Elite 2026 SG Ikenna Alozie talks early college recruitment

Ikenna Alozie has began to emerge as one of the top guards in the class of 2026. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound shooting guard is originally from Nigeria but is currently playing his high school basketball at Dream City Christian in Arizona. The sophomore has received early offers from the likes of Providence, St. John’s, Villanova, Arizona State, Creighton, Georgetown, Oregon, UCLA, Kansas, and Kansas State.

According to NCAA rules, college coaches cannot contact players directly until June 15th following their sophomore year. However, coaches can reach out to the player’s coaches, parents, and the people around them before then.

I spoke to Alozie after his game Friday morning at the Holiday Hoopsgiving showcase to get the latest on his early college recruitment.

UCLA, Kansas, and Kansas State are among those showing heightened interest in the young guard from Lagos, he says. He broke down each of the three programs.

Alozie talks early offers and future visits

UCLA: “To be honest, I’ve been wanting to have that offer for a long time. I grew up watching Russell Westbrook so that offer means a lot to me.”

Kansas: “Kansas is a pretty good program. I like the coaching staff for sure. They definitely have a history with guards so I really appreciate the fact that they notice me.”

Kansas State: “I know the coaching staff. They had a pretty good run year last year. Thats my most recent offer.”

Only a sophomore, Alozie hasn’t taken any college visits yet but he has a few trips in mind that he’d like to take.

“I would love to go to see UCLA, Kansas, Villanova, and others.”

There are several schools on Alozie’s mind that he hasn’t yet been recruited by, but would like to in the future.

“Kentucky and Baylor for sure.”