BY ZACH SMART
After a recruitment which picked up this summer and featured potential suitors such as Kansas State, Oklahoma, and more recently BYU, Jalen Montonati has committed to Oklahoma State.
A longtime relationship with OSU head coach Steve Lutz factored into Montonati’s decision, which he announced Thursday afternoon alongside CBS Sports National Basketball Analyst Travis Branham.
A 6-foot-7 wing who is the Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year, Montonati has strong family ties to the Cowboys.
His father and head coach at Owassa HS (OK), Brian Montonati, played for Oklahoma State in the late 90s and early 2000s.
“I think coach Lutz has a really good chance to turn that program around,” Montonati told ZAGSBLOG in July.
“He’s done a really good job in Year 1. He’s made a lot of additions in the portal in Year 2.”
Montani’s game and national appeal has blossomed thoroughly, following a more enhanced role with USA Basketball.
The Class of 2026 recruit has steadily developed into a knockdown shooter with significant range and a floor spacing acumen, components on display at Peach Jam this summer.
He has established himself as one of the country’s more perilous shooters, seemingly deadly from the corners.
The control and pace he plays with, along with his ramped up physicality, have also been noteworthy.
Following a junior season in which he was named Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year at the aforementioned Owassa High School, Montanati envisioned himself making a commitment prior to the start of the 2025-26 season.
He emphasized the sheer importance of aspects such as “fit, development, and culture” during an interview with Sam Lance during Peach Jam.
Propelling Montanati’s ascension has been his immense production on significant stages. Prior to his shooting prowess at Peach Jam, Montonati averaged 24.3 points and 4.5 boards at the prestigious and tradition-rich City of Palms Classic in Florida.
Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter
Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram
