A vertically explosive 7-foot-1 five-man, Ari Boya has reclassified into the Class of 2018.
A significant recruiting coup for Bradley, the Cameroon native brings length, baseline to baseline mobility, and the potential to pan out as a menacing shot blocker.
Boya, who graduated from Scotland Campus Sports (Pa.) this spring, averaged 14 points, 11 boards, and 6.3 blocks during the 21-2 Scotland's rapid ascent of the prep national mountaintops. The program was ranked as high as No.1 nationally.
Boya blocked nine shots against IMG Academy's post grad national team, sealing off the driving lanes en route to an 82-70 upset at the Prep National Showcase in New Haven, Conn.
"Ari was definitely a defensive stopper for us. With his length and great timing he protected the goal for us many of times," explained Scotland Campus head coach Chris Chaney, who has helped nurture 18 NBA players while winning more games than any current prep coach.
"He was more confident on scoring the ball and facing up and shooting. I think he definitely got the preparation necessary to prepare for Bradley."
Boya's two seasons of high school and prep basketball are a microcosm of his quick growth. He began his career at The Conrad School in Orlando, Fla.
During his first ever game, against Elijah Weaver (USC) and an SIAA state champion Oldsmar Christian team, Boya scored just two points and pulled down seven boards in under 20 minutes of action.
This type of meager production wouldn't last.
Three weeks later against Agape Christian (FL), Boya went off for 25 points and tore down 17 boards.
This past season against ISA at home, Boya scored 26 points on a mixed bag of dunks, point blank finishes, free throws, and a feathery mini-hook.
When he first got into the country from Cameroon, he needed to develop a better grasp of the game.
He pored over highlight clips of Hakeem Olajuwon and Shaq on Youtube before touching foot on U.S. soil. Still, despite his clear physical and athleticism advantages, Boya was raw in many categories.
He worked tirelessly on his handle and adjusted to a speedy offensive pace.
Boya also developed a rapport with then-teammate Luguentz Dort (Arizona State), emerging as a key recipient of the bullish 6-foot-4 guard's high lob passes.
Chaney has helped churn out talented bigs such as Hassan Whiteside (Marshall/Miami Heat) and Jordan Hill (Arizona/L.A. Lakers), whom he coached at North Carolina prep powers.
How does the veteran coach rank Boya up there with those household name bigs?
"He could be right up there with them," Chaney opined.
"The great thing about Ari is not only is he talented and long, but he has that special work ethic and desire to be good. He does pick up on things quickly."
Boya's play last summer garnered calls from Baylor, UConn, UCF and several other high major programs.
Citing his relationship with assistant coach Drew Adams and head coach
Brian Wardle, Boya committed to Bradley as a sophomore.