There is no denying that. But Frank Haith had a part in that decision too. In fact Alex said this when asked about playing with Phil:
Oriakhi also met Friday with Missouri's Haith.
"He's a down to earth guy," Oriakhi said. "He said the same thing that Xavier said. They don't just want me, they need me. They have one of the best playmakers in college basketball [in Phil Pressey].
"We have played with each other since the 8th grade."
Asked if that would be a factor for him, Oriakhi said, "I can't go to a school based on one person. I gotta do this for me. He definitely understands but he would love to play with me again."
https://www.sny.tv/college-recruiting/news/alex-oriakhi-meets-with-kentucky-xavier--mizzou-updated/148690370/