By JAMES MADDEN
Four-star forward Joe Philon is headed to play for Mick Cronin at UCLA, he announced on Saturday. The 6-foot-8 wing from Montverde Academy (FL) chose the Bruins over Ohio State, South Florida and UNLV.
Philon talked about his relationship with the UCLA program in December at the City of Palms Classic.
“It’s a historic program. Being out there on the West Coast, out in Los Angeles, it would definitely be cool,” Philon said. “I recently had a Zoom call with coach (Mick) Cronin and the coaching staff. I’m getting to know them and building the relationship.”
An athletic forward, Philon is viewed as an elite defensive prospect with high-level quickness and athleticism. Scouts have called the stretch forward one of the biggest defensive game changers in high school basketball due to his versatility.
Ranked by 247Sports as the No. 71 overall recruit in the class of 2026, Philon is UCLA’s second commit in the class of 2026. He joins three-star guard Javonte Floyd to round out the Bruins’ current recruiting class.
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