No matter how much basketball trends towards a perimeter-based game, big men will always be incredibly vital. The traditional post-up player might be a dying breed but there’s still an abundance of highly impactful rebounders, rim protectors, and interior scorers at every level. This is no secret to college coaches, which is why Theo Edema (2027) is rapidly blowing up as a prime target for high-major programs. After receiving offers from Kansas and Alabama last week (and a Villanova offer days later), we caught up with the 7-footer from Cushing Academy/Team New England to get an update on his recruitment.
JB: What schools are you hearing from the most? What have been your thoughts on receiving your most recent offers?
TE: It’s been a great year so far, I have received offers from several programs, such as Kansas, Clemson, Alabama, Villanova. Schools showing interest are Texas, OK State, Illinois, BYU, BC. Receiving offers from these prestigious schools is both humbling and exciting. It shows the hard work I have put into my game and it motivates me to continue getting better everyday. I am grateful.
JB: What do you see yourself bringing to a college program?
TE: My goal is to bring versatility, positive energy, leadership and a strong work ethic to a college program. I would contribute to help the program grow on and off the court. I am open to continuous improvement and being a positive influence in the program
Just over a month ago, we saw Edema shine at our Seros Open 804. We had nothing but high regards for the big man, stating, “In a building full of high-level talent, Theo Edema was arguably the most impressive prospect on display. If you were designing a big man’s physique in a lab, it would look like him. Edema is incredibly strong, mobile, athletic, and naturally overwhelms interior opponents on both ends of the floor. Rim protectors will always be extremely valuable (largely due to their rarity), which is a massive part of what makes him so appealing. Edema possesses amazing timing and instincts as a shot-blocker. While he does block a ton of shots, his ability to alter shots and visibly deter opponents from attacking the basket is genuinely unique. Additionally, Edema controls the glass as a rebounder and typically secures everything his hands touch. He clears out space exceptionally well to post up and set himself up for rebounding opportunities. To put it bluntly, he looks like a grown man playing against children. Edema is so physically overpowering that no opponents seem to really faze him. He understands how to secure position on the block and finish through contact or above the rim, but can also make solid passes when defenses double or collapse. Edema runs the floor properly in transition and makes himself available for lobs or dump-off passes. Although he still has considerable upside, it’s easy to see all the ways he impacts a game. Given everything he showcased, Edema should be viewed as a high-major talent throughout the country.”
It didn’t take a brilliant basketball mind to recognize his unique physical gifts and pure dominance on both ends of the floor. However, given his lack of national status, it felt like he was still being somewhat overlooked by the masses. Fast-forward to now, and more programs are starting to get involved. Edema held offers from Cal, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Creighton, Stanford, and Georgetown before adding the aforementioned scholarships from Kansas and Alabama earlier this week. Although media outlets haven’t yet inserted him within the rankings, that feels guaranteed to change on the next update.