AFCON 2025
Babatunde “Baba” Oladotun is rapidly emerging as one of the brightest young talents in American basketball, drawing national attention for both his prodigious skillset and remarkable physical tools.
. At just 16, the Nigerian-American starlet has already reclassified to the high school class of 2026, fast-tracking his journey to college basketball stardom.
With elite programs lining up for his signature and scouts already touting him as a future NBA prospect, Oladotun’s meteoric rise is reshaping the conversation around the next generation of basketball greatness.
Here are 3 things to know right now about basketball phenom Babatunde “Baba” Oladotun;
1. Reclassification to the 2026 Class
Oladotun, originally the top-ranked recruit in the 2027 class, has officially reclassified to graduate in the spring of 2026 from Blake High School in Maryland. At just 16 years old, he’ll still be under 17 by December of his freshman college year.
2. Elite Physical Tools & On-Court Skill
Standing between 6-foot-8 and 6-foot-9, Oladotun possesses a 6-foot-11 wingspan, a 9-foot standing reach, and has added approximately 20 pounds over the past year.
He’s a true three-level scorer, shooting over 52% inside the arc, showing advanced shooting mechanics, range, and emerging playmaking—recording 29 assists even while playing up a level.
3. Blue-Chip Recruitment
Oladotun already holds scholarship offers from a who’s who of elite programs—Kentucky, UCLA, Tennessee, Louisville, Indiana, Kansas, Texas, Texas A\&M, Ole Miss, Gonzaga, Maryland, and Virginia Tech, among others.
The reclassification has intensified Kentucky’s recruiting strategy, particularly given their early offer and relationship-building under coach Mark Pope.
