Big East Recruiting Update 2025

I’ve been writing these for the last few years just before this massive AAU weekend, and this year is no different. It’s definitely tougher to keep up with recruiting for 11 teams in the transfer portal era, but this is me giving it my best shot. Let’s start off with some already committed players, then get into the more hypothetical stuff.

Committed Players

Sheek Pearson, Marquette, F/C:

As we stand today (with tons to change, obviously), Pearson is the highest-ranked prospect coming into the conference next season. Pearson announced his commitment to Marquette in the heart of portal season, so it might have gone under the radar of Big East fans.

He’s a 6’11” big man who will need to add some muscle to be an impactful Big East player on Day One, but has very impressive shot blocking instincts which is his defining trait. He looks to block everything and takes pride in his defense. He’s an impressive rim runner at this stage, and moves really well for a 6’11” big. The skills are still developing, but with how the big man market is in the transfer portal, a player with Pearson’s traits, combined with a surging development track, marks a very good addition for Shaka Smart’s Marquette program.

Pearson will be playing with Brad Beal Elite AAU and John Burroughs for his high school season.

Jaidyn Coon, Creighton, G:

Just a few days after Pearson announced his decision, Creighton picked up a commitment of their own in Forward Jaidyn Coon. Jaidyn is a local prospect from Storm Lake, Iowa, known for his athleticism and versatility. His best asset is his defensive switchability, where he can truly guard positions one through four.

Jaidyn was a surging prospect when he announced his decision to commit to Creighton and has seen his ranking rise into four-star territory. Jaidyn should work well in Creighton’s more open offensive system and has the defensive versatility to get consistent minutes.

Jaidyn will be playing for D1 Minnesota AAU (3SSB) and Storm Lake HS.

Darien Moore, Seton Hall, G:

Moore has been committed to Seton Hall for over a year at this point, and has been a name people have seemingly forgotten about, unfortunately. The Brewster Academy HS product is the highest-ranked Big East commit on On3, falling at #100. 

Moore fits Seton Hall’s identity to a T. He’s a huge and really physically imposing guard. He fits that old-school Big East toughness, and plays much bigger than his 6’2” 170lb frame. He’s a glue guy who is very active on the defensive end and is more than fine being a connector, which will translate to the next level. He’s an Energizer Bunny, and someone who should fit in very well in South Orange.

He plays for City Rocks AAU.

Ethan Johnston, Marquette, G/F:

Johnston is a massive 6’6’/6’7” guard and moves very fluidly for his size. Johnston announced his commitment to Marquette over two months ago, and will bring a ton of versatility to Marquette when he steps foot on campus. He’s a generalist, he rebounds well, passes the ball well, and can create a shot for himself, too.

He’s looking to get in the gym before he enters a very physical Big East, but the versatility should stay. Johnston is a legitimate ball handler at 6’6”/6’7”, which should fit in Marquette’s system really well. With how Marquette emphasizes cutting off the ball and always seeing the floor, the fit is obvious for a skilled player like Johnston.

Johnston plays at The Hill School in PA and for NY Rens AAU.

Nash Walker, Marquette, G:

Walker is a very recent addition to the Big East, committing as I was writing this. Walker’s a pretty under-the-radar addition for Marquette, and will be coming to Milwaukee with the reputation of a sharpshooter. Walker was on the roster with Australia’s U19 team at the World Cup, but didn’t play much.

Walker’s jumper looks smooth off the hands, and he comes from the NBA Academy program in Australia, playing for the Centre of Excellence, the same program that rostered Georgetown’s Julius Halaifonua.

Players With Big East Offers

Jordan Smith, Paul VI, Team Takeover, G

Why is Jordan Smith first on this list? Is it because he’s the best player here? Partially. More so that he’s a 6’2” guard who made it to being the #2 ranked player in the class, with aggressive defense and being tenacious on the glass. His offensive game is certainly rounding out, and his development is going in the right direction, but the things that set Smith apart are toughness, defense and athleticism.

He screams Big East guard, and I’d absolutely love to have him in the league. It will be tough to keep him in Big East land as the Blue Bloods are coming, but it would be awesome to have him in this league. The fit just makes too much sense.

Vaughn Karvala, Bella Vista Prep, Team Herro, F:

Karvala is a really fast rising prospect, behind a very good three-point jumper (36.4% in AAU) and impressive athleticism. Karvala’s ranking skyrocketed 80 spots, and it’s easy to see why. The jumper was always known, but his ability to get off the ground on a split-second notice, and his impressive defensive ability have seen him skyrocket up recruiting rankings. He’s long enough to guard 1-4, and can create for himself on the perimeter. Really quick twitch athlete.

I’m not sure if Marquette is still after Karvala, with a couple of recent commitments going their way. Coach Pitino and the Xavier Musketeers had him on campus pretty recently, and seem to be hard after the impressive Wisconsin product.

