Five-star basketball prospect from Alabama makes an official commitment announcement.

In a much-anticipated moment for college basketball fans and recruiting analysts alike, five-star basketball phenom Malik Anderson from Birmingham, Alabama has officially announced his college commitment. After months of speculation, official visits, and behind-the-scenes recruiting battles, the 6-foot-8 forward revealed on Thursday afternoon that he will be taking his elite talents to the University of Kansas, giving head coach Bill Self yet another blue-chip addition to his storied program.

The announcement came during a packed ceremony held at Anderson’s high school gymnasium, complete with a live stream, teammates surrounding him, and his family by his side. Wearing a navy suit with a crimson-and-blue tie, Anderson unzipped his warmup jacket to unveil a Kansas Jayhawks t-shirt underneath—drawing cheers and gasps from the crowd that included classmates, reporters, and fans.

“This has been a dream come true,” Anderson said moments after revealing his decision. “I want to thank God, my family, my coaches, and everyone who’s been a part of my journey. After long talks with my parents and evaluating everything, I’m excited to say I’ll be playing college basketball at the University of Kansas.”

A National Recruiting Battle

Anderson, widely regarded as one of the top five prospects in the Class of 2025, had offers from nearly every powerhouse in college basketball. Alabama, Auburn, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Duke were all in pursuit, with Anderson taking official visits to Kansas, Alabama, and North Carolina during the fall.

According to 247Sports Composite Rankings, Anderson is ranked No. 3 overall nationally and the No. 1 small forward in his class. Known for his freakish athleticism, two-way versatility, and polished mid-range game, Anderson was the centerpiece of what many recruiting experts labeled the most intense recruitment in the South in recent years.

“Kansas just felt like home,” Anderson said during a media scrum following his announcement. “Coach Self made it clear how much he believes in me, and I felt that love from the players and the whole community when I visited. It’s a winning culture, and I want to be part of something special.”

Home-State Disappointment

While Kansas celebrates a major recruiting victory, Anderson’s decision was a major blow to both Alabama and Auburn. The Crimson Tide in particular had been viewed as the favorite for months, with head coach Nate Oats heavily involved in Anderson’s recruitment. Oats and his staff hosted Anderson on an official visit in September, bringing out former players, a courtside football game experience, and a glowing pitch centered around immediate playing time.

Sources close to Alabama’s program believed they were in pole position as recently as last week, but Kansas’ sustained presence and the allure of its national championship pedigree ultimately won out.

“This one hurts,” an Alabama assistant coach told a local radio station anonymously. “We put everything we had into Malik’s recruitment, and he’s the kind of guy who could’ve been a program-changer. We wish him well, but it’s tough.”

For Auburn, Bruce Pearl also made a strong push late, emphasizing Anderson’s potential role in a fast-paced offense and showing a strong developmental path through NBA Draft success stories like Jabari Smith Jr. and Walker Kessler. However, Auburn was believed to be a distant third by the final week of Anderson’s decision-making process.

A Star in the Making

Anderson’s rise to prominence has been both steady and spectacular. As a freshman at Birmingham Central High School, he averaged 14 points and 8 rebounds and earned regional newcomer honors. By his sophomore season, he was already dominating competition and garnering national attention after standout performances in the Nike EYBL circuit with Team Thad.

This past season, Anderson took his game to another level. Averaging 26.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, he led Birmingham Central to a state championship, earning Alabama Mr. Basketball honors and becoming the first junior to win the award since DeMarcus Cousins in 2008.

“He’s a unicorn,” said Birmingham Central head coach Ray Thompson. “You don’t find many 6-8 guys who can dribble like a point guard, shoot like a wing, and defend like a big. But more than that, he’s coachable, grounded, and wants to win. Kansas is getting a gem.”

The Kansas Impact

For Kansas, the commitment of Anderson adds another elite piece to what’s already shaping up to be a top-ranked 2025 recruiting class. He joins four-star guard Jamari Phillips and stretch big man Corey Vance, creating a trio with serious Final Four aspirations. Bill Self’s pitch to Anderson reportedly focused on his ability to play multiple positions, impact both ends of the floor, and follow in the footsteps of Jayhawks stars like Andrew Wiggins, Jalen Wilson, and Ochai Agbaji.

In a statement released by Kansas, Self said, “Malik is the type of player who can elevate our program instantly. He has the talent, work ethic, and maturity to make an impact from day one. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Jayhawk family.”

Anderson is expected to slot in as a starting forward in his freshman year and could be one-and-done if his current development curve continues. NBA scouts are already projecting him as a potential lottery pick in the 2026 draft, praising his frame, fluidity, and defensive instincts.

Family Ties and Role Models

Raised in a tight-knit family, Anderson credits his mother, Lisa, and older brother, Darius, for keeping him grounded and focused. His brother played college ball at UAB and now works as a trainer, often seen putting Malik through late-night workouts and shooting drills.

“I owe a lot to my family,” Malik said. “My mom sacrificed so much for me to get to this point, and my brother has always pushed me to be better. They kept me locked in when things got crazy during the recruitment process.”

Anderson has also drawn inspiration from NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Paul George, citing their versatility and ability to impact the game at multiple levels.

“I watch film of Tatum a lot,” he said. “The way he creates space, handles the ball, and plays with pace—I try to mirror that. I also love how Paul George defends and plays within the team. I want to be that complete player.”

What’s Next

Now that his commitment is public, Anderson says he plans to focus solely on finishing his senior year strong—both on the court and in the classroom. He will once again headline the high school All-American circuit this summer, including appearances at the McDonald’s All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and the Nike Hoop Summit.

Recruiting-wise, Kansas is expected to use Anderson’s commitment as a springboard to land more top-tier talent. He is reportedly in regular contact with fellow five-star prospects Tyrone Sellers and Zeke Marshall, both of whom could join him in Lawrence next season.

“I’ll definitely be recruiting some guys to come with me,” Anderson said with a grin. “We’re trying to build something legendary.”

Malik Anderson’s commitment to Kansas is not just a win for Bill Self—it’s a statement. In an era of NIL battles, transfer portal chaos, and ever-changing recruiting dynamics, securing a five-star talent from SEC country is a powerful reminder of Kansas’ national pull.

For Alabama and Auburn, it’s back to the drawing board. But for Kansas fans, Thursday’s announcement represents something even bigger than a name on a roster: hope for the next era of Jayhawk greatness.

And for Anderson, it marks the beginning of what could be one of the most exciting journeys in recent memory. From Birmingham to the blueblood lights of Allen Fieldhouse, the stage is set for Alabama’s brightest star to shine on the biggest stage.