In the bustling basketball courts of New Jersey, a new name is steadily climbing the ranks and turning heads at every game.
Aiden Derkack is carving his own path to stardom with explosive plays and remarkable scoring ability that’s catching attention from top college programs nationwide. He’s the younger brother of Jordan Derkack, the 2024 Northeast Conference Player of the Year, who recently committed to the Dayton Flyers.
While Jordan has made his mark at Merrimack and Rutgers before heading to Dayton, Aiden’s journey is just beginning. The 6’6″ wing from Colonia High School has already established himself as one of the nation’s top prospects in the class of 2026, ranking No. 50 by ESPN and No. 89 in the On3 Industry Ranking.
His ferocious above-rim finishing and polished inside-outside game have college scouts flocking to his games.
The Derkack Dynasty: A Family Affair on the Hardwood
Aiden, a junior in the class of 2026, has blossomed into a standout shooting guard at Colonia High School in New Jersey. His dynamic playing style has helped him average 19.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, climbing to 23.4 points early in his junior campaign.
A recent four-inch growth spurt over two years has significantly enhanced his above-the-rim finishing ability.
His high school achievements speak volumes about his potential. Aiden surpassed 1,000 career points by December 2024 and recently put up 28 points and 6 assists in a dominant win showcasing his dual threat capability.
A defining moment came during a “legacy game” against nationally ranked La Lumiere, during which he scored a game-high of 33 points, including the game-winning and-1 in the final seconds.
Aiden describes himself as an “all-around player” who thrives in transition and is adept at hitting shots off the dribble. His admiration for NBA stars Kevin Durant and Raja Bell reflects his ambition to blend offensive versatility with defensive intensity.
Competing with Team Final Nike EYBL has further honed his three-point shooting and playmaking skills, making him a complete package on the court.
The recruitment trail for Aiden is heating up with offers from numerous prestigious programs. His growing list includes Miami, Villanova, Rutgers, TCU, Xavier, Providence, and others. Aiden cites Villanova’s coaching staff and up-tempo style as key attractions, noting a hometown connection with one of their assistants.
Miami appeals to his transition-heavy playstyle while Rutgers benefits from proximity to Jordan’s former school.
The Derkack family’s basketball roots run deep. Father Gene played forward at Florida International University (1995-1999), averaging 10.4 points and 4.4 rebounds alongside Raja Bell, who later became Jordan’s godfather.
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Mother Jenny also competed at the Division I level in soccer and basketball at FIU. Sister Taylor, a former Colonia standout, is now a freshman guard at UMass after becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer.
The siblings share a close bond, frequently training together during off-seasons, and Aiden leverages Jordan and Taylor’s collegiate experiences to refine his game.
With his remarkable talent, strong family foundation and continuous development he appears poised to extend the growing Derkack legacy in basketball potentially reaching even greater heights than his accomplished siblings.
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