Babatunde Oladotun Reclassifies to 2026: Why the Top Prospect’s Decision Was About Development, Not Dollar’s y

Babatunde “Baba” Oladotun, one of the brightest young stars in American high school basketball, has never been one to shy away from challenges. At just 16 years old, the Maryland native has already built a reputation as someone who thrives against older, stronger, and more experienced competition. That reputation is now taking him into a new chapter of his basketball journey: reclassifying from the high school class of 2027 to the class of 2026.

For many observers, this move may have seemed inevitable. Baba has been playing up in age groups since kindergarten, thanks in large part to the encouragement of his father, Ibrahim. From the very beginning, the elder Oladotun made sure his son was challenged at every level. “In kindergarten, dad had me play up two years,” Baba recalled recently with a laugh, ribbing his father during a car ride to a Nike camp in Los Angeles.

The truth is, Baba hardly remembers playing with kids his own age. His development, both physically and mentally, has been tied to competing with and against older players. That experience has prepared him for what lies ahead: entering the college basketball scene earlier than originally planned.

Why Reclassify? The Family’s Reasoning

Reclassification in basketball has become increasingly common, especially among elite prospects. In recent years, stars like Cooper Flagg and AJ Dybantsa have reclassified to accelerate their path to college basketball and, eventually, the NBA. Flagg, for example, jumped from the 2026 class to 2025, starred for Duke, and became the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Yet, according to Ibrahim Oladotun, money and draft positioning were not the motivating factors for Baba’s decision. Instead, the choice was about health, development, and maximizing opportunities.

“Baba is not Cooper Flagg,” Ibrahim said firmly. “They’re two different players, their bodies are totally different. This was about protecting an asset.”

That “asset,” of course, is Baba’s 6-foot-10, 195-pound frame and the enormous potential it holds. With years of high-level basketball already behind him — including grassroots tournaments, elite camps, and Team USA events — the family has seen firsthand the physical toll that constant competition can have on a young athlete.

“The biggest driving factor in this decision was, he’s an asset, how do we protect that asset?” Ibrahim explained. “A four-year college isn’t just about NIL. It’s about access to strength and conditioning, elite medical and healthcare, all-you-can-eat nutrition, and structured development. It’s more of an insurance policy.”

Breaking Away from the Money Narrative

The Oladotun family wants to be clear: this was not about cashing in early on NIL opportunities. While the modern college landscape certainly offers financial incentives, Baba and his father insist those were not central to their decision-making.

“I don’t want him to be labeled as ‘one and done’ before he even gets to college,” Ibrahim said. “We’re not trying to push him to the NBA as soon as possible. NIL comes with the territory today, but it’s not why we did this.”

Instead, their focus is squarely on Baba’s long-term development. They envision college as an environment where he can strengthen his body, refine his game, and learn how to manage the physical and mental demands of elite basketball.

Baba echoed that sentiment, saying the move feels natural because he’s always played against older competition. “Mentally, it’s like I’m going back to my original class,” he explained. “I vibe and chill with those 2026 guys all the time. Playing against the best of the best is what I want.”

Academic Readiness and Work Ethic

The decision was also made possible by Baba’s academic readiness. Thanks to years of summer school courses, he was already on track to graduate early. This summer, he completed 11th-grade English, often squeezing in study sessions between practices and games. On one occasion, while competing on the West Coast, he woke up at 5 a.m. to take a test scheduled on East Coast time.

This fall, Baba will tackle pre-calculus while continuing his rigorous basketball schedule. He has expressed interest in studying business marketing or finance in college, showing that his ambitions stretch beyond the hardwood.

The Basketball Fit

From a basketball standpoint, Baba’s reclassification shifts him into the No. 5 spot in the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports. That places him just behind Tyran Stokes, widely considered one of the most coveted high school players in the country.

Already holding scholarship offers from blue-blood programs like Kentucky, Kansas, and Gonzaga, Baba will have his pick of top-tier college destinations. At 6-foot-10 with a wiry frame reminiscent of Kevin Durant — the namesake of his club team, Team Durant — Baba’s upside is undeniable.

On the court, his game continues to expand. He’s added more than 20 pounds of muscle since last summer and is expected to add another 15-20 in college. While his father jokes that he still can’t beat him one-on-one, Baba has already drawn comparisons to NBA stars thanks to his scoring versatility, length, and feel for the game.

Even Durant himself has taken time to mentor Baba, stressing the importance of discipline, learning from others, and constantly developing new skills. For a teenager still refining his identity on the court, those lessons carry weight.

Looking Ahead

As Baba steps into this new chapter, questions remain. How will he adjust to competing against seasoned college players at such a young age? Will his reclassification accelerate his rise, or will it create new pressures and expectations?

What’s clear is that Baba and his family are approaching the process thoughtfully. They’ve consulted with coaches, educators, and agents, but ultimately, the choice reflects a deeply personal strategy: protect Baba’s body, maximize his development, and put him in the best position to succeed long-term.

And while the basketball world buzzes with speculation about his NBA potential, Baba remains focused on the present. “I’m excited, not timid,” he said. “To play against the best of the best, that’s what I want.”