In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, the nationโs No. 1 high school prospect has officially announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee, choosing the Volunteers over powerhouse programs like Duke and the Texas Longhorns.
The 6-foot-8 forward, widely regarded as a generational talent with elite scoring ability and defensive versatility, made the announcement in front of a packed gym at his high school Friday evening. When asked why Tennessee, his answer was both simple and heartfelt: โI love Tennessee. It feels like home, and I want to build something special here.โ
For months, recruiting insiders speculated that Dukeโlong considered the gold standard for blue-chip prospectsโwas the clear favorite. Texas, with its rising national profile and deep-pocketed NIL opportunities, also made a strong push. But in the end, Tennesseeโs family-like atmosphere and head coach Rick Barnesโ proven track record of developing NBA-ready players sealed the deal.
โCoach Barnes never sold me a dream,โ the star recruit said. โHe told me the truth. He told me where I can improve and how heโll push me to be great. That meant more than anything. And when I visited Knoxville, the fans treated me like I was already one of their own.โ
The commitment is already being called a program-defining moment for Tennessee basketball. The Volunteers, who have steadily risen into national prominence over the past decade, now land the type of transcendent recruit that typically gravitates to bluebloods like Kentucky, Duke, or North Carolina.
โThis is bigger than just one player,โ said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. โThis is a signal that Tennessee is no longer just knocking on the door of the eliteโitโs inside the room.โ
The reaction in Texas, however, was less celebratory. Longhorn fans, who believed they were in pole position thanks to strong NIL collectives and the lure of Austin, expressed frustration on social media. โWe thought this was a lock,โ one Texas booster reportedly said. โLosing him to Tennessee hurts.โ
Meanwhile, Knoxville erupted with excitement. Fans gathered outside Thompson-Boling Arena, chanting โRocky Topโ late into the night. Many believe the recruitโs arrival could mark the beginning of a golden era for the program.
As for the player himself, he made it clear heโs not just coming to Tennessee for the spotlight. โI want to win a national championship,โ he said, smiling. โAnd I want to do it in orange.โ
