NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing final 5 teams for top-100 forward Pharaoh Compton

Four-star NCAA Basketball prospect Pharaoh Compton is down to five team options. Which of them will land the class of 2024 power forward?

One of the top NCAA Basketball prospects from out west is Pharaoh Compton, a consensus four-star recruit in the 2024 class. He’s from the Las Vegas area and plays at Arbor View High School. Compton is listed at 6’7 and over 200 pounds and has the ability to play both forward positions at the next level.

He’s a good and active athlete that can rebound and defend at a high level, while also being known for being tough and physical in the frontcourt. That kind of skillset can translate everywhere, even if he’s a little undersized inside. Compton’s recruitment has taken a next step, listing five teams in the mix for his services.

Here’s a look at how he’d fit with each of those options.

Iowa Hawkeyes

The Hawkeyes have the reputation of being one of the best offensive units in NCAA Basketball. But adding a defensive-minded player like Compton would be good to help balance things out, while also giving them more athleticism than normal. The team does have a forward commit in the class already in Cooper Koch but with transfer Ben Krikke leaving after next season, there’s room for both to join.

LSU Tigers

The Tigers are likely losing both Hunter Dean and Damion Collins, two incoming frontcourt transfers, after next season. They do have freshman forward Corey Chest Jr. but will certainly need another forward or two for depth purposes from the 2024 class. The only concern here if you’re Compton is who else will come, as LSU is also after other targets like Robert Miller and Tyler Betsey.

Tennessee Volunteers

With the departures of Olivier Nkamhoua and Julian Phillips and knowing that Josiah-Jordan James will be gone, the four-spot will be open for the future at Tennessee. Freshmen Cade Phillips and JP Estrella could get minutes there but look for the team to try and get a more natural forward. Compton’s style is a natural fit for Coach Barnes and the defensive-minded Vols but there would be a question as to whether he can play the four in the SEC without being able to space the floor.

San Diego State Aztecs

After making it to the national title game, expect San Diego State to become a recruiting power out west, particularly for a guy like Compton. He’d be a good fit in the Mountain West and there would be immediate playing time available next to transfer Jay Pal in the frontcourt. And like with Tennessee, he’d be a nice fit in the successful defensive scheme for the Aztecs.

UNLV Runnin’ Rebels

As the hometown option, UNLV is going to have a good chance here. They recently landed a top-100 talent this offseason in guard Dedan Thomas, who reclassified to play this season. There’s going to be a need for future frontcourt help, as Kalib Boone, Keylan Boone, and Jalen Hill will be gone in 2024. So, from a location and playing time standpoint, there’s plenty that the Rebels have to offer for Compton.