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Scout Report
A sophomore with fifteen Division I offers already in his back pocket is not a normal sentence, but here we are. DJ Okoth hasn't even hit his junior year and programs from the SEC to the Horizon League are already lining up outside Bartlett High School's gym. That kind of early traction doesn't happen by accident.
Background
Okoth plays his high school ball at Bartlett, just outside Memphis, a program that's quietly building a reputation for producing Division I talent. He shares the frontcourt with 2027 wing Dylan Jones, the pair giving Bartlett one of the more dangerous forward combinations in the state of Tennessee. Growing up in the Memphis area means Okoth has had SEC and Memphis basketball culture around him his whole life, and it shows in how seriously he's already approaching his recruitment. For a 2028 prospect to be fielding offers from major conference programs this early says plenty about the trajectory his high school staff and AAU circuit believe he's on.
Playing Style
Okoth is a 6-foot-6 wing who plays with an attacking mentality — he wants downhill angles and he's not shy about creating his own shot off the bounce. He reads closeouts well for a young player, which lets him get into the paint rather than settling for contested jumpers. On defense he's got the frame and length to guard multiple positions already, and he competes on that end instead of just coasting while waiting to get the ball back. He runs the floor hard in transition, which is where a lot of his easiest offense comes from right now. His feel for the game is ahead of his age group — he's not a ball-dominant player, he fits into whatever his team needs. The tools are there for him to eventually be a primary initiator, but at this stage he's more of a complementary scorer who picks his spots.
Strengths
The physical profile jumps off the tape immediately — long arms, a frame that projects to fill out, and the mobility to switch screens without getting hunted. His ability to attack closeouts and finish through contact is ahead of schedule for a player his age. He's also shown flashes of a pull-up jumper off one or two dribbles, which separates him from wings who can only play in straight lines. Coaches watching early film see a kid who competes on both ends rather than a one-way scorer.
Areas to Watch
The jump shot off the catch needs continued reps — it's inconsistent enough right now that defenses can sag off him and dare him to shoot. Adding strength will matter too, especially against older, more physical wings once he moves up levels of competition. Tightening his handle in traffic will unlock more of that shot-creation upside scouts are already projecting onto him.
Player Comparison
His frame and attacking style bring to mind a young Jalen Johnson — long, switchable, and more comfortable putting the ball on the floor than standing in the corner. Like Johnson early in his career, the outside shot is the swing skill that will determine whether he's a connector or a lead option. It's an aspirational comp given how far out his class is, but the physical and stylistic traits line up.
Recruitment
Fifteen offers for a 2028 prospect is a significant number, and the list already includes Mississippi State, Tennessee, and Memphis alongside UIC, Tennessee State, Tennessee Martin, Alabama State, and Jacksonville. With over twenty total offers on the table, this recruitment is going to be a long one — he's not expected to make any decisions soon given how early he is in his high school career. Memphis and Tennessee's proximity to home give both programs a natural edge, but SEC-level interest from Mississippi State suggests his ceiling is drawing attention beyond just regional programs. Expect this list to keep growing as he gets more exposure on the AAU circuit over the next two years.
Projection
At the college level, Okoth projects as a versatile wing who can defend multiple positions and contribute as a secondary scorer from day one, with the tools to grow into a primary option if the jumper comes along. His length and feel give him a realistic pathway to professional basketball, though it's far too early to pin down a specific level. The range of outcomes is wide at this stage, but a high-major rotation wing with NBA Draft buzz down the line is firmly in play if the development curve continues.
Updated Oct 3, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Bartlett
PREP SCHOOL
Under Armour Association
AAU
Career Highlights
DJ Okoth nominated for TSSAA 4A Mr. Basketball
4 Steals
2 Fast Breaks
2026 Tournament of Champions Preview: Bartlett's D.J. Okoth
Memphis area's top boys high school basketball players through the first half of the season
Late night work with D.J. Okoth after Bartlett's 68-62 win over Southeastern Prep
Blessed to be invited to the Team USA, U16 camp. #freshman #agtg #usa
DJ Okoth has been a force for Bartlett Highschool🍿 Bartlett is currently ranked #17 on ESPN SC Next Top 25📈
Offers
15
Mississippi State
Tennessee
MemphisTennessee StateOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Social Activity
🎸 𝙋𝙇𝘼𝙔𝙀𝙍 𝙁𝙀𝘼𝙏𝙐𝙍𝙀 🎸 The BEST talent in Tennessee will be on display at the Battle for Nashville. We are excited to have DJ Okoth (@DjOkoth0) of Bartlett with us this year. DJ is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ according to multiple recruiting services and ranked as a Top 12 player https://t.co/PUkTXu3Cr0
𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐍! 🅱️ The #EDG get a good win over Lu-Hi (NY) in our first ever appearance in The City of Palms Classic! Back in action vs Petersburg (VA) tomorrow at 7:15pm! #EveryDayGuys | #BuiltToLast https://t.co/3aQUxyyFR7
Dylan Jones set the tone scoring his teams’ first 10 points 😤 Bartlett upsets LuHi behind their big 3 Dylan Jones, DJ Okoth (14 pts 7 reb) and Braylon Williams (20 pts) https://t.co/KumG9Shi7C
No. 14 Bartlett (TN) takes down No. 3 Petersburg (VA) 63-44 in City of Palms Classic quarterfinals 🌴🏀 Game Recap ⬇️ https://t.co/BaZBue4l4m @CityOfPalmsBKB / @BartlettHoops https://t.co/5sb66CXOac
🚨 #TerryTalks 🚨 These players got me talking about their DAY 3 performance at #CityOfPalmsClassic... #CityOfPalmsClassic #SCNext @PaulBiancardi @SCNext @TheUCReport @Ani_Umana @CityOfPalmsBKB @Top100Camp @marcusjjohnson_ @BartlettHoops @LuHiBasketball @CoachBlossom https://t.co/H6t3aIeidK