While there are numerous other prospects currently in Arizona's 2025 Class that are getting much more recruiting attention at this point in time, one prospect that is an excellent sleeper prospect in the class is Marcos De Niza High School's talented 6-foot-8, 205-pound senior James Steward. While we have spoken about Steward as a promising basketball prospect for some time now, the time has come for Steward to begin focusing heavily on his college recruitment. While he is currently hearing from some numerous Division-I programs, this is one young man that should receive his share of college recruitment throughout the high school season, and heading into next spring.
Steward could decide to make his college decision this fall, as he does currently possess an offer from Northern Arizona. He is currently hearing from numerous other Division-I programs currently, so more offers could be realized soon for him, as more college coaches become more comfortable with his talent and ability to help them.
Steward is one of the state's best overall talents and especially in the AIA, as he has excellent size, athleticism and presence on the floor. He is also coming off an excellent junior season for himself, and, while his team struggled to win games, Steward was terrific - averaging 17 points and 11 rebounds per/contest last season. He will certainly have a big senior season this year, capping off an excellent high school career for himself. Steward also has been approached consistently by prep schools to transfer programs, but Steward has remained loyal to the Marcos De Niza basketball program, where he enjoys attending school.
Steward is coming off a very good showing this spring and summer again, while playing for his club program AZ Factory on the PUMA basketball circuit, and coached by legendary club coach Kenny Mullins.
Steward is a very nice talent for Arizona's 2025 Class, although he is still unheralded. He is a very active post talent that finishes strong plays around the rim and over defenders. He has excellent length of body and a good overall motor. He runs the floor hard and finishes strong in transition. He is very mobile and versatile as a stretch four-man, and has very good upside also for the future. He competes hard and can score inside and out with a soft touch from the perimeter. A prospect on the rise that I would like to see a lot more of. He has developed into one of the better prospects in Arizona's 2025 Class, and should be able to help a college program immediately, with continued hard work.
Steward is one prospect that should also make a jump in our next Individual Player Rankings for the 2025 Class, soon to be released. He is a budding Division-I prospect for college coaches to take a hard look at begin recruiting for the future.
I will continue to follow Steward's development as a player and prospect closely, and bring you any recruiting updates as they continue to develop.
