5-Star PG Darius Garland Commits to Vanderbilt over Kentucky, UCLA and Others

Darius Garland, a 5-star point guard from the Brentwood Academy in Tennessee, committed to Vanderbilt on Monday, according to Paul Biancardi of ESPN.com. 

"This was the best fit for me and my family," Garland told Biancardi. "I can have the best of both worlds in academics and basketball at Vanderbilt. Someday the ball will stop bouncing and I want to prepare myself for that situation. My family put me in position to be successful so I want them to see me play as much as possible."

Garland, who stands 6'1", is considered the No. 2 point guard in the class of 2018 and the No. 7 player overall by Scout.com. He averaged an impressive 23.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 steals for Brentwood Academy last season, as the team finished 30-2.

While there is plenty of debate about who the best point guard is in this class—arguments can be made for Garland, Tre Jones and Immanuel Quickley, among others—Garland's well-rounded game should make for a quick transition in the college game.

His range, in particular, should serve him well at the next level, and the fact that his defensive game has continued to evolve is a major plus as well.

In the college game, where guard play is vital, Garland is set up to be an instant starter for Vanderbilt and one of the most intriguing players to watch next season.

Landing Garland was a huge development for the Commodores, given some of the bigger programs in the running for his signature. With two straight tournaments under its belt and the addition of Garland, the Vanderbilt program is on the rise.

Vanderbilt's only other commitment in the Class of 2018 thus far is 3-star small forward Aaron Nesmith, though Biancardi noted that Garland will turn his attention to helping recruit 5-star shooting guard Romeo Langford.

"I want to help change the culture at Vandy," Garland noted. "We can be a strong basketball program and a top school."