Arizona, Gonzaga, and Kentucky among finalists for 5-star PG prospect Ikenna Alozie

The 2026 college basketball recruiting class is loaded with talented ball-handlers. The headliners, including Brandon McCoy, Jason Crowe Jr., and Dylan Mingo, all of whom are top-10 prospects per 247sports. Another one is Ikenna Alozie, a 6’2 point guard and consensus five-star prospect in his own right. 

Alozie has the makings of being a lead guard on offense, capable of scoring at all three levels, and can slash the ball at a high level. The Nigerian native has generated considerable interest from teams, with eight officially in the running to secure his services.

Based on the latest list, here is how Alozie would fit with each of the options.

Alabama Crimson Tide

The Tide is after a number of star ball-handlers in the 2026 class, since they’re likely losing sophomore Labaron Philon after next year. Alabama tends to have one of the better offensive teams, and it benefits whoever the lead guards are. But Alozie will have to fight for playing time since Alabama tends to be transfer-happy as well.

Arizona Wildcats

Star guard and Conference POY veteran Caleb Love is gone, while KJ Lewis transferred out. Jaden Bradley is back as the senior playmaker, but there aren’t proven ball-handlers behind him. Alozie would be a great option who could start as a freshman on Day 1, and since he plays his high school ball there, wouldn’t have to move either.

Gonzaga Bulldogs

Gonzaga will have Colgate transfer Braeden Smith for the next couple of years. It’s unknown how good he’ll be at the Pac-12 level a season from now, and Alozie is the type of talent who would get plenty of playing time on or off the ball. They’ve been a top program in the west for years and as long as Coach Mark Few is sticking around, will be a good option for plenty of players.

Houston Cougars

Houston brings back starting PG Milos Uzan for one more year, but he’ll be gone. Same goes for Emanuel Sharp, as well as Isiah Harwell, a five-star guard prospect who’ll likely be a “one and done” player off to the NBA. 5-star incoming freshman Kingston Flemings will be around, and pairing him with Alozie would be a nice fit for the Cougars.

Kansas Jayhawks

After losing longtime starter Dajaun Harris Jr., the Jayhawks are set to start 5-star prospect Darryn Peterson to run the offense. He’s likely only around for one year, and unless redshirt guad Elmarko Jackson breaks out, its wide open for someone like Alozie to come in and be the next lead guard at Kansas.

Kentucky Wildcats

Coach Mark Pope’s team is loaded in the backcourt, including Pitt transfer Jaland Lowe and top-30 freshman prospect Jasper Johnson. Even if Lowe opted to come back for another year, the Wildcats would be losing Denzel Aberdeen and Otega Oweh, allowing Alozie to get a nice role out of the gate for the Blue Blood program.

Louisville Cardinals

The Cardinals are set to start Mikel Brown Jr. in the backcourt, and he’s likely around for just one year. Same with senior transfers, Ryan Conwell and Isaac McKneely. Kennesaw State transfer guard Adrian Wooley is the only one guaranteed to be back a year from now, and there’s plenty of room for Alozie to come in and potentially start.

Washington Huskies

Veteran transfer Quimari Peterson will likely start at point for the Huskies, who also add Desmond Claude. Both will be gone after next season, giving Alozie a chance to come in and have an impact. However, unlike most of the other teams, Washington does have a talented freshman guard coming in JJ Mandaquit, who’ll be around for multiple years.