By SAM LANCE
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — One of the most consistently productive players on the Nike EYBL circuit this summer was class of 2025 four-star forward Jaion Pitt. The 6-foot-7, 220-pound forward out of Dream City Christian (AZ) and the Arizona Unity Nike EYBL program did a little bit of everything this summer, rebounding, finishing around the rim and hustling after every loose ball.
“Jaion is a Swiss army knife on the floor,” Arizona Unity coach Corey Boswell said. “Incredibly strong, efficient finisher around the rim. Strong rebounder and he can guard one-through-four. There isn’t anything he can’t do on the basketball court.”
At Peach Jam, Pitt said he’s been hearing from programs like Arizona State, Mississippi State, Oregon, UCLA and Utah State. He hasn’t set up any official visits yet for this fall but plans on doing so. Here’s his breakdown of the programs involved:
Arizona State: “They show up to a lot of our practices. They are pretty consistent. I actually have one of my old teammates [Amier Ali] over there.”
Mississippi State: “They call me a lot. They’re pretty consistent too with talking to me. They have a good program. I like their program.”
Oregon: “I like their motto: ‘Sometimes you, sometimes me, but always us.’ It shows unity and I like that. They’re always hitting me up, always texting me before the game. Sometimes they’ll send me scouting reports.” Hearing mainly from assistant Mike Mennenga.
UCLA: “They just have a really good program. I like their program. I like how they run stuff. [Mick Cronin] is a good coach, really good coach.”
Utah State: “They text me a lot too. Really consistent. And it’s a good program. They kind of all just text me here and there.”
Pitt said he hasn’t visited any programs so far in the recruitment process. The ones he’s setting up will be his firsts.
At Peach Jam, Pitt averaged 7.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 51.4% from the field. His best games included a 14-point outing vs. Boo Williams and a double-double against Team SFG.
“I’m good in the paint,” Pitt said of his game. “I’m good at finishing. And I have pretty good footwork to get myself around the rim and get around bigger defenders. I feel like I’m kind of a mismatch because I can guard a big and guard a guard, and when a big is guarding me I can just get out and attack him. And when a guard is guarding me I can just post him up.”
Several college coaches and NBA scouts told ZAGSBLOG at Peach Jam that Pitt could play in college and contribute in 2024-25. Pitt, though, will be enjoying his senior season at Dream City Christian.
This summer, Pitt played with Canada at the FIBA U18 Men’s Americup. He’s also previously played with Canada’s U17 (2022) and U19 (2023) national teams.
Pitt is ranked the No. 76 overall prospect in the 2025 class by 247Sports. His favorite NBA player is Kawhi Leonard.
Follow Sam Lance on Twitter
Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter
Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram
And Like ZAGS on Facebook
