By SAM LANCE
WICHITA, KS — Class of 2026 four-star wing Aidan Chronister has kept busy this month with unofficial visits to Indiana and Michigan, while also having several schools stop by Sunrise Christian Academy as he prepares for his junior season.
Over the summer, Chronister played with the 17U AAO Flight in the Puma Pro16 league, competing up an age group to gear up for the upcoming EYBL scholastic season.
“I really like the circuit,” Chronister told ZAGSBLOG. “Matt Reynolds and Puma, they did their thing of showcasing me, and not only me, but the team to show our talents and get everyone good looks. And there were a lot of coaches there, so I’m really thankful for that. But I think I showed that I can compete really at any level. But it was very good because it was good players.”
Now, Chronister will be a key leader as Sunrise goes for a Chipotle Nationals crown.
“I bring energy to the team for sure,” Chronister said. “But what to accomplish, we’re trying to win it all. We’re trying to win every game possible. Last year, you know, we’re trying to prove ourselves since last year for sure.”
Chronister holds offers from 15 schools at the moment, including Arkansas, Central Arkansas, Charleston, Creighton, Harding, High Point, Indiana, Indiana State, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Troy and Wichita State.
He broke down some of these programs below, including his trips to Michigan and Indiana:
Michigan: “I’ve known coach [Dusty] May when he was at FAU. He recruited some guys. Ty when he played on our 17s at AAO flight, he recruited him. And I’ve known him ever since. So when he moved to Michigan, that was a big move for him. But going down there, I mean great facilities. They have a great team. I really love their offense. And coach May, he preaches if you shoot the ball it makes it so much easier for not just you but for the team. So he thinks I can be very good there.”
Indiana: “Indiana is good. Coach [Mike] Woodson, Adam Howard, Jordan Hulls, those are my guys. I had a fun time there. Their offense is kind of similar but they go a lot through their bigs and a lot of people are handling the ball going off screens and reading. So guards can play 1-4 if you’re tall enough obviously. But like their bigs are very involved. They are very sound on defense. It was very good to see.”
Arkansas: “Coach [John] Calipari, he’s a great coach. Arkansas, I visited there when [Eric] Musselman was there. But I mean, obviously growing up there, I know the fan base. They are very cool. Definitely a great program. They are well taken care of. I haven’t been to a practice or anything yet or been on an unofficial there yet. So when I do, I can definitely add more. But coach Calipari, I think it’s good for Arkansas to hire him.”
Iowa: “A lot of people that are built like me and have the same game as me are able to go to the pros. So that’s my end goal is to make it to the league and have a good career. So I think Iowa is a good spot. I love the coaches. I need to get down there for a visit. Same with a lot of other schools. But yeah, their offense is definitely really good. When they have people like me, it makes the game so much easier. They have a lot of shooters.”
Nebraska: “Their coach is really good and coached in the NBA and knows a lot about it. Nebraska fans are crazy about volleyball and all of that but they show support everywhere. They’re an amazing school too. Well taken care of. I love everything about them. They have good shooters as well when they went to go visit last year. So I really liked them.”
Oklahoma: “My guy [Clayton] Custer and coach [Porter] Moser. I’ve been there like three times. Seen football games, seen practice. They are very good and they rely on their shooters. That’s one thing I think I’m very good at. So I think I could succeed there.”
Chronister doesn’t have any other unofficial visits planned right now. He might take some more this fall.
“I’m just trying to stay focused and be here with the team [Sunrise] because it’s going to be a very long and hard season,” Chronister said. “So I’m trying to get as prepared and better as I can get, for not only this season but for college down the road.”
The wing has family connections to the Razorbacks. His mother, Kim Chronister, played volleyball at Arkansas and is a University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor 2018 Inductee. Chronister’s father was a walk-on at Arkansas. He also has one older sibling, Ashton Chronister, who of course is an athlete. He stands at 6-foot-8 and is a sophomore lefty pitcher for Xavier.
The wing is ranked the No. 50 overall prospect in the 2026 class by 247Sports. Chronister thinks his game is similar to a couple of NBA players.
“I play like Jayson Tatum,” he said. “I watch some of his film. Kevin Durant. Just the way he’s able to get to his spots. I think taller, lengthy guards is more like me. I think I’m a good shooter. I think I can get better at a lot of things, but I think my passing is underrated.”
Chronister’s No. 1 hobby outside of basketball is listening to music. He also mentions an unusual talent: his jaw always pops whenever he eats.
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