Oklahoma State Secures Commitment from Top 44 Basketball Recruit, Jalen Montenati

Oklahoma State Lands Highly-Rated Recruit Jalen Montonati

September 26, 2025 – 7:30 PM ET

Stillwater, OK – jalen Montonati, a standout Senior and currently ranked as the 44th best player in the 2026 recruiting class, has announced his commitment to Oklahoma State University. The announcement, made Thursday, marks a meaningful win for Cowboys Head coach Steve Lutz, who identified Montonati as a top priority upon his arrival in 2024.

Rising Star Chooses Oklahoma State

Montonati, widely regarded as the premier high school basketball player in Oklahoma, considered several prominent programs including Kansas State and the University of Oklahoma before making his final decision. Ultimately, the allure of a program with deep family ties and an immediate connection with the coaching staff proved decisive. the player’s father previously played for Oklahoma State under legendary coach Eddie Sutton during the late 1990s.

“In today’s landscape of collegiate athletics,where the transfer portal sees a lot of activity,it meant a great deal to me that they truly wanted me,” Montonati stated. “Coach Lutz reached out the very day he accepted the position and clearly articulated my importance to the team. The unwavering support and encouragement from Coach Lutz and his staff were consistent throughout the summer, with attendance at all of my games.”

Midnight Visit seals the Deal

oklahoma State demonstrated its aggressive pursuit of Montonati earlier this month with a memorable late-night in-home visit on the first day of the fall recruiting period. That visit, occurring at midnight, underscored the program’s commitment to securing his signature.

“They wanted to be the first ones to see me when the September recruiting period began,” Montonati revealed. “We’ve cultivated a strong relationship where we discuss both basketball and my life beyond the court.”

Montonati’s Extraordinary Credentials

Hailing from owasso High School in Oklahoma, Montonati showcased his skills on the competitive Nike EYBL circuit last spring and summer. Playing for the MoKan grassroots program, he averaged an impressive 15.8 points per game, including a standout 29-point performance against Brad Beal Elite at the prestigious Nike Peach Jam tournament in July. Additionally, he contributed to a gold medal victory for USA basketball at the 2023 FIBA Americas U16 Championship, leading the team in three-pointers made.

Scouts describe Montonati as a gifted shooter with excellent length, capable of creating scoring opportunities even when closely guarded.He is anticipated to contribute promptly as an effective off-ball threat, enhancing spacing and providing scoring options for the Cowboys.

Player	Ranking (2026)	state	High School	Commitment
Jalen Montonati	#44 (SportsCenter NEXT 100)	Oklahoma	Owasso High School	Oklahoma State

Did You know? The early commitment from Montonati provides Oklahoma State with a crucial building block for its 2026 recruiting class, signifying a potential shift in program trajectory.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Montonati’s three-point shooting percentage throughout his senior year – a skill vital for success at the collegiate level.

This commitment represents the first pledge to Oklahoma State for the 2026 class,setting an optimistic tone for the Cowboys’ recruiting efforts.

The Evolving Landscape of College Basketball Recruiting

the rapid rise of the transfer portal has dramatically altered the dynamics of college basketball recruiting. While securing commitments from high-ranking players like Montonati remains paramount, coaches must also navigate a complex landscape of player movement and retention. Building strong relationships with recruits early in their high school careers, as Coach Lutz has done, is increasingly crucial. understanding the NCAA transfer portal rules is essential for both players and institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jalen Montonati

• What is Jalen Montonati’s current ranking? Montonati is currently ranked as the No. 44 player in the 2026 SportsCenter NEXT 100.
• Which colleges did Jalen Montonati consider besides Oklahoma State? He visited and considered offers from Kansas State and the University of Oklahoma.
• What are Jalen Montonati’s key strengths as a basketball player? He is known as a gifted shooter with good length and the ability to score in contested situations.
• Why did Jalen Montonati choose Oklahoma state? He prioritized the early and consistent attention from Coach Steve Lutz and the program’s connection to his family history.
• What impact is Jalen Montonati expected to have on the Oklahoma State team? He is anticipated to be an immediate contributor as an off-ball threat and a valuable three-point shooter.
• What was unique about Oklahoma State’s recruiting approach with Montonati? The coaching staff made a midnight in-home visit on the first day of the recruiting period to show their commitment.
• Where did Jalen montonati play AAU basketball? He played for the MoKan grassroots program on the Nike EYBL circuit.

