BYU basketball recruiting: 2019 Chinese center Shengzhe Li commits to Cougars

BYU basketball added the third piece to its 2019 recruiting class Wednesday afternoon in 6-foot-11 Santa Margarita High School (Orange County, CA) center Shengzhe Li. Li announced his commitment via Twitter and Instagram.

As we reported earlier here at Vanquish The Foe, Li’s commitment comes after he visited BYU’s campus this past weekend. His high school coach is former BYU assistant Jeff Reinert.

Li is from Shanghai, China, and moved to California as a foreign exchange student last year at the start of his junior season. In his first season in the States, he put up averages of 6.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 53.1 FG%, 66.7 FT%. Li really started to come on strong in the AAU summer circuit where he showed improvement from the start of junior year and become recognized as one of the premier low-post players in Southern California.

Li joins Utah guards Nate Hansen (Timpview) and Casey Brown (Pleasant Grove) as commitments to the 2019 class, though the latter two will both serve missions.

Shengzhe took time to answer some questions for us, which can be read below.

VTF: What made you decide to commit to BYU?

Li: I like the campus and everyone is very nice, but the main reason is because I like Coach Rose and all the staff.

VTF: What other schools offered you scholarships?

Li: San Francisco, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Northridge, Denver

VTF: Are you familiar with Shanghai Sharks player and former BYU great Jimmer Fredette?

Li: My hometown is Shanghai, so I know Jimmer. He is big time in Shanghai.

VTF: How tall are you?

Li: 6’11”

Li’s highlights from this summer’s AAU circuit can be viewed below. Look for Li to possibly sign in the early signing period from November 14-21 before coming to Provo next summer.