Donovan Criss
"Follower of Christ/SA Brennan HS 🐻🏀/UTEP ⛏️ 🏀Commit/IG @Djcriss2026"
UTEP
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Scout Report
When a program lands three top-350 recruits from the same high school roster, you know there's something special happening in that gym. Brennan High School in San Antonio has become a pipeline for college talent, and UTEP just hit the jackpot by securing two key pieces from that championship-caliber squad.
Background
Criss grew up in San Antonio's basketball-rich environment, where prep hoops carry serious weight and college coaches are regular fixtures on the sidelines. Playing for Brennan High School, he's been part of a program that's developed into a legitimate recruiting hotbed over the past few seasons. The school's basketball culture emphasizes fundamentals and team basketball, which shows in how Criss approaches the game. He's developed alongside elite-level teammates like Kingston Flemings, the #15 point guard in 2025 who's headed to Houston, creating a competitive daily environment that's elevated everyone's games.
Playing Style
Criss plays with a mature understanding of spacing and team concepts that you don't always see from wings his age. At 6-5, he's got the size to play multiple positions and the basketball IQ to make smart decisions with the ball in his hands. He's not the guy who's going to demand 20 shots per game, but rather the glue player who makes everyone around him better. His tempo is controlled and deliberate - he picks his spots to be aggressive rather than forcing the action. Defensively, his length allows him to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots from multiple positions. The kid understands role basketball at a high level, which is exactly what college coaches want to see from a versatile forward.
Strengths
What jumps off the tape is Criss's basketball instincts and feel for the game. He reads defenses well and consistently makes the right pass out of double teams or help situations. His shot selection is mature beyond his years - he takes what the defense gives him rather than hunting difficult looks. The versatility to guard multiple positions gives coaches flexibility in their rotations, and his length creates problems for opposing offenses. His understanding of team concepts and willingness to do the dirty work makes him the type of player coaches love to build around.
Areas to Watch
The biggest development area for Criss is becoming more assertive offensively when his number is called. Sometimes his unselfish nature works against him when the team needs a bucket. Continuing to add strength to his frame will help him finish through contact at the college level and hold his own against more physical forwards.
Player Comparison
Think of a young Nicolas Batum in terms of how Criss impacts winning without needing to dominate the stat sheet. Both players have that rare combination of size, basketball IQ, and willingness to play within a system rather than forcing their own agenda. The versatility and court awareness translate to immediate college impact, even if the individual numbers don't always pop.
Recruitment
With 14 D1 offers already in hand, Criss had legitimate high-major interest from programs like Arizona State, Mississippi State, and Virginia Tech before committing to UTEP. His early commitment to the Miners gives them a cornerstone piece to build around and likely influenced teammate Isaiah Ward's decision to join him in El Paso. The fact that he had Power 5 options but chose UTEP suggests he values fit and role over prestige. Coach Joe Golding has done excellent work identifying undervalued Texas talent, and landing Criss continues that trend.
Projection
At the college level, Criss projects as a four-year contributor who could start by his sophomore season. His ceiling is as a versatile forward who can play the 3 or 4 in smaller lineups while providing leadership and basketball IQ. Professional opportunities will depend on how much his individual skill set develops, but his understanding of team basketball gives him a chance to carve out a role at various levels.
Updated Apr 11, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Highlights
Offers
14UTEP
Signed
Chose UTEP over 13 other offers
Arizona State
Mississippi State
Virginia Tech
North TexasOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Social Activity
Miners end it with a THRILLER ⛏️ #PicksUp https://x.com/UTEPMBB/status/2020357822899204601/photo/1
This moment… very proud of this moment 🖤💛 https://x.com/Brennan_AT/status/2020233928460874154/photo/1
Officially Nominees!! Congrats Bella Flemings ( @Be22a_Flemings ) , Donovan Criss ( @donovan_criss ), Talon Todd ( @talontodd04 ), and Isaiah Ward ( @isaiah_ward42 ) Leaders of the class of 26! 🫡 Proud of y’all!! 🖤💛 https://t.co/isR2BbOjTf
WEST: @q_wadley @kadenhouse10 @IsaiahRogers21 @Josh_Irving21 @BraydenKyman34 @j0esterling @WeisGabe @dsurratt3 @_alexconstanza @Gallagher_P7 @Gav1placide @NunnTrae @donovan_criss @isaiah_ward42 @talontodd04 EAST: @AidanChronist1 @AbdouToure36 @HerlyBrutus @the_Tonibryant
Taking my 8th graders to tour their future high school means I get to reconnect with former students. So proud of these babies who are now SENIORS! Their futures are bright! 💥🎓📚@NISDBrennan @NISDBernal https://t.co/uoocGLNy2B