BREAKING: Babatunde Oladotun, the No. 1 high school basketball recruit in the ESPN class of 2027, is reclassifying to the class of 2026 and will graduate this spring from Blake High School in Maryland. The announcement, made earlier today, marks a significant shift in the recruitment landscape for college basketball and NBA prospects.
At just 16 years old, Oladotun joins fellow elite players like A.J. Dybantsa and Cooper Flagg, who have recently reclassified after impressive performances during summer play. Oladotun will not turn 17 until December, mirroring Flagg’s timeline when he transitioned to the class of 2024.
“I am ahead of schedule academically and will graduate next year,” Oladotun stated in an interview with ESPN. His decision comes after demonstrating remarkable growth in his game, including adding 20 pounds over the past year, making him a formidable presence at 6 feet 9 inches with a 6-foot-11 wingspan and a 9-foot standing reach.
Oladotun has established himself as a viable candidate for the 2026 McDonald’s All American boys’ game and is projected to be a top-10 lottery pick in the 2027 NBA draft. With the upcoming draft class considered less competitive than previous years, his prospects for success are bright if he maintains his collegiate performance.
As a versatile player, Oladotun excels as a three-level scorer, converting at an impressive 52% shooting clip, according to Synergy Sports. His ability to shoot over defenders with balance and touch sets him apart from his peers. Additionally, he showcased significant improvement in his passing and playmaking skills, recording 29 assists while competing against older players on Team Durant’s 17U squad.
The impact of Oladotun’s reclassification reaches beyond individual accolades; his recruitment is expected to intensify, with major programs like Arkansas, Maryland, Virginia Tech, Kansas, Kentucky, Duke, and Gonzaga already in the mix. He plans to visit Maryland and Virginia Tech first, following an unofficial visit to UCLA and USC last year.
His father, Ibrahim Oladotun, who played for Virginia Tech in the early ’90s, emphasized the importance of finding a coach with a successful track record in developing big guards. “We are looking for a coach that has a long history of teaching and winning,” he told ESPN. “Someone who knows how to use a big guard and has a history of coaching big guards.”
Babatunde Oladotun’s journey is just beginning, and his decision to reclassify not only showcases his academic readiness but also heightens expectations as he prepares for the next chapter of his basketball career. Stay tuned for updates as his recruitment heats up and as the basketball community watches his development closely.
