OJ Popoola
Uncommitted
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Scout Report
When you have twin forwards sharing the court and both crack the top 175 nationally, that's either a recruiting goldmine or a logistical nightmare for college coaches. The Popoola brothers at Palisades are putting together film that has evaluators wondering which twin might have the higher ceiling.
Background
OJ Popoola comes out of the basketball hotbed that is Los Angeles, suiting up for Palisades High School in Pacific Palisades. Growing up in Southern California's competitive prep landscape, he's been grinding through the club circuit while developing his game alongside his twin brother EJ. The Popoola family has clearly prioritized basketball development, with both sons emerging as legitimate Division I prospects. Playing at Palisades gives him exposure to high-level competition and college scouts who frequent the LA prep scene.
Playing Style
Popoola operates as a versatile forward who can impact the game in multiple ways without needing the offense to run through him. At 6-5, he has the size to create mismatches on the perimeter while possessing enough athleticism to finish above the rim in transition. His decision-making shows maturity beyond his years - he rarely forces shots and understands when to attack versus when to move the ball. Defensively, his length allows him to switch across multiple positions, and he shows good instincts in help situations. He plays with controlled aggression, never seeming rushed but always ready to capitalize when opportunities present themselves. The pace of his game suggests a player who understands basketball IQ can overcome pure athleticism in many situations.
Strengths
His basketball feel separates him from other forwards in his class who might have superior athleticism. Popoola processes the game quickly and makes sound decisions with the ball, whether that's attacking closeouts or finding open teammates. His shooting mechanics look clean from the perimeter, and he's comfortable taking catch-and-shoot opportunities. The length and coordination allow him to be disruptive defensively without gambling for steals, and he shows real promise as a weakside shot blocker who can recover back to his man.
Areas to Watch
Adding functional strength will be crucial for his development as he faces more physical competition at the next level. His handle needs refinement to become a true three-position player who can create his own shot consistently. Becoming more aggressive as a scorer could unlock another gear - he sometimes defers when he has clear advantages.
Player Comparison
There are shades of Harrison Barnes in his approach to the game - that measured, intelligent style where he impacts winning without demanding touches. Like Barnes coming out of high school, Popoola has the size and skill set to play multiple positions while fitting seamlessly into different offensive systems. Both players share that quality of making teammates better without needing to be the focal point.
Recruitment
As a 2027 prospect ranked #166 nationally, Popoola is entering the critical evaluation period where programs will start extending offers. The lack of reported offers at this stage isn't concerning given his class year, but expect that to change rapidly as he continues developing. Mid-major programs and lower-tier Power Five schools should be monitoring his progress closely. The twin factor with EJ adds an interesting wrinkle - some programs might pursue both brothers as a package deal, while others will evaluate them separately based on fit and need.
Projection
His ceiling likely falls in the solid rotation player category at a mid-major program or potential role player at a Power Five school. The combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ gives him a clear path to college basketball success, even if he never becomes a star. Professional basketball isn't out of the question if he continues developing his offensive arsenal and adds the necessary strength to compete at higher levels.
Updated Apr 9, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team