NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 4 teams for 5-star forward Dwayne Aristode
Another 5-star NCAA Basketball prospect is potentially close to deciding on his future college home. This one is Dwayne Aristode, a 6'7 "small forward recruit from the Netherlands who plays his high school ball in New Hampshire. He's a quality two-way player with NBA-ready size who can score at a high level.
The international prospect has five options, including the NBL Next Stars' Program in Australia. A few Americans have benefitted from going there, so it could be something for those who are already used to being overseas.
NEWS: Dwayne Aristode, On3’s No. 10 overall recruit in the 2025 class, is down to five options, he tells @On3Recruits.
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) September 25, 2024
The 6-7 Small Forward is one of the top prospects in the country.
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As for the other programs, all of them have selling points to make for him. Do any stand out in terms of best potential fit? Here's a closer look.
Arizona Wildcats
Arizona's in a unique spot because there's not a lot of depth on the wings, but the projected starter this year is Carter Bryant, a 5-star freshman prospect. If he's a "one and done" player then it's wide open for Aristode to come in and have a major role in his first season.
Duke Blue Devils
On one hand, the Blue Devils don't have a veteran wing on the roster and even if you view Purdue transfer Mason Gillis as one, he's gone after this season. On the other hand, there are multiple 5-star small forward freshmen on the roster, including Isaiah Evans and Kon Knueppel. There's a chance that at least one goes pro but this will be an option where Aristode won't know where he stands until after the 2025 NBA Draft deadline.
Michigan State Spartans
Coach Tom Izzo and the Spartans have gotten some rough news on the recruiting trail but are firmly in the mix here. They could use a scoring punch on the wings, as both Jaden Akins and Frankie Fidler will be gone after this season. Compared to the other options, Michigan State can offer the 5-star prospect a leading role as a freshman with little competition.
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USC Trojans
First-year HC Eric Musselman has tons of wings of small forwards on the roster, such as Saint Thomas, Chibuzo Agbo, and Desmond Claude. However, all will be gone by the end of the season. There's still four-star freshmen wings Jalen Shelley and Isaiah Elohim but the real concern would be how many transfers Arkansas tries to land next offseason. But Aristode could have a big impact in Musselman's offensive system.