NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 6 teams for 4-star forward Spencer Ahrens

The international basketball game has been slowly catching up to the United States, including Canada. They’ve provided plenty of NCAA Basketball prospects, including in the 2025 class. One of them is Spencer Ahrens, a consensus four-star prospect playing his high school ball in Arizona.

The 6’9 forward is a natural stretch option for teams, capable of shooting the ball at a high clip. He’s garnered plenty of interest, especially from the West Coast programs. With six teams now in the running, which of them is the best potential fit? Here’s a closer look below.

Boise State Broncos

The Broncos are currently in the Mountain West but will join the new-look Pac-12 Conference in two years. They’ll be looking for a new offensive focal point, with senior star Tyson Degenhart and O’Mar Stanley leaving after this season. It’s a team where Ahrens would have a quick path toward being a key part and playing for one of the more consistent programs in NCAA Basketball.

Gonzaga Bulldogs

The Bulldogs have one four-star commit in wing Davis Fogle, but after missing out on top-30 target Nicolas Khamenia, he could be in play for Ahrens. Gonzaga has had one of the best offenses every year under Mark Few and, in two years, will be playing in the new-look Pac-12, along with Boise State. With Ben Gregg and Michael Ajayi leaving after this season, there’s a clear path for him to get minutes as a freshman.

Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois stands out as the outsider compared to the West Coast options, but Coach Brad Underwood has been landing talent nationwide and internationally. The team has senior forward Ben Humrichous as its spacing option and could use Ahrens as his replacement a year from now. The Illini have one of the more potent offensive systems, and he could thrive in it.

San Francisco Dons

The Dons might not be on the same level nationally as WCC peer Gonzaga, but they’ve become a top-100 program that has sent players to the pro ranks. That includes last year’s star forward, Jonathan Mogbo. Ahrens could be a star at this level for San Fran and, with Gonzaga leaving the league in two years, would have a much easier path to the NCAA Tournament again.

Stanford Cardinal

Stanford already has a forward commit in the class in Kristers Skrinda, but with little depth, they could use a high-major caliber player like Ahrens in the ACC. The education the school provides is a major selling point, even for a Canadian player. It would be a big pickup for new coach Kyle Smith in his efforts to rebuild the roster to remain competitive in its new league.

Washington Huskies

Washington is set to be led by star transfer Great Osobor. There’s not much frontcourt depth, so on paper, Ahrens could be the next lead forward for the program and he would be a nice fit in Coach Danny Sprinkle’s offense. It’s another rebuilding situation with the Huskies in the Big Ten, and there’s a need for Ahrens, who could stay out west.