College Basketball Recruiting
Daily news coverage of the nation's top college basketball recruits and teams.
Breaking down James Nnaji's college basketball eligibility
As the calendar flips to 2026 and the college basketball schedule turns to conference play, the biggest story in the sport isn't about what's happening on the court. It's about James Nnaji, who became the first former NBA draft pick to be cleared by the NCAA and signed with Baylor on Christmas Eve. How did we get here? And what could happen next? (
ESPN.com)
Alabama basketball makes top 5 for Caleb Holt: Are two teams 'warmer'?
Five-star recruit
Caleb Holt has narrowed his list down to five programs, and Alabama basketball is one of them. The Prolific Prep (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) senior is still exploring the Crimson Tide, Arizona, Houston, Kentucky and Providence, according to a report by On3's Joe Tipton. It appears Houston and Arizona have the edge on Nate Oats' staff. (
Tuscaloosa News)
Bruce Branch III navigating reclassifying, cross-country move at Prolific Prep
It's been a busy few months for
Bruce Branch III. The exceptional guard transferred from Gilbert (Ariz.) to Prolific Prep in Fort Lauderdale this summer. In November, Branch III, who was already a consensus top-3 player in the class of 2027, reclassified to the class of 2026. He's still ranked as the No. 2 player in the class by Rivals despite reclassifying. (
The Tennessean)
What Rick Barnes said about Top 40 recruit Ralph Scott signing with Tennessee basketball
Ralph Scott signed with Tennessee basketball, completing UT's three-man signing class for the November signing period. Scott, who plays at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, is the No. 38 prospect in the nation and a four-star recruit after bursting onto the scene in June. The 6-8, 190-pound forward picked Tennessee over Houston, Purdue and Texas A&M. (
Knoxville News Sentinel)
Top-50 basketball recruit Joe Philon down to 5 schools
Joe Philon, one of the top uncommitted forwards in the 2026 basketball recruiting class, has narrowed his list to five, according to his agent Jaafar Choufani. The 6-foot-8 four-star power forward from Montverde Academy (FL) will consider Ohio State, South Florida, UCLA, UNLV, and Xavier. Philon has taken official visits to Ohio State and South Florida. (
On3.com)
Why 2028 Prospect Mateen Cleaves Jr. Is One of the Most Complete Guards in his Class
Phenom Hoops continues to watch talent all around the country, most recently getting a chance to watch the Tarkanian Classic. Getting a chance to expand out coverage and eyes of talent, we had a great opportunity to check out a new player, but a familiar name in 2028 6’3 Mateen Cleaves Jr. for Dream City Christian. That name may sound familiar. (
Phenom Hoop Report)
No. 1 ranked sophomore AJ Williams talks game and visits to Duke and Auburn
Eagles Landing Christian Academy standout AJ Williams is off to a strong start to his high school season. Williams is the consensus No. 1 prospect in the 2028 class. The 6-foot-8, 210-pound small forward is averaging 28.4 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. On the recruiting trail, Williams says things have been trending positively early in the process. (
247 Sports)
Kentucky coach Mark Pope not concerned by Wildcats' recruiting efforts
Much has been made of Kentucky’s 2026 basketball recruiting efforts. Despite having what appeared to be a pair of elite prospects on the hook, the Wildcats failed to reel in any signees during the early period and seem to be fading with their other remaining targets as well. UK head coach Mark Pope says he’s not ready to hit the panic button just yet. (
Cats Illustrated)
5-star PG Deron Rippey Jr. commits to Duke basketball
Five-star point guard
Deron Rippey Jr., one of the top prospects in the 2026 basketball recruiting class committed to Duke on Tuesday. The 6-foot-1 senior from Blair Academy (NJ) chose the Blue Devils over NC State, Tennessee, Texas, and Miami. Rippey, a native of Brooklyn, NY, is ranked as the No. 6 player in the 2026 class and No. 2 ranked point guard. (
On3.com)
Arkansas Coaches Trek To New York To See Five-Star Jordan Smith
With Arkansas assistant coach Brad Calipari on hand and Arkansas head coach John Calipari later making his way into the building, Class of 2026 five-star basketball recruit
Jordan Smith Jr. picked up where he left off at City of Palms. Smith scored 20 points on 8-for-15 shooting, including 3-for-4 from beyond the arc, spearheading Paul VI to a 68-62 victory. (
Zag's Blog)