Player: Marcis Ponder
Class: 2026
Height: 7’0
School: Gillion Academy
Committed to: Florida State
- Ponder joins Jasen Lopez as the two commitments so far for Florida State in the Class of 2026
National Rankings
- ESPN: #72 Nationally
- On3: #69 Nationally
- 247 Sports: #71 Nationally
Thoughts on Commitment:
When you simply look at 2026 7’0 Marcis Ponder, you know what you are going to get from him. Easily one of the most physical prospects in the nation, the big man can absolutely be a load to handle down in the paint. The blend of sheer strength, physicality, and size are hard to stop, and we have watched that countless times before on the court with him.
Simply put, Ponder can be an absolute mismatch down low, simply overpowering opponents with his size. There is room for growth overall in his game, and that should only continue to come at the next level, but he is one is ready to compete at a collegiate level from Day 1, even it if is just to be a body out there to battle. However, when we have watched him, Ponder has shown that he can be a dominant big man operating in the post, willing his way to his spots, overpowering and bullying opponents down in the paint, and really being able to control the glass on either end. He does a great job in attacking the offensive glass and finishing, embracing contact, and being a rim protector as well. There aren’t too many opponents that want to run into him on the defensive end when he is manning the paint.
Getting a player like him should help Florida State down the road, being able to really be physical offensively and have a big man that will nearly always be the biggest prospect (as far as strength and size combined) on the court.