5-star recruit Michael Foster joining G League Ignite

Five-star recruit Michael Foster announced Friday he'll be playing for the G League Ignite next season.

The 6-foot-6 forward was the seventh-ranked prospect on the ESPN 100 for 2021 and is the first member to sign with the Ignite for the 2021-22 campaign.

Georgia and Florida State were also in the running for Foster's services.

The Ignite, a developmental team featuring the top high school prospects worldwide and NBA veterans, launched last season. Projected top-five 2021 draft picks Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga were among those who opted to join the one-year professional pathway program over college.

The Ignite reportedly pays its prospects six-figure salaries.

"I'm super ready to learn the NBA game and train like an NBA player from NBA guys while playing for NBA G League Ignite," Foster said in a statement.

Foster was a McDonald's All-American this past season, averaging 32.2 points and 18.4 rebounds during his senior year.