No. 1 USA Star Player Adante’ Holiman Officially Commits to Arizona State Sun Devils, Turns Down Alabama and Tennessee
In a move sending shockwaves through the college basketball world, Adante’ Holiman, the consensus No. 1 high school player in the United States, has officially committed to the Arizona State Sun Devils, spurning powerhouse offers from Alabama and Tennessee. Holiman’s decision, announced in a live-streamed event packed with fans, media, and NBA scouts, marks a watershed moment in Arizona State’s program history.
Holiman, a 6’3” electric point guard out of Dallas, Texas, has been a national sensation since his sophomore year. Known for his freakish athleticism, court vision, and killer instinct in crunch time, Holiman averaged 31.7 points, 9.1 assists, and 4.8 steals per game during his senior season at Lancaster High School. His viral mixtapes, featuring thunderous dunks and no-look passes, drew millions of views and the attention of every blue-blood program in the country.
But in a twist few predicted, Holiman chose Tempe.
“This decision is about more than just basketball,” Holiman said on stage, donning a black-and-gold Sun Devils cap. “Coach Hurley believed in me from day one. He didn’t just recruit me — he challenged me to be a leader, a scholar, and a man. Arizona State gives me the platform to change the game, not just play it.”
The commitment is a monumental win for head coach Bobby Hurley, whose relentless pursuit of Holiman included midnight gym sessions, family visits, and building a player-centric development program designed around Holiman’s explosive playing style. Sources close to the recruitment say Holiman was swayed by Arizona State’s vision of making him the face of a historic run to a Final Four — a feat the program has never achieved.
“This isn’t a one-and-done conversation,” Hurley stated shortly after the announcement. “Adante’ wants to build something. He’s coming to change the culture, to make Arizona State a national destination.”
Turning down Alabama, a Final Four contender with NBA-ready infrastructure, and Tennessee, known for its suffocating defense and consistent SEC dominance, shows Holiman’s desire to blaze his own path. Analysts say his decision could usher in a new era of parity, where top players consider development and leadership opportunities over just prestige.
Already projected as the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Holiman’s commitment will almost certainly attract other elite recruits to Arizona State. Rumors are swirling that two other Top 25 players — including a five-star forward from California — are now leaning toward joining the Sun Devils.
For Arizona State fans, this is more than a recruitment — it’s a statement. The Sun Devils just landed a generational talent with the charisma of Ja Morant, the finesse of Trae Young, and the raw hunger of Damian Lillard.
And now, the Pac-12 — and the entire nation — has been put on notice: Adante’ Holiman is coming. And he’s bringing the fire with him.
