This summer proved to be a pivotal stretch for 2027 Josh Leonard, as he continued to elevate his game and attract major attention on the recruiting trail. From sharpening his motor and leadership to showcasing his skillset against elite competition, Leonard approached the offseason with a clear mindset—play his game, stay active on both ends, and grow as a complete player. That development has translated into significant recruiting momentum, with a growing list of high-major programs already in pursuit and others beginning to enter the mix.
Patrick O’Brien was able to catch up with Leonard recently to dive into more of his summer and to see who has been staying strong with him in his recruitment.
Phenom: How did everything go this summer for you overall? What was your mindset and goals?
Leonard: Summer was great. I learned a lot of things that I need to work on, and about basketball in general. My mindset was just to go out and play my game. For my goals, I just wanted to be more involved in the entire game and have a better motor; no plays off on defense.
Phenom: What is your focus heading into the upcoming high school season?
Leonard: Becoming a leader, definitely, as well as my shot and conditioning.
Phenom: How has everything been going recruiting-wise for you? What has been the latest with you?
Leonard: It has been going well. Ohio State, Clemson, and USC have been the ones reaching out as of late. I also received some contact from Alabama.
Phenom: What offers do you currently hold?
Leonard: Ole Miss, USC, Clemson, Jacksonville, Nicholls State, California, Wake Forest, UCF, Charleston, Ohio State, NC State, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Boston College, South Florida.
Phenom: And who, out of those, has been strong with you in your eyes?
Leonard: Definitely Ohio State, Clemson, USC, and NC State
Phenom: What have those schools been saying your way?
Leonard: They have been saying just to keep developing and getting stronger, learning how to control my body weight.
Phenom: Have any other schools been entering the picture? Any blue bloods or others?
Leonard: Yes sir. Duke, Alabama, Arkansas, and Florida State.
Phenom: What have they been saying?
Leonard: Mostly just sending film from my games and practices.
POB’s Evaluation:
“There is something unique about Leonard’s game when you watch him. There are times when he isn’t flashy but just productive, and then there are times when you simply say “wow” at what he shows. Leonard checks off so many boxes with his 6’6 body, college-ready frame, overall strength, versatility, and impact on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he looks fully in control and understands how to operate, whether it is using his body to attack downhill and get to the rim, create off the bounce and physically dominate opponents, or get to his spots inside and mid-range. Then you can see that he has continued to put work into his game in expanding out to the perimeter with his scoring, comfortably knocking down threes with fluidity and comfort. Leonard looks comfortable in so many areas on the court, as he continues to excel with his decision-making, playmaking, and scoring impact. But what may have impressed me the most this weekend was not his offense, but his impact on the defensive end. Leonard doesn’t get the attention he deserves with his defensive presence, as he should. Sitting baseline and watching his impact, whether it is walling up defenders, creating havoc with his on-ball defense, altering shots inside and out with his size and athleticism, or simply attacking the defensive glass, Leonard excels as one of the better two-way prospects in the region and I believe there is STILL more potential left in the tank.”