In a stunning development that has sent ripples through the college basketball world, the nation’s No. 1 high school player has officially committed to the Arizona State Sun Devils, bypassing powerhouse programs such as Tennessee, BYU, and Georgia. This seismic shift not only elevates the perception of Arizona State’s basketball program but potentially rewrites the script for the upcoming 2025–26 NCAA season.
The Decision That Shook the Sport
In front of a national audience on ESPN and a packed gymnasium in his hometown of Los Angeles, Malik Rasul, a 6-foot-9 combo forward widely regarded as the top player in the 2025 class, made his announcement with palpable suspense. As hats from Tennessee, BYU, Georgia, and Arizona State lay in front of him, the five-star phenom bypassed the expected blue bloods and reached for the Sun Devils cap.
“I want to make history,” Rasul said. “I want to put a program on the map, not just follow a path. Arizona State believed in me from day one, and I believe in what they’re building.”
Who is Malik Rasul?
Rasul’s rise to the top of the rankings has been meteoric. The Sierra Canyon standout dominated the AAU circuit over the summer and averaged 26.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game during his senior season. His versatility is unmatched — a player who can stretch the floor with his shooting, create off the dribble, and protect the rim.
Talent evaluators have often compared him to a hybrid of Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum — smooth scoring ability, elite length, and a guard-like handle in a forward’s body.
“Malik is a program-changer,” said ESPN national recruiting director Paul Biancardi. “He brings not just a transcendent skillset but also a high-level IQ, leadership, and unteachable charisma.”
Why Arizona State?
Under the guidance of head coach Bobby Hurley, the Sun Devils have been grinding to shed their mid-tier reputation in the Pac-12. Hurley, a former NCAA champion at Duke, has long been known for his passionate coaching and guard development. But landing Rasul marks a pivotal moment that elevates Arizona State into a legitimate national contender — at least on paper.
Sources close to the recruitment say Hurley’s relentless recruitment, along with assistant coach Rasheen Davis’ deep connections in the Los Angeles basketball scene, were critical in swaying Rasul.
Moreover, Arizona State’s recent facility upgrades, robust NIL backing, and the opportunity for immediate playing time all weighed heavily in the decision.
“Coach Hurley told me I’d be the face of a new era,” Rasul said. “That I could help turn Arizona State into a Final Four team. That was powerful to me.”
The NIL Factor
There’s no denying the role of NIL in the modern recruiting landscape, and Rasul’s commitment highlights just how crucial it’s become. While the exact terms of Rasul’s NIL package remain confidential, sources suggest it includes a multi-year deal with a major sportswear brand, performance incentives tied to appearances, and social media monetization strategies that could net him over $2 million annually.
Arizona State’s NIL collective, Desert Rising, has quickly become one of the most aggressive and innovative in the Pac-12, if not the nation. Their ability to craft compelling, personalized packages — especially for elite recruits — has changed the recruiting narrative in Tempe.
“It wasn’t about the money,” Rasul said. “But let’s be real — the opportunity to set myself up financially while still focusing on basketball? That’s hard to pass up.”
What This Means for Arizona State
With Rasul on board, Arizona State instantly becomes one of the most compelling teams in the country heading into the 2025–26 season. Paired with current sophomore star guard Jaedon Carrington and junior wing Kareem Blake, the Sun Devils are shaping into a Pac-12 juggernaut — one that can not only challenge Arizona and UCLA for conference supremacy but also break into the national top 10.
“It’s a game-changer,” Hurley told reporters. “We’ve worked hard to build a culture here, and Malik’s decision validates everything we’ve been doing.”
For a program that hasn’t reached the Sweet 16 since 1995, the addition of a player like Rasul could be the launchpad Arizona State has longed for.
Fallout for Tennessee, BYU, and Georgia
Tennessee
Rick Barnes and the Volunteers were widely seen as the favorites for Rasul for much of his recruitment. Tennessee had the infrastructure, recent NCAA success, and a loyal fanbase that resonated with the five-star forward. Barnes even attended several of Rasul’s games in person.
But in the end, sources suggest the Vols’ hesitance around NIL and a slightly crowded frontcourt rotation were deciding factors in their miss.
“This one stings,” an anonymous Tennessee staffer admitted. “We were right there. Sometimes, it’s just about timing and gut feeling, and we didn’t close.”
Tennessee must now pivot to other targets, including four-star forward Cameron Blythe and European sensation Luka Prokic, but neither possesses Rasul’s star power.
BYU
In perhaps the most surprising twist, BYU surged late in the recruitment due to a strong personal relationship between Rasul and new Cougars head coach Kevin Young, a former NBA assistant. Young’s modern offense and NBA ties made BYU an attractive dark horse.
However, despite an innovative NIL plan and a compelling pitch, the Cougars couldn’t overcome Arizona State’s combination of opportunity and exposure.
BYU’s future remains bright, particularly with Young’s recruiting energy, but missing on a generational talent like Rasul is a tough early blow.
Georgia
The Bulldogs were the home-state option for Rasul, who was originally born in Atlanta before relocating to Los Angeles. Georgia leaned heavily on that connection, with head coach Mike White selling a vision of a homecoming and immediate stardom.
While Rasul appreciated the pitch, sources suggest he was skeptical of Georgia’s developmental track record and their relatively muted presence on the national stage.
“They were in it, but never really out front,” said one recruiting analyst.
How the College Basketball Landscape Shifts
Rasul’s decision signals a dramatic power shift — away from blue bloods and toward schools that can offer immediate opportunity, NIL transparency, and modern branding.
In the wake of this move:
- Arizona State likely enters preseason top-15 rankings.
- The Pac-12’s competitiveness — especially with UCLA and Oregon retooling — spikes significantly.
- A new standard for NIL-driven commitments may emerge, with mid-tier schools now empowered to chase top-tier talent.
- Recruiting strategies across the SEC and Big 12 may be reevaluated, especially in programs with more conservative NIL structures.
“He’s opened the door for other stars to look outside the usual suspects,” said Rivals analyst Corey Evans. “That’s how you spark a revolution.”
What to Expect in Tempe
Rasul is expected to start from day one, likely slotting in as a hybrid 4 in Hurley’s up-tempo system. His ability to grab rebounds, push in transition, and initiate offense makes him a matchup nightmare — especially when surrounded by shooters like Carrington.
The Sun Devils are also reportedly still pursuing a pair of high-end transfers, including former Michigan State guard Tyrese Walker and North Texas center Kendrick Wallace. With Rasul anchoring the roster, Arizona State suddenly becomes a preferred destination for portal talent looking to win now.
“We’ve already sold out season ticket preorders,” Arizona State Athletic Director Ray Anderson confirmed. “We knew Malik would change things, but this is unprecedented.”