Preston Fowler becomes highest-ranked prospect to commit to James Madison: Why did he choose the Dukes? | Zagsblog
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Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
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Sunday / October 13.
  • Preston Fowler becomes highest-ranked prospect to commit to James Madison: Why did he choose the Dukes?

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    By SAM LANCE

    Before his sit down meeting with the James Madison coaches on his official visit, four-star forward Preston Fowler was heavily considering the Dukes. And after the discussion, he knew James Madison was the right place for him.

    “It just really seemed like they wanted me, needed me at the school,” Fowler told ZAGSBLOG. “That’s obviously something every kid wants to hear.”

    Fowler — the 6-foot-7, 195-pound forward from Brewster Academy (CT) and the New Heights Lightning Nike EYBL AAU program — has now become James Madison’s highest-ranked recruit to commit out of high school. Fowler is the No. 110 player in the 2025 class and a four-star. Since 247Sports’ rankings came out in 2010, the Dukes have never landed a four-star player.

    Fowler said the family feel of James Madison was a big factor in his decision making.

    “They’re all about values and whatnot,” Fowler said. “All of the stuff they bring to the table for me. They are really good at developing players as well… They just seemed straight up. I could tell — I could see through all the nonsense.”

    The forward spoke highly of head coach Preston Spradlin.

    “The relationship is great for sure,” Fowler said. “He really texts me, just calls me. I think he’s like old school. He just calls me a lot. I just see all of his values. He seems like a great coach when I went to watch their practice. He wasn’t really yelling at dudes. He was helping them out, telling them what to do, if they were doing it wrong… He seems like he believes in me, has a lot of trust in me.”

    Fowler is recruiting another player to join him in four-star center Jamarion Davis-Fleming, who will officially visit the weekend of Sept. 27. Three-star small forward Christian Brown, who previously visited with Fowler, announced his commitment to the Dukes this past Thursday.

    “Definitely [recruiting] them so we can have a stacked 2025 class,” Fowler said.

    Fowler would like to come back to campus unofficially sometime in the winter during Christmas break to either catch a football or basketball game. His favorite part of the James Madison campus was the practice gym. He also said the facilities are up there with high-major programs.

    At Peach Jam, Fowler contributed 7.0 points and 5.3 rebounds per game for NH Lightning. He was one of the biggest reasons why the program made the final Peach Jam bracket.

    Fowler’s message to JMU fans: “I’m a great person off the court. Very likable. I can talk to anybody in any type of situation. But I’d also say they’ll be getting a championship out of me for sure.”

    The forward will play his senior season of high school basketball at Brewster Academy. He’s looking forward to playing without stress to perform.

    “I’m committed already,” Fowler said. “But I’m obviously still going to hold myself to a high standard and also showcase my ability to play.” 

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