Bo Ogden, a 2026 4-star guard out of Austin, Texas, has caught the attention of college coaches and scouts with his polished game and mature approach. At just 16 years old, Ogden is already drawing comparisons to NBA stars and fielding interest from some of the top programs in the country.
In a recent interview with The Field of 68’s Ani Umana, he told fans his playing style, his inspirations, and where his recruitment stands. With a playing style that reflects Luka Dončić and a list of suitors that includes Texas, Tennessee, and Purdue, Ogden is shaping up to be a potential floor general of the future for a lucky program.
2026 G Bo Ogden Explains How Luka Dončić Inspired His Gameplay
At 6’4”, Ogden calls himself a “big combo guard,” a label that fits his versatile skill set perfectly. “I’ve really been working on coming up ball screen facilitating, and obviously I can really shoot the ball,” he told Umana. He’s both a scorer and a passer, working to refine his skills.
However, his ability to read the floor sets him apart. When asked what he looks for coming off a ball screen, he said, “I read the help side defender. I love going to the corner skip off of the ball screen.”
That’s next-level awareness for a high school junior. Most kids his age are still figuring out how to attack a defender one-on-one, but he is already thinking two steps ahead, dissecting help defense, and finding open teammates.
Every young player, of course, has a role model; for him, it’s Luka Dončić. The Dallas Mavericks star, Ogden, sees a blueprint there.
“I’ve been watching a lot of Luka recently,” he said in the interview. “I’m a little more athletic than him, and we’re not the same, but I’ve been really watching him coming off ball screens. I’m studying that a little bit.” It’s a smart choice. Dončić’s ability to control a game with his passing and scoring is exactly what Ogden seems to be chasing.
Ogden’s nod to his own athleticism is worth noting, too. Dončić isn’t known for explosive dunks, but Ogden hints he can bring a bit more bounce to the table. Still, his focus is on the mental side of the game.
By studying how Dončić manipulates defenses off ball screens, he is building a foundation that could make him a nightmare for opponents down the line. If he keeps developing that basketball IQ, he’s got a shot to emulate the Slovenian’s impact at the next level.
Ogden’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed, with a handful of big-time programs in the mix. “Schools like Texas, Tennessee, and Purdue have been showing the most,” he revealed. Kansas, Virginia, and Nevada have also reached out recently, but it’s the trio of Texas, Tennessee, and Purdue that seems to be at the forefront right now.
Each school brings something different to the table. Texas, where Ogden hails from, has a personal tie. His dad, Chris Ogden, is the General Manager of Men’s Basketball for the Longhorns. That connection and the fast-paced style new head coach Rodney Terry is installing make them a natural fit.
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Tennessee, under Rick Barnes, has a track record of churning out NBA guards and plays with a tempo that could suit Ogden’s game. Purdue, led by Matt Painter, is known for developing talent and has shown they can adapt to the modern game, even with their big-man roots.
Ogden’s official visit to Purdue in February 2025 for their game against USC only solidified the program’s case.
“It was awesome,” he said of the trip. “I really like how they develop guys.” Wherever he lands, it’s obvious he’s not just chasing a big name; he wants a system that lets him shine as a creator and shooter.
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