Analyzing 6 key teams in the mix for 4-star class of 2025 forward Nikolas Khamenia

USC Trojans

USC is in a similar situation as UCLA, being a struggling team with a fairly young frontcourt, outside of center Joshua Morgan. They have Kijani Wright, Arrinten Page, and Vince Iwuchukwu on the roster for at least the next couple of years so there’s depth, although they’ve struggled as a core.

The Trojans need a scoring-caliber frontcourt player so that could work out for Khamenia in terms of trying to get meaningful minutes. And with them being a local option, that would work out in the team’s favor.

Virginia Cavaliers

As of now, the forward position is going to be fairly wide open for the Cavaliers after this season. Jordan Minor and Jacob Groves will be gone, while 6’8 wing Ryan Dunn is likely off to the pros. They do have a class of 2024 four-star commit in Jacob Cofie, who has a chance to cement his spot as a featured piece for Khamenia.

It’s the farthest-out option for the California native but the chance to play for a national championship-winning HC in Tony Bennett is an appealing sell. And like with Sam Hauser and other forwards in the past, this prospect can still put up numbers, even in a slow-paced system.