SJ Madison
Committed · Nevada"Basketball🏀 Baseball⚾️ 6’5, c/o 2026 Redondo Union highschool (Team Why not aau) Insta:Sjisballin. @Nevadahoops"
Rankings sourced from 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals. Learn how we aggregate data →
Scout Report
When you watch Redondo Union film, your eyes immediately drift to the 6-5 frame cutting baseline and filling lanes in transition. That instinct for finding the right spots separates good players from recruits who get coaches on the phone.
Background
Growing up in Redondo Beach, SJ Madison developed his game on the competitive South Bay circuit before landing at Redondo Union High School. The California basketball scene shaped his versatility, where players learn to adapt to different styles and tempos from an early age. Playing alongside fellow ranked prospects like point guard Chace Holley and fellow forward Chris Sanders, Madison has been part of a loaded Sea Hawks program that consistently produces college talent. His AAU experience on the West Coast exposure circuit helped him develop the polish that caught the attention of Mountain West and mid-major programs early in his recruitment.
Playing Style
Madison operates as a modern small forward who impacts winning through basketball IQ rather than overwhelming athleticism. He reads the game at his own pace, making smart cuts and finding open spots when defenses rotate. His decision-making in transition stands out - he knows when to push tempo and when to pull the ball out and set up half-court offense. Defensively, Madison uses his length well to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots without fouling. He's not a lockdown defender yet, but his anticipation allows him to make plays that don't always show up in the box score. His motor runs consistently on both ends, and he communicates well with teammates during defensive rotations.
Strengths
The shooting stroke from three-point range gives Madison his primary weapon - he's comfortable pulling up in catch-and-shoot situations and has shown range beyond the college arc. His basketball IQ really separates him from other forwards in his class, as he rarely forces bad shots or makes careless turnovers. The 6-5 frame with developing strength allows him to guard multiple positions and create mismatches when smaller players try to check him. Madison's passing vision from the forward position adds another dimension, as he can make the extra pass when defenses collapse on drives.
Areas to Watch
The handle needs refinement if Madison wants to create his own shot consistently at the next level - right now he's more effective as a complementary scorer. Adding 15-20 pounds of functional strength would help him finish through contact and hold position against stronger forwards. His first step off the dribble could improve to make him more dangerous attacking closeouts on his jump shot.
Player Comparison
Think of a young Luke Kennard in terms of shooting ability and basketball feel, though Madison has more size to work with. Both players rely on fundamentals and shooting rather than elite athleticism, and both have that knack for being in the right place at the right time. The comparison works because neither player overwhelms you physically, but their basketball IQ and shooting ability make them valuable college contributors.
Recruitment
Madison locked up his commitment to Nevada early, choosing the Wolf Pack over offers from UC Santa Barbara, New Mexico, UNLV, Texas Arlington, Portland State, and Long Beach State. The Mountain West Conference fit makes sense for his skill set, as Nevada's up-tempo style should maximize his transition abilities and spot-up shooting. His ranking at #123 nationally in the 2026 class reflects solid mid-major value rather than high-major potential. The early commitment suggests Madison prioritized fit and opportunity over chasing bigger offers, which often works out well for players at his level.
Projection
Madison projects as a rotation player who could develop into a starter by his junior or senior year at Nevada. His ceiling is probably a 12-15 point per game scorer who shoots 38-40% from three and contributes across multiple statistical categories. Professional basketball seems unlikely given his athletic limitations, but he has the skill set to play overseas if he maximizes his college development.
Updated May 4, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Nevada
COLLEGE
Redondo Union
PREP SCHOOL
Offers
7
Nevada
Committed
Chose Nevada over 6 other offers
UC Santa Barbara
New Mexico
UNLV
Texas ArlingtonOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Social Activity
SJ Madison doesn’t miss 😳 The Nevada commit knocks down ANOTHER corner three 3Q: Redondo Union 52, Mira Costa 35 https://t.co/8tiYDCH7Yb
Redondo Union is unstoppable in transition They get out on the break and SJ Madison throws it down for a tomahawk slam 1Q: Redondo Union 16, Mira Costa 6 https://t.co/iV99v0phXP
247Sports wrapped up our annual California Winter trip at @ClassicAtDamien. In a competitive tournament setting, we gathered fresh evaluation looks on several of the West Coast region’s top recruits. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 https://t.co/7CWDdwWUfh https://t.co/KVs9gjVyKD
**Some** Monday Eye-Catchers ⏩ @ClassicAtDamien ‘27 Hunter Caplan ‘27 Mattai Carter ‘26 Jax Clarke ‘26 Christian Collins ‘28 Oumar Dabo ‘27 Mahamadou Diop ‘28 Owen Eteuati-Edwards ‘26 Nicholas Giarrusso ‘29 Quali Giran ‘26 Nolan Newman-Gomez ‘27 Daijon Grayson ‘26 Chace Holly https://t.co/2HeTMH4Db1
We caught up with ‘26 @NevadaHoops commit SJ Madison at the @ClassicAtDamien and talked about what went into his decision to commit to the Wolf Pack, his goals for the season, how his high school + club coaches have helped prepare him for the next level, and more (sound 🔊 on). https://t.co/vw01ekn5iE