The Marquette men's basketball team has made a notable addition to its 2027 recruiting class by securing a commitment from Philipe Ndong, a promising 6-foot-8 forward from the Newman School in Massachusetts. Ndong announced his decision to join the Golden Eagles on social media on September 5, further solidifying Marquette's efforts to build a competitive roster for the future.
Ndong is regarded as a rapidly ascending talent in the basketball recruiting landscape. Prior to his commitment to Marquette, he received scholarship offers from several other programs, including Creighton and South Florida. He joins Marlon Martinez, a 6-foot-5 guard, as the second confirmed recruit for the Golden Eagles' 2027 class, indicating a strong start to head coach Shaka Smart's recruiting efforts.
In June, Ndong took an official visit to Marquette, which likely played a crucial role in his decision-making process. The Newman School, where he plays, is a member of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC), a league that has proven to be a fruitful recruiting ground for Marquette under Smart's leadership. The program has a history of attracting talent from this league, with former players like Tyler Kolek, Chase Ross, and Tre Norman having competed there.
Last season, Ndong averaged 13.3 points per game for the Newman School, showcasing his scoring ability and potential on the court. He also participated in the Under Armour AAU circuit, playing for the Middlesex Magic, a program known for developing players who have gone on to compete at the professional level, including Kolek and former Milwaukee Bucks player Pat Connaughton.
Marquette's coaching staff is optimistic about Ndong's long-term potential, although they recognize that he may need time to develop physically to compete effectively in the Big East. His current frame may require additional strength, but his size, basketball intelligence, and overall feel for the game have drawn comparisons to former Marquette standout Oso Ighodaro, who is now playing in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns.
In terms of shooting, Ndong has demonstrated promise, with reports indicating that he shot 38% from beyond the arc while attempting over four three-pointers per game during his time in the Under Armour circuit. His free-throw shooting percentage of 79% further reflects his skill set and touch as a shooter.
Another intriguing aspect of Ndong's background is his family lineage. His father, Boniface Ndong, is a 7-footer who played for the Senegal national team and had a brief stint in the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2005-2006 season. Currently, Boniface Ndong serves as the head coach of the Senegal national team, adding a layer of basketball pedigree to Philipe's profile.
Philipe Ndong's commitment to Marquette mirrors that of Martinez, the other recruit in the 2027 class, who also comes from a basketball family background. Martinez's father was a notable player for the Dominican Republic national team and enjoyed a successful career in professional leagues across Latin America. With these two promising recruits, Marquette is positioning itself for a bright future in college basketball.
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