The college basketball world was abuzz on Sunday as Chris Nwuli, a top-50 forward in the class of 2025, announced his commitment to Rutgers University. The 6-foot-7 standout, ranked No. 41 in the ESPN 100, chose the Scarlet Knights after a late push from head coach Steve Pikiell and his staff.
Nwuli’s commitment comes as a surprise to many, as Rutgers was not included on his list of six finalist schools back in August. However, a scholarship offer in late September and the allure of playing on the East Coast proved too much for the Sierra Canyon School star to resist.
I chose Rutgers because I love the way the coaching staff made me feel welcome, and the East Coast is where I want to be. Coach Pikiell breathes basketball, and he cares about his players.
Chris Nwuli on his commitment to Rutgers
An Explosive Addition to the Scarlet Knights
Nwuli is widely regarded as one of the most explosive athletes in the 2025 class. His quick-twitch ability allows him to get off the ground with tremendous burst and elevation, making him a constant threat for highlight-reel dunks and blocked shots. His versatility on both ends of the floor is expected to be a game-changer for Rutgers.
Playing alongside other top recruits like A.J. Dybantsa and Tyran Stokes on the Nike EYBL circuit this past spring and summer, Nwuli showcased his all-around game. He averaged 9.5 points and 5.9 rebounds during the regular season before turning up the heat at the prestigious Nike Peach Jam in July, where he put up 12.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per contest.
Expanding His Range
While known primarily for his athleticism and finishing ability around the rim, Nwuli has also shown flashes of an improving perimeter game. He connected on over 47% of his three-point attempts during the EYBL regular season, albeit on low volume. In the Peach Jam title game, he knocked down a pair of crucial threes, hinting at his potential to stretch the floor at the next level.
Building Momentum at Rutgers
Nwuli’s commitment marks another major recruiting victory for Pikiell and the Scarlet Knights. He joins a 2025 class that already includes three-star center Gevonte Ware, Lino Mark, and Kaden Powers. More importantly, he becomes the third top-50 recruit to choose Rutgers in the past two classes, following in the footsteps of elite prospects Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper in 2024.
The influx of high-level talent has Rutgers fans dreaming of big things in the years to come. With a core of young, athletic playmakers like Nwuli, Bailey, and Harper set to join forces in Piscataway, the Scarlet Knights appear poised to make some serious noise in the Big Ten and beyond.
Chris Nwuli is a program-changing type of player. His commitment, along with the other top recruits we’ve brought in, shows that Rutgers is ready to compete at the highest level of college basketball.
A source close to the Rutgers basketball program
The Road Ahead
As Nwuli prepares for his senior season at Sierra Canyon, Rutgers fans will be eagerly tracking his progress and imagining the impact he could have in a Scarlet Knights uniform. With his rare combination of athleticism, versatility, and ever-expanding skill set, the sky appears to be the limit for this rising star.
Only time will tell if Nwuli and his fellow highly-touted recruits can lead Rutgers to the promised land of conference titles and deep NCAA Tournament runs. But one thing is for certain: the future looks brighter than ever for Scarlet Knights basketball, and Chris Nwuli is poised to be a key piece of that exciting future.
