Shocking Turn in Recruiting: 7-Foot Eastern Illinois Star Decommits, Chooses Arizona State Over Indiana and Alabama more..

 

 

Shocking Turn in Recruiting: 7-Foot Eastern Illinois Star Decommits, Chooses Arizona State Over Indiana and Alabama..

 

In a move that sent ripples through the college basketball recruiting world, 7-foot Eastern Illinois standout Jordan Whitmore has officially decommitted from his original pledge and announced his full commitment to the Arizona State Sun Devils. The highly-touted center had long been considered a near-lock for either Indiana or Alabama, making his decision all the more surprising.

 

 

 

Arizona State, led by head coach Bobby Hurley, has pulled off what many are calling one of the most unexpected recruiting victories of the 2026 cycle. Whitmore, widely regarded as one of the most dominant frontcourt prospects in the nation, brings elite size, mobility, and rim protection to a Sun Devils program hungry for a return to national prominence.

 

From Hidden Gem to National Target

 

 

 

Jordan Whitmore’s journey has been anything but conventional. Growing up in a small town near Charleston, Illinois, Whitmore was a late bloomer on the basketball scene. While he stood at 6’10” as a junior at Eastern Illinois Prep Academy, it wasn’t until a breakout senior season that he caught national attention. Averaging 19.8 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 4.2 blocks per game, Whitmore quickly skyrocketed up the recruiting rankings.

 

His performances at the Nike EYBL circuit in the summer of 2024 cemented his place among the elite. Recruiting services across the board placed him firmly in the Top 25 of the 2026 class, with some analysts even touting him as the best pure center in the class.

 

Original Commitment and the Shift

 

 

 

Whitmore originally committed to Indiana in late 2024, citing the program’s strong tradition of developing big men and its proximity to home. At the time, he was seen as a cornerstone piece for Mike Woodson’s rebuild of the Hoosiers into a Big Ten powerhouse. However, following internal coaching shifts and uncertainty about staff stability, Whitmore reopened his recruitment in early May 2025.

 

Just days after decommitting, Whitmore was seen visiting the campuses of Alabama and Arizona State. While Alabama, under Nate Oats, was considered a serious contender due to its recent tournament success and fast-paced style, Arizona State’s late surge shocked insiders. Reports suggest that Bobby Hurley’s personal involvement, paired with a strong NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) pitch and the promise of building a team around him, played major roles in swaying Whitmore.

 

Why Arizona State?

 

Speaking in an exclusive interview with 4JamzSport, Whitmore explained his choice:

 

> “At the end of the day, I had to go with my gut and what felt right for me as a player and a person. Coach Hurley showed a lot of belief in me—not just in my ability, but in my future. The campus, the environment, the opportunity to be a key piece right away—it all just clicked.”

 

 

 

He also noted the appeal of playing in the Pac-12, a conference known for its fast tempo and big-man showcases, especially given recent NBA draft success stories from the region.

 

Arizona State, which finished the 2024-25 season with a middling record, now sees Whitmore as the future centerpiece of their frontcourt. Recruiting analysts are already projecting the Sun Devils to move up several spots in the 2026 recruiting class rankings following this commitment.

 

Implications for Indiana and Alabama

 

For Indiana, the loss of Whitmore stings, both practically and symbolically. The Hoosiers had spent nearly two years cultivating a relationship with the towering center, even adjusting their roster plans to accommodate him. Losing him so late in the cycle limits their options for a replacement and raises questions about the program’s recruiting momentum.

 

Alabama, while less invested long-term than Indiana, is also reeling from the miss. Nate Oats had reportedly pitched Whitmore on being the next great modern big in the Crimson Tide’s up-tempo system, promising him freedom to stretch the floor and run in transition. Alabama still maintains a strong class, but missing out on a potential game-changing 7-footer is a blow nonetheless.

 

What This Means for Arizona State

 

For Arizona State, this commitment marks a turning point. Coach Hurley has faced criticism over the past few seasons for failing to convert strong recruiting efforts into tangible success. With Whitmore on board, Hurley not only gains a blue-chip talent but also a recruiting anchor to attract other high-level prospects.

 

Whitmore’s commitment could create a ripple effect, encouraging other top players to give Arizona State a second look. With NIL deals and aggressive branding playing a larger role in recruiting, the Sun Devils’ strategy to invest in premier talent may finally be paying off.

 

From a basketball standpoint, Whitmore immediately fills a glaring need. Arizona State struggled in the paint last season, both defensively and on the glass. Whitmore’s shot-blocking, rebounding, and improving post game give the Sun Devils a presence they’ve lacked since the days of Romello White and Ike Diogu.

 

Player Profile: Jordan Whitmore

 

Height: 7’0″

 

Weight: 245 lbs

 

Position: Center

 

Hometown: Charleston, IL

 

High School: Eastern Illinois Prep Academy

 

Ranking: #21 Nationally (247Sports Composite), #3 Center

 

Strengths: Shot blocking, rebounding, interior scoring, motor

 

Needs Improvement: Shooting consistency, passing out of double teams

 

 

Scouts rave about Whitmore’s timing on blocks and his ability to alter shots without fouling. While his offensive game is still developing, he has shown flashes of a soft hook shot and decent footwork in the paint. His agility and motor are considered elite for a player his size.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Jordan Whitmore’s commitment to Arizona State represents more than just a recruiting win—it’s a potential program-changer. In an era where elite talent is harder than ever to secure, especially for mid-tier Power 5 programs, landing a Top 25 recruit like Whitmore is a major step forward.

 

It also underscores how much the college basketball landscape has evolved. Proximity to home and program tradition are now just pieces of a much larger puzzle that includes NIL, personal branding opportunities, and program fit. Arizona State played their cards right—and may have just landed the future face of their basketball program.

 

One thing is certain: college basketball fans will be watching closely as Jordan Whitmore brings his towering presence to Tempe.