Babatunde Oladotun, a talented small forward (SF) from James Hubert Blake High School in Maryland, is making a strong case as the top prospect for the class of 2027.
Being the early No. 1 player in a class can be both a blessing and a curse. Some players may feel complacent and rely solely on their natural talent, while others have a genuine love for the game and are constantly seeking improvement. Oladotun appears to fall into the second category.
Oladotun's enthusiasm for the game and his commitment to improving his skills have caught the attention of coaches and scouts alike.
Oladotun's shooting ability, both from distance and off the dribble, is impressive, and his passing skills are also developing. His long frame allows him to finish inside with ease, and he is becoming more confident playing both inside and outside on both ends of the court.
"He's a gym rat. He loves to play," said Wayne Pratt, director of Team Durant's U15 team and Kevin Durant's father. "If there's a gym, he wants to play in it. If there's a ball, he wants to bounce it."
Pratt, who has a keen eye for talent, notes that Oladotun reminds him of a young Kevin Durant, with a similar passion for the game and a quick ability to pick up new skills.
"He reminds me of Kevin at the same stage in the sense that if there's a gym, he wants to play in it. If there's a ball, he wants to bounce it.
Kevin has worked with him on his balance. He mentioned that (Oladotun) picks things up quickly. Kevin said 'he might be the closest thing to me this young,'" Pratt said.
Oladotun's basketball bloodlines are impressive, with his father, Ibraheem, having played at Virginia Tech in the early 1990s. Off the court, Oladotun is a well-rounded individual with interests in playing the piano and reading.
With his talent, work ethic, and passion for the game, Oladotun is sure to be a top prospect to watch in the coming years.
"His jumper has range, and he shows sound mechanics and balance both off the catch and from a pull-up dribble," Pratt observed. "He's getting more comfortable and confident playing either inside or outside on both ends."
