5-star Dutch forward Dwayne Aristode commits to Arizona Wildcats

Five-star Dutch forward Dwayne Aristode has committed to Arizona , he posted to Instagram on Sunday morning.

"The place to be is the place for ME," Aristode said, adding "bear" and "down" emojis.

A 6-8 combo forward, Aristode became the Wildcats' first commit of the 2025 class, while Arizona continues to target five-star forward Koa Peat and five-star guard Brayden Burries, among others.

Aristode is considered "one of Europe's most promising young prospects" at age 17, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony, having played well for the Netherlands national team in games against Serbia and Belgium. According to PDT , Aristode had 10 rebounds and hit two 3-pointers to help Netherlands beat Belgium.

He "brings defensive versatility with his chiseled frame and 6-foot-10 wingspan and dynamic 3-point shooting prowess," Givony wrote.

Although Aristode is still developing offensively, according to 247's Adam Finklestein of 247, he has potential to be a "game-changer" on the defensive end.

"He is a jumbo wing with a ton of physical tools that should ultimately translate into a versatile two-way game," Finkelstein wrote. "He has terrific positional size at 6-foot-8 and an equally impressive frame. He's not exceptionally long, with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, but is already strong and physical. He's a high-level athlete who runs very well, is an explosive leaper, and can play up above the rim with ease."

Earlier Sunday, Aristode told ESPN that "the winning culture Tommy Lloyd has built at Arizona is remarkable. They play fast and have the right balance between structure and giving players freedom."

At the EYBL's Peach Jam in July, Aristode spoke highly of UA coach Tommy Lloyd's international recruiting efforts in a Zagsblog interview.

“I think he has the ability to make a relationship with them and understand where they come from,” Aristode said. “It’s not a different mentality, but just a different way they see some certain things, in basketball and also in life. So I think him knowing that makes his relationship closer with European players. Knowing that when they come to the states, it’s like a different view of life. He knows that.”

While Aristode is originally from Amsterdam, Zagsblog said his father played for Montana State and the Ivory Coast national team.

Aristode chose the Wildcats over Duke, USC, Michigan State and the NBL. He had been expected to pick the Wildcats over the past week, especially after Cameron and Cayden Boozer committed to Duke.

"With Cameron Boozer taking one frontcourt spot at Duke, the already small likelihood of Duke landing Aristode is now likely all gone," 247 analyst Travis Branham wrote.

Now playing for Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, Aristode previously played for the same Juventut Badalona youth club that UA sophomore guard Conrad Martinez was on before joining Arizona last season. Aristode averaged 15.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists while playing for Netherlands in the FIBA U16 European Championship in 2022.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 5-star Dutch forward Dwayne Aristode commits to Arizona Wildcats