The college basketball recruiting world is heating up like a fast-break layup—four-star shooting guard Anthony Felesi is officially trimming his options down to just five standout schools, as he shared exclusively with Rivals. This rising senior from Utah Prep, standing at an impressive 6-foot-5, is making headlines in the 2026 recruiting class. But here's where it gets really exciting: he's focusing on a mix of powerhouse programs and up-and-coming contenders that could shape his future in the game. Let's dive into the details and break it all down for those new to the recruiting scene.
First off, for beginners wondering what a 'four-star' recruit means, it's a ranking system from recruiting services like Rivals that rates high school players on a scale of one to five stars, based on their talent, potential, and impact. A four-star spot puts Felesi among the elite talents who could make a big splash at the college level, though some might argue he's even more underrated than his ranking suggests. And this is the part most people miss—his choice of schools reflects a balance of tradition, location, and opportunity, potentially influenced by family ties or coaching styles.
Felesi has narrowed his list to include Brigham Young University (BYU), the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), San Diego State University (San Diego State), the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of Southern California (USC). These aren't random picks; each offers unique perks. For instance, BYU might appeal for its strong basketball culture in the Mountain West, while Pitt's storied program in the ACC could provide national exposure. San Diego State brings a sunny West Coast vibe with recent NCAA tournament success, UCLA offers Hollywood glamour and legendary alumni like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and USC adds rival intensity in the Pac-12 landscape. It's a fascinating mix, but here's where it gets controversial—some fans might wonder if Felesi's Utah roots make BYU a sentimental favorite, while others could debate whether he's bypassing bigger names for safer bets.
To help him decide, Felesi has already made official visits to Pitt, San Diego State, and USC, soaking up the campus vibes and meeting coaches. He's planning a visit to UCLA on October 22nd, and BYU is on deck for mid-November. These visits are crucial; they're like test drives for recruits, allowing them to imagine life as a student-athlete. Before whittling down his list, Felesi had offers pouring in from a who's who of college hoops, including Gonzaga, Louisville, Seton Hall, South Florida, Washington, Villanova, LSU, Oregon, Virginia Tech, Arizona State, Mississippi State, Creighton, Hawaii, Houston, and more. That's a testament to his skills, even if some critics claim the sheer number of offers might dilute the prestige of choosing among them.
Speaking of rankings, Felesi sits at No. 61 overall in the 2026 class according to Rivals' Industry Ranking, and he's the No. 14 shooting guard. For context, this puts him in the top tier of guards, known for his scoring ability and perimeter defense—qualities that could make him a game-changer on any team. Yet, this is another point that sparks debate: is he truly a four-star, or could his athleticism and shooting touch elevate him to five-star status in some eyes? It all adds to the intrigue of his journey.
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What do you think? Will Felesi's Utah background sway him toward BYU, or is UCLA's star power too tempting to ignore? Do you agree with his rankings, or is there a hidden gem in his offers we should consider? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let's discuss!