Aiden Derkack, Team Final, Colonia (NJ), G/F:

Derkack’s a Top-50 Wing who just knows how to score the ball. He shoots it well, which keeps you honest on the perimeter, and he’s got bounce to finish over the top of defenders with some thunderous dunks. He’s shifty on the perimeter and is really evolving in his game. He’s a really tough cover.

Derkack’s recruitment has seen a pretty big surge lately. He holds numerous Big East offers, from Butler, Xavier, Villanova, Creighton and Providence. UConn has been watching him lately too, and it will be interesting to see if they look to get involved.

Katrelle Harmon, Wasatch, Vegas Elite, G:

Harmon is a very well-rounded combo guard, standing at 6’4/6’5”, but is most known for his impressive playmaking skills. Harmon averaged 6.5 APG in the EYBL Scholastic season with Wasatch, but has taken more of a score-first role for Vegas Elite, where he averaged 16.8PPG. His handle and jumper are still developing, but Harmon profiles as a slashing, playmaking guard.

Creighton is after him very hard and had him on campus recently. Their main competition here seems to be Iowa.

UPDATE: Harmon recently released his top Six

Alex Constanza, Team Scoot (Pro16), Spire Academy, F:

He’s another effortless scorer; he creates very well from all three levels and plays at this pace where you just can’t speed him up. His jumper is super pretty, it’s one fluid motion over his shoulder that is just so consistent. Since he stands 6’8”, it’s so tough to contest this shot, even despite it being a little slow. He has legitimate game off the bounce and the catch; he’s just wired to score the basketball. Reminds me of Andrew Wiggins or recent First Round Pick Will Riley.

If Constanza wants to achieve one-and-done status, his motor will need to improve. Defensively, he’s played some “superstar defense” if you will. He has the length and athleticism to be a good defender, he just needs the mindset to want to take someone's lunch money on that end, and he could hear his name selected in the first round. Constanza recently officially visited Georgetown, who seem to be competing with Illinois and Syracuse for the star forward.

Marcis Ponder, Team Breakdown (P32), Gillion Academy, C:

They call Ponder “Baby Shaq” and “Big Show” for good reason. The expectation for Ponder as a player shouldn’t be the Big Diesel, but the play styles are super similar. Ponder is a 7’0”, 320lb physically imposing force down low. He dunks everything that is in his area, and plays with that same intensity you would expect.

Big Show is being recruited by Butler and Providence (where he visited), seeming to be closing in on by the end of the year. His recruitment has been pretty quiet, so there isn’t much more information out there that I’ve found.

Lucas Morillo, Newman School, City Rocks, G:

Morillo’s a 6’7” combo guard, best known for his ability to get to the bucket. He has a decent jumper to match with it, but he is really good with the ball in his hands and finding a way to the bucket. Morillo played really well with the Dominican Republic in the U19 World Cup, too. Marquette has been recruiting him for a while, and Georgetown and Creighton are both in the picture for the combo guard's services.

Alex Egbuonu, Lawrence Academy (MA), BABC (3SSB), F:

Egbuonu is an impressive wing with his ability to rise up and hit shots from multiple levels. Egbuonu has a decent handle and has a respectable ability to get inside and make plays, but his jumper from multiple levels really sets him apart and has been the reason he is surging up recruiting boards.

Egbuonu was a priority target for Marquette for a while, and may still be, but we also know Providence hosted him on an unofficial visit recently and is getting involved with the New England product.

Jayden Hodge, Monteverde, NJ Shoreshots (UAA), G/F:

The brother of Villanova Forward Matthew Hodge, Jayden has a very different game than his brother. Matt is a more skilled four-man who can score from all three levels. Jayden Hodge is a tenacious defender and an excellent athlete, who doesn’t have nearly the jump shooting ability of his brother. Still, Hodge’s defense and tenacity around the bucket make him a very coveted prospect that multiple schools are after.

Georgetown and Villanova have both hosted Hodge on visits and Seton Hall seems to be involved here as well.

Abdou Toure, Notre Dame HS (CT), BABC (3SSB), G/F:

Traore is a very powerful, big-bodied wing. He’s super strong and super athletic, and his feel for the game is really rounding into form as his stock soars up. His physical dominance over just about everybody at this level is very noteworthy and makes him an elite prospect.

If you follow him on Twitter, he’s also very excited about every offer. Many exclamation points, and I absolutely love it.

UConn has been all over him, and Providence is another Big East program looking at the Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year.

Justin Caldwell, Berean Baptist Academy, Washington Warriors (3SSB), F:

Caldwell’s offer sheet is much better than you would expect from a fringe Top-150 kid. Big East schools are all over Caldwell, who was poised for a major breakout summer before he got hurt. Big East schools see the potential in Caldwell and are all over the DC Product. He’s an effective face-up forward who moves well for this level. He’s aggressive on the glass, reads space well, and is active defensively.

Butler, Seton Hall, Xavier, Villanova and Georgetown have all offered, with Caldwell unofficially visiting the Hoyas pretty recently. 

