Buckle up, college basketball fans – a rising star is shaking up the recruiting landscape! Imagine being a talented high school basketball player at the crossroads of your future, deciding which college program could be your ticket to the big leagues. That's exactly where four-star shooting guard Anthony Felesi finds himself right now, and his latest moves are bound to spark excitement among scouts and fans alike. But here's where it gets intriguing – he's just trimmed his options down to five elite schools, setting the stage for some intense decision-making. Let's dive into the details and see what this means for Felesi's journey, while exploring the bigger picture of college recruiting that might surprise even seasoned hoops enthusiasts.
For those new to the world of college basketball recruiting, a 'four-star' rating is like a glowing review from experts – it signifies a highly promising player who stands out in their position. Anthony Felesi, a dynamic 6-foot-5 senior from Utah Prep in Utah, has earned this distinction as a shooting guard in the 2026 recruiting class. According to Rivals, he's currently ranked as the No. 61 overall player in his class, and he's even higher up the ladder as the No. 14 shooting guard. This isn't just about raw talent; it reflects his potential to make an impact at the next level, whether through scoring from the perimeter, defensive hustle, or leadership on the court.
Recently, Felesi shared with Rivals that he's narrowed his college choices to just five schools: BYU, Pitt, San Diego State, UCLA, and USC. This is a pivotal moment in recruiting – think of it as paring down a dream shopping list to your absolute must-haves. By focusing on these programs, he's signaling that these are the environments where he sees himself thriving, balancing factors like coaching style, team culture, academic opportunities, and proximity to home.
To give you a sense of the commitment involved, Felesi has already made official visits to three of them: Pitt, San Diego State, and USC. Official visits are like exclusive sneak peeks into a school's world – players get to tour campuses, meet coaches and teammates, and experience the atmosphere firsthand. It's a chance to envision what daily life might look like, from practice routines to fan support. Up next, he's scheduled to visit UCLA on October 22nd, and he plans to check out BYU in mid-November. These visits could be game-changers, potentially solidifying his top choice or even reshuffling the list.
And this is the part most people miss – the journey doesn't end with narrowing the list. Before arriving at these five, Felesi had a bounty of offers from other prestigious programs, including Gonzaga, Louisville, Seton Hall, South Florida, Washington, Villanova, LSU, Oregon, Virginia Tech, Arizona State, Mississippi State, Creighton, Hawaii, Houston, and several others. It's a testament to his appeal that so many big names were in the running. For beginners wondering why this matters, having multiple offers gives recruits leverage – they can compare perks like scholarships, playing time guarantees, and long-term development plans. It's like job hunting with multiple dream employers vying for your skills.
Now, here's where things could get controversial: With such a stacked list of schools, including rivals like UCLA and USC, fans and analysts are already debating the 'best fit' for Felesi. Some argue that a program's history of developing guards – say, BYU's recent success or UCLA's legendary past – should weigh heavily. Others might point to the Pac-12's competitive vibe versus the Big East's intensity. But is it all about winning championships, or should personal growth and happiness take precedence? What if Felesi's choice bucks traditional rankings, proving that heart and hard work trump pedigree? It's a debate that highlights the unpredictable nature of recruiting – one wrong assumption, and the whole narrative flips.
Curious to stay in the loop on stories like this? Get the Daily On3 Newsletter in your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice (https://www.on3.com/page/privacy-policy/), Terms (https://www.on3.com/page/terms-of-service/), and use of my personal information described therein.
As Felesi's recruiting saga unfolds, it's a reminder of how these decisions shape not just a player's career, but the future of college basketball. Which school do you think he'll ultimately choose, and why? Do rankings really predict success, or is there more to it? Share your hot takes in the comments – I'd love to hear your thoughts and spark some friendly debate!
