Leo Curtis, a well-regarded 7’1″ center, has reopened his college recruitment again after decommitting from Arizona State, where he had committed back in January 2025.
Hailing from Iceland and showcasing his skills at CATS Academy, Curtis is known for his impressive size and shooting ability, which he displayed in both Iceland’s top youth levels and international junior play.
Curtis Back on the Market: Big Ten Schools Reignite Interest
With Curtis no longer committed to the Sun Devils, schools have a fresh chance to recruit him. His decision comes just as Big Ten programs are becoming increasingly aggressive in recruiting 2025 talent.
Given his skill set and international achievement, Curtis is expected to draw strong interest, potentially influencing how Big Ten programs approach the remainder of the recruiting cycle.
Curtis once took an official visit to Indiana University during the Big Ten opener against Minnesota, and they are anticipated to be the first to reach back out to the player. The Hoosiers have been searching for a forward who fits their defensive identity, and Curtis’s availability gives them a new opportunity.
Other teams, such as Michigan and Ohio State, the two Big Ten competitors, may also pursue Curtis. Both programs have been active in the transfer and recruiting markets this spring, and adding Curtis would strengthen their depth and frontcourt production. He would provide offensive depth and bolster their frontcourt rotation.
The rivalry that the Big Ten entails is intense, and landing a player like Curtis could provide the edge a team needs to stand out. Big Ten decision-makers now see talented players as the key to success and understand that staying competitive in basketball requires having top athletes on their roster.
The Big Ten’s variety of playing styles also makes it an ideal setting for international players. Curtis’s experience in European competitions gives him a skill set that many conference coaches will value.
Implications for the Big Ten’s Recruiting Strategies
Curtis’s decommitment highlights the unpredictable nature of college basketball recruiting. Changes like this show why programs must remain flexible and maintain strong relationships with their potential recruits.
His decision also reflects how recruiting has become more global. With more international athletes like Curtis in the U.S. college sports network, the scouting network is being expanded, and the styles of play are diversified.
Key factors in recruitment are the player’s development and how well a program fits their goals. Beyond immediate playing time, prospects are increasingly looking for environments that can support long-term growth and prepare them for professional careers.
The Curtis situation demonstrates the essential role of timing during recruitment processes. Curtis made this decision of decommitment less than a month after the NCAA Tournament ended and just as the spring transfer portal opened, a time when many rosters were still in flux.
Big Ten programs with available frontcourt spots to fill, evaluating 2024 or 2025 prospects, especially late-emerging players like Curtis, who re-enter the recruiting process.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
The Arizona State decommitment by Curtis provides Big Ten colleges with an opportunity to strengthen their future defending class of 2025 recruits. His exceptional combination of skills positions him among the most fascinating prospects available which will benefit any school that secures his signature.
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