Tarris Bouie, Spire Academy (OH), Team Thad, G:

Bouie’s athleticism, combined with his long frame, has teams really optimistic about his future. His perimeter scoring ability is starting to catch up to the rest of his game, but Bouie’s best asset is that he’s a force to be reckoned with in transition. He’s shifty and also super athletic, which is on full display in the open floor.

Georgetown has offered Bouie, but Marquette seems to be really involved, and a team to beat as some bigger names start throwing their hat in the ring.

Qayden Samuels, Bishop McNamara, Team Takeover, G:

Qayden Samuels is wired to score. The other areas of his game still need to catch up, but the ease with which he scores the basketball has earned him that coveted five-star ranking. He’s a lefty guard who can score very comfortably from all three levels. His jumper is smooth, he can put the ball on the floor and rise up from mid-range, and can finish around the rim with ease. He will translate to the HM level as an immediate scoring threat wherever he ends up and is a double-figure guy on Day One in my mind.

Georgetown was pursuing him quite hard at the beginning of his recruitment, but as he’s gotten bigger, some big fish have come in. UConn has jumped into the fray and Villanova has been involved for a bit, too. Samuels has been to all three of these schools, and they will be competing against UNC, Kentucky, and others for the services of the scoring wing.

Chase Foster, Team Melo (MD), IMG Academy, F:

A top 50 Prospect, Foster is a big wing who can do a little bit of everything. He’s versatile in that he can shoot it, put the ball on the floor and really defend. He’s been working on his physicality over the summer, and that has shown as his rebounding has looked pretty solid over the summer. Foster’s really impressive and a prospect I have my eye on.

Villanova is heavily involved here and wants to get Foster on campus soon. Foster said he’s planning visits soon after the AAU season and will be looking to make his decision around December.

Luca Foster, Link Academy, Team Final, G/F:

Foster is a very well-rounded scorer who has been really working on his off the bounce scoring. Foster scores a lot off both cuts and off-ball screens, which free him for open threes, which he makes look very routine. He’s tall for a guard, long and his jumper is really impressive.

Foster holds offers from Xavier and just recently was on an unofficial visit to Georgetown, who aim to have him back on campus again.

Jason Singleton, Columbus, Ohio Buckets, G:

Singleton’s stock has been climbing quickly, and was just recognized as a Top 100 player in the class after previously having been overlooked. Singleton is a guard that plays both sides of the ball, but really has impressive bounce. 

Singleton’s father, Jason, was a member of Ohio State’s 1999 Final Four team, and the Buckeyes have just recently offered the 6’4” combo guard. However, the Buckeyes have a crowded backcourt and Big East schools are after the Ohio product. Creighton offered him a while back, and recently Coach Dante Jackson, who remained with the staff at Xavier, gave him an offer and DePaul hosted Singleton on a visit.

Julius Avent, Bergen Catholic, PSA Cardinals, F:

Avent is a dynamic offensive player on the interior. He has good footwork and a comfortable jumper that extends to the midrange. He’s athletic and knows how to create for himself and others on the interior. He’s also been improving on the glass, really showing he can be a well-rounded big man.

Seton Hall is a program to watch here. Avent fits their identity of a Jersey tough player, and would very likely get minutes quickly with the Pirates. It would be a huge win for the Pirates if they could fight off some of the big names that have gotten involved lately. The old staff at Xavier was also pretty heavy on Avent, unsure of how the new staff likes him. Providence also offered Avent in the last month, and is keeping an eye on the Bergen Catholic prospect.

Keriawn Berry, Avon, Indy Heat, G/F:

Berry is a big-bodied, uber-physical slasher. He’s got room to work on some of the other skills, but his ability to get to the rim and finish, in such physically opposing fashion, has D1 programs taking notice. His defensive effort is noteworthy too, he could profile as a defensive stopper as he ages through his college career.

Butler has offered Berry, and other high-major programs may be following suit.

Jaxon Richardson, Columbus, Florida Rebels, F

Jaxon Richardson just recently released his Top 10, which featured both Seton Hall, Creighton (arguably the two most opposite institutions in our league) and Villanova. I’d be pretty surprised to see Richardson, son of Jason Richardson and brother of recent first-round pick Jase, in the Big East, but if any of these schools can get him, it would be a hell of a pickup. He’s one of the best athletes in this class and is a five-star for exactly that reason.

Dylan Mingo, LI Lutheran, PSA Cardinals, G

Mingo rules. Super physical guard, his game screams Big East. St. John’s and Providence have offered, but I don’t think he ends up there. But he’s awesome.

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It’s pretty tough to get any information on DePaul’s recruiting efforts. I think they’ve aimed to keep it pretty quiet and with eight underclassmen, they might not be too heavy on this HS class. With that said, three names to monitor would be Mason Lockett IV, Lincoln Williams, Andre Tyler and Gabriel Sularski (shoutout Andy Thompson).

As for St. John's... well Pitino said they aren't recruiting high school, and I can't currently find much evidence to the contrary (though they took multiple HS kids last class)