BY ZACH SMART
During a rapid 2026 summer explosion onto the high major market, Class of 2028 PSA Cardinals forward Damian Mojica will enter next week’s open workouts at The Masters School (NY) with a buffet-line of coaches waiting in the wings.
“Our open gym season begins on Tuesday and a couple schools that mentioned they’re going to stop by are Purdue, Syracuse, Stanford, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, UConn, Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Xavier, Virginia, Boston College, and Wake Forest,” Mojica told ZAGSBLOG on Thursday.
The heady, versatile 6-foot-8 forward has been hearing from Purdue and Syracuse most consistently, while UConn is the latest to reach out.
Syracuse, now under first-year head coach Gerry McNamara, a high pressure shot-making guard during his illustrious heyday with the Orange, is in the process of setting an upcoming visit for Mojica this fall.
Mojica’s sudden transformation entailed shedding weight, developing into an explosive above-rim finishing threat, and at times operating as a point forward.
Purdue offered Mojica last month.
The message Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter has illustrated is that Mojica would not have to adjust his game in the case of a potential, eventual transition to the Big 10.
The Yonkers, N. Y. native has said he’s always taken a sense of pride in his IQ and awareness, citing his passing as one of the most polished aspects of his skill set.
Beyond his comfort level in handling the ball and balancing his game with a reliable outside shooting touch, Mojica has become proficient with his scoring between a defender and the rim and amid contact.
Exuding confidence, playing determined, and showcasing the multi-layered two-way style emblematic of a modern day forward, Mojica averaged 20.8 points and 4.5 assists during the NEPSAC Showcase in Worcester, Mass.
What seemed like instantly after the clock struck midnight on June 15th and the contact period started, Mojica heard from the likes of Stanford, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Boston University and others.
Having spent his freshman season at academically elite Horace Mann HS (NY) and now at another prestigious private school in Masters, which he helped propel to a 22-win season last year, Mojica places significant value in academics.
Mojica averaged 15.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and three assists per game with the PSA Cardinals on tbe EYBL circuit this summer.
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