BREAKING: Babatunde Oladotun, the top high school basketball recruit in the ESPN class of 2027, has officially reclassified to the class of 2026, announcing he will graduate from Blake High School in Maryland this spring. At just 16 years old, this bold move positions him among the elite prospects for the upcoming NBA Draft.
Oladotun made waves in the basketball community with his decision, following in the footsteps of other top talents like A.J. Dybantsa and Cooper Flagg, who also reclassified after standout performances. Oladotun will not turn 17 until December, a similar timeline to Flagg’s when he transitioned to the class of 2024.
“First and foremost, I am ahead of schedule academically and will graduate next year,” Oladotun told ESPN, emphasizing his readiness for this leap. His recent success with Team Durant’s 17U squad has solidified his confidence. “I have gained 20 pounds over the last year and it never felt like I was playing up,” he added.
Standing at 6-foot-9 with a remarkable 6-foot-11 wingspan, Oladotun is not just a physical specimen; he is also a versatile player. He has emerged as a legitimate three-level scorer, converting shots at an impressive 52% clip inside the arc, according to Synergy Sports. His unique skill set includes sound shooting mechanics and a growing perimeter game, making him a prime candidate for the prestigious McDonald’s All-American boys’ game.
Looking ahead, Oladotun’s recruitment is expected to intensify, with major programs like Arkansas, Maryland, Virginia Tech, Kansas, Kentucky, Duke, and Gonzaga already showing significant interest. He plans to visit Maryland and Virginia Tech first, having previously unofficially visited UCLA and USC.
“We are looking for a coach that has a long history of teaching and winning,” said his father, Ibrahim Oladotun, who played at Virginia Tech in the early ’90s. “Someone who knows how to use a big guard and has a history of coaching big guards.”
The 2026 NBA Draft class is shaping up to be less competitive than its predecessors, which could enhance Oladotun’s chances of being a top-10 lottery pick in 2027. As he continues to develop his game, coaches, evaluators, and NBA scouts are closely monitoring his progress.
With his reclassification, Oladotun not only raises the stakes for his future but also ignites excitement among basketball fans eager to see how he navigates the next steps in his burgeoning career. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.