Vicksburg High basketball star Mychal Ammons made his college choice on Wednesday.

But he had to play a little joke first. He called South Alabama coach Ronnie Arrow and deadpanned that he was signing elsewhere before reversing field and telling him that he’d be joining the Jaguars.

“When I told him that I was going elsewhere, he got real, real quiet,” Ammons said. “Then I told him I was just playing and that I was headed there to join him.”

Arrow could finally laugh as he secured the commitment of one of Mississippi’s best players in the class of 2011.

The senior small forward picked South Alabama over South Carolina, UTEP, Florida, Missouri, Georgetown and Mississippi State and will sign with the Jaguars on Nov. 10. Ammons had a raft of reasons why he decided on the Jaguars.

“The style of play, the good business program and the good people,” Ammons said. “That’s what it’s all about. It’s not about big schools, but who you feel comfortable with. I feel South Alabama is the place to take me to the next level, on and off the court.”

He’ll join his older sister, Taylor, who transferred to South Alabama from Paris (Texas) Junior College this spring. That played a role in his decision as well.

Ammons said that a close relationship with South Alabama assistant coach Mike Brown also provided an assist and that the Jaguars stuck with him despite a broken foot, which cost him much of the 2008-2009 season.

“When I got hurt, some of the big-time schools backed off me,” Ammons said. “I still heard from them, but they (the Jags) told me they didn’t think they could get me.”

Ammons, who shared the 2010 Vicksburg Post Player of the Year award with Kelsey Howard and averaged 19 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, is glad the recruiting process is over and is focused on bringing home Vicksburg’s first state title since 2003.

Last year, Vicksburg finished 25-4 and fell to Starkville 84-67 in the Class 6A playoffs.

“It’s a big weight off my shoulders,” Ammons said. “It helps clear my mind and focus on the season. We’re going to get to the Big House or die trying. We’re not going to lose like last year. I’ve got that much confidence in my team.”