Top-60 senior Pharaoh Compton chooses San Diego State

October 16, 2023 by Max Feldman

THE LEAD

Pharaoh Compton, the 58th overall prospect in 2024, has chosen San Diego State. The Las Vegas native chose the Aztecs over Iowa, LSU, Houston and more.

BACKGROUND

Compton ascension occurred exceptionally fast, bursting onto the scene in the spring heading into his junior campaign on the EYBL. The 6-8 forward drew intrigue with his unique combination of tools, youth and productivity. Through that summer, high majors offers began to trickle in. The flashes continue to come playing in a rotation role with AZ Compass, before yet another big EYBL campaign heading into hsi senior back in Vegas. On a loaded Vegas Elite roster, he brought immense value as a play-finisher and rim-runner, putting up 9 points per game on 79% (!) from the field. Since our debut, we've remained the highest on Compton as a prospect of anyone in the industry.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Fresh off a run to the National Championship this past spring, Brian Dutcher and company have parlayed the momentum to the recruiting trail. Traditionally a veteran-laden roster, but the tandem of Compton and fellow Top-120 prospect and EYBL teammate Taj DeGourville is one of my favorite nationally to this point. Both fit the identity that the Aztec have built and understand how to fit in and provide value in a winning construct. Seven-footer David Majak out of Dream City Christian also made his vow to SDSU last night. The Aztecs may float around for a few other west coast targets, but I'd imagine they roll into the 2024-25 campaign with the three freshman.

MY TAKE

A hand-in-glove fit here, and one a potential match that popped rather quickly as his recruitment began to take shape. It was on full display all March, but there's a toughness and workman-like approach engrained in the Aztecs roster.r And specifically in the frontcourt, Compton's ability to finish from the dunkers spot, set hard screens, rebound, run the floor and make all sorts of hustle plays should shine rather quickly. He may not have the traditional big man makeup, but with a near 7-4 wingspan and elite pop even in tight spaces, he's a formidable interior presence and has an assortment of "can't teach" physical ability. His half-court acumen will be an area of focus early on in his collegiate career, but it's easy to see him providing big flashes and plenty of energy in a rotational role early. A high upside prospect landing in a spot that'll accentuate his strengths from the jump as he continues to develop.

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