Five-Star Prospect Babatunde Oladotun Announces Early Graduation, Sets College Basketball Recruiting World Ablaze
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Bethesda, Maryland – In a move that significantly alters the landscape of college basketball recruiting, Blake High School (maryland) forward Babatunde Oladotun announced today he will graduate a year early, making him eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft. The news, first reported to ESPN, immediatly elevates Oladotun’s profile and intensifies interest from a host of blue-chip programs.
Oladotun, currently ranked as a five-star recruit and one of the nation’s top players in the 2027 class, cited academic progress and comfort playing with older competition as key factors in his decision. “First and foremost, I am ahead of schedule academically and will graduate next year,” Oladotun told ESPN. “Most of my life, I have played up in age and after playing in the 17U division for Team Durant, I felt pleasant.”
Who is Babatunde Oladotun? A Rising Star Profile
The 6-foot-9 forward has undergone a significant physical transformation, adding 20 pounds over the past year. This growth, coupled with his already impressive 6-foot-11 wingspan and 9-foot standing reach, has solidified his position as a potential lottery pick. Oladotun recently showcased his skills with team durant’s 17U squad, demonstrating a maturity beyond his years.
Evaluators consistently praise Oladotun’s versatility and potential. He’s a legitimate three-level scorer, converting shots at a remarkable 52% clip within the arc, according to Synergy Sports data. His ability to rise and shoot over defenders, combined with his developing perimeter game, makes him a unique prospect. This summer, he also displayed improved playmaking skills, recording 29 assists while competing against older players.
Key Stats & Physical Attributes:
Height: 6’9″
Wingspan: 6’11”
Standing Reach: 9’0″
Shooting Percentage (Inside Arc): 52% (via Synergy Sports)
Assists (Summer 2024 – Team Durant 17U): 29
Oladotun’s game isn’t solely reliant on size. He possesses sound shooting mechanics with impressive range, excelling both off the catch and while creating his own shot. His length and body control allow him to finish effectively around the basket, frequently resulting in dunks. Coaches and scouts are particularly excited about his potential, noting his improving performance on both ends of the court.
Family Legacy & Recruiting Hotspots
Oladotun’s basketball lineage adds another layer to his story. His father, Ibrahim Oladotun, was a collegiate player at virginia Tech in the early 1990s. The family is prioritizing a program that aligns with Babatunde’s development and long-term goals.
“We are looking for a coach that has a long history of teaching and winning,” Ibrahim Oladotun told ESPN. “Someone who knows how to use a big guard and has a history of coaching big guards. A coach that also plays an NBA-style offense with quick actions.”
Several prominent programs are already heavily involved in Oladotun’s recruitment, including:
Arkansas: under Head Coach Eric Musselman, known for developing NBA talent. Maryland: Located near Oladotun’s high school, offering a strong local connection.
Virginia Tech: His father’s alma mater, potentially holding sentimental value.
Kansas: A perennial powerhouse with a history of sending players to the NBA.
Kentucky: Another blue-blood program consistently attracting top recruits.
Duke: Led by Head Coach Jon scheyer, known for player development.
Gonzaga: A consistent national contender with a strong offensive system.
Oladotun has already scheduled visits to Maryland and Virginia Tech. He previously took unofficial visits to UCLA and USC in 2023, suggesting West Coast programs remain in the mix.
Looking Ahead: Draft Potential & the 2026 Class
Oladotun’s early graduation positions him as a strong contender for the 2025 McDonald’s all American game. Analysts believe he has the potential to become a top-10 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft, particularly given the perceived relative weakness of the 2026 draft class. his continued development and collegiate production will be crucial in realizing that potential.
This is a developing story.
