I wonder if Gavin could spend a little time at the 2 in certain spots with Simpson or Fernandes at the 1 and Hyatt/transfer at the 3.Would make for some interesting matchups.
DranktheRUkoolaid
June 13, 2023 at 4:57 pm
Yessir!!!
rf
June 13, 2023 at 5:33 pm
Will be very interesting to see the lineup choices that Pike uses as we are now projected to be very deep on the 3/4 spot with Griffith, Mag, Ace, and now Dortch. Feel like we could see some cool jumbo wing lineups with one of them sliding to the two guard position if we can get enough shooting out of them.
Aaron Breitman
June 13, 2023 at 8:52 pm
Very good point. We do have to wait and see if Mag returns for a grad transfer year though. I was actually thinking today for this season I wonder if Gavin could spend a little time at the 2 in certain spots with Simpson or Fernandes at the 1 and Hyatt/transfer at the 3.Would make for some interesting matchups.
thevinman
June 13, 2023 at 6:34 pm
Let the good times roll!!
RUinChiTown
June 14, 2023 at 10:58 am
Great news!
Who said Pike can’t recruit top guys?!