Five-star Ashton Hagans kickstarts Georgia's 2019 hoops class

Momentum on the recruiting trail has yet to cease for Georgia, but today’s latest pickup comes on the hardwood instead of the gridiron.

Ashton Hagans, a five-star prospect and the nation’s No. 6 overall player in the 2019 Rivals100 basketball rankings, has announced his commitment to the Bulldogs.

“They have been with me since the beginning," Hagans told UGASports. "They were the first school to offer me as a freshman. It’s close to home and it just felt like the right decision."

Hagans, a 6-foot-4, 190 pound point guard out of Newton High School in Covington, is quite familiar with what the Bulldogs have to offer, as well. He’s visited Athens several times, including for the Dawgs' latest win over Georgia Tech, and has familial bonds that give him a closeness to the coaching staff.

It didn't hurt the Bulldogs that the cousin of former Bulldog standout Trey Thompkins had plenty of good things to say as well

“It had a lot to do with it. Me and Coach Fox’s bond got better because I got to know him when Trey was up there," Hagans said. "I like the way he coaches. He shows love. The whole coaching staff showed a lot of love. Jonas Hayes is the one who recruited me and we have a great relationship. It just felt like home.”

Hagans feels he'll have no trouble fitting in.

“I’ve been watching all their games with my dad and we talk about how I can fit in there," Hagans said. "They have a lot of good players and I think they need a point guard like me who can come in and help with fastbreak points. They have good post players and some good shooters and wings.”

Rivals.com’s Eric Bossi said the Bulldogs are getting a good one.

“There is still a long time left for prospects in the class of 2019 to grow and establish themselves, but thus far Hagans is one of the top point guards," Bossi said. "Hagans plays with confidence, has great size, gets to the rim and he won't back down from a challenge.”

Hagans - Georgia’s first commit of the 2019 cycle - hopes to help the Bulldogs add to their class soon.

“I’m going after anybody. I’m going to talk to guys like Armando Bacot, Jaylin Williams, and Christian Brown," Hagans said. "I’ve talked to Elias King a lot. I want to get the best guys up there with me.”