What are yoru predictions for Montonati’s impact on the Cowboys? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How will Jalen Montenati’s commitment impact Oklahoma State’s ranking in the 2026 recruiting class?

The Impact of Montenati’s Commitment on Oklahoma State Basketball

Stillwater, OK – Oklahoma State basketball received a massive boost to its 2026 recruiting class today with the commitment of Jalen Montenati, a four-star prospect ranked #44 nationally by several major recruiting services (247Sports, Rivals, ESPN). This commitment marks a significant win for head coach Steve Prohm and the Cowboys, solidifying their position as a rising force in the Big 12 Conference.The addition of a player of Montenati’s caliber immediately elevates Oklahoma State’s recruiting profile and future potential.

Player Profile: Jalen Montenati – A Deep Dive

Montenati, a 6’7″ forward from [High School Name & City, State], is known for his versatile skillset.He’s a dynamic scorer capable of creating his own shot, a strong rebounder, and a developing playmaker.

Here’s a breakdown of his key attributes:

* Scoring: Averaged 22.5 points per game during his junior season, showcasing a diverse offensive arsenal including three-point shooting, mid-range jumpers, and drives to the basket.

* Rebounding: Consistently pulls down over 8 rebounds per game, demonstrating a strong presence on the glass.

* Defense: Possesses good length and athleticism,allowing him to be a disruptive force defensively.Potential to be a versatile defender guarding multiple positions.

* Athleticism: Exhibits impressive agility and quickness for his size,making him a difficult matchup for opponents.

* Basketball IQ: Known for his high basketball IQ and ability to make smart decisions on the court.

Montenati’s commitment is particularly noteworthy given interest from programs like Kansas, texas Tech, and arkansas.He ultimately chose Oklahoma State, citing the coaching staff’s vision for his advancement and the program’s overall trajectory.

Recruiting Breakdown: How Oklahoma State Landed Montenati

The Cowboys’ pursuit of Montenati was a strategic one, focusing on building a strong relationship with both the player and his family.

* Relationship Building: Coach Prohm and his staff prioritized consistent dialog and in-person visits, establishing a genuine connection with Montenati.

* Program Vision: The coaching staff effectively articulated their plan for Montenati’s role within the team and his potential for growth.

* NIL Opportunities: While not the sole deciding factor, the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals likely played a role, with Oklahoma State demonstrating a commitment to supporting its student-athletes in this area.

* Campus Visit: A successful official visit to Stillwater allowed Montenati to experience the campus culture and connect with current players.

What Montenati’s Arrival Means for the Cowboys’ Future

This commitment addresses a key need for oklahoma State – adding a versatile forward who can contribute immediately.

* Offensive Versatility: Montenati’s scoring ability will provide a significant boost to the Cowboys’ offense.

* Defensive Impact: His length and athleticism will enhance Oklahoma State’s defensive capabilities.

* Recruiting Momentum: Landing a top-44 recruit will undoubtedly generate positive recruiting momentum, potentially attracting other high-level prospects.

* Big 12 Competition: The Big 12 is consistently one of the most competitive basketball conferences in the nation. Montenati’s addition helps Oklahoma State close the gap with perennial powerhouses like Kansas and Houston.

Scouting Reports & Expert Analysis

“[Quote from a reputable basketball scout about Montenati’s potential – e.g.,ESPN,247Sports,Rivals],” stated [Scout’s Name] of [Scouting Service]. “He’s a player with a very high ceiling and the potential to be a star at the college level.”

Analysts consistently praise Montenati’s all-around game and his ability to impact both ends of the court. His shooting touch, combined with his size and athleticism, makes him a unique and highly sought-after prospect.

Oklahoma State’s 2026 Recruiting Class – Current Standings

As of September 27, 2025, Oklahoma State’s 2026 recruiting class ranks [Current Ranking] nationally. With Montenati now committed, the Cowboys are poised to climb the rankings as they continue to pursue other top targets.Key remaining targets include [List 2-3 other recruits Oklahoma State is pursuing].

The Rise of Oklahoma State Basketball Under Steve Prohm

Coach Steve Prohm is building a strong foundation in Stillwater. His emphasis on player development,combined with a commitment to recruiting top talent,is beginning to pay dividends. Montenati’s commitment is a testament to the progress the program is making under Prohm’s leadership. The Cowboys are quickly