2026 4-Star Forward Joe Philon Cuts List to Five: USF, UCLA, Ohio State, UNLV, Xavier
Joe “Jojo” Philon, a 2026 four-star forward out of Montverde Academy (FL), officially trimmed his recruitment to five programs: USF, UCLA, Ohio State, UNLV, and Xavier .
A long, rangy defender with real athletic pop, Philon has been evaluated as a 6-foot-8/6-foot-9 forward with a 6-foot-11 wingspan and “run-and-jump” tools that translate on both ends. The early projection is clear: his value starts with defensive versatility, activity, and playmaking instincts, while the next level will be about polishing the jumper and adding strength.
With that in mind, here’s how Philon fits into each finalist’s system and why each staff member can sell him a slightly different path.
USF: Bryan Hodgson’s Pace-and-Pressure Build
Head coach: Bryan Hodgson
USF is selling momentum and opportunity. Hodgson has made it clear what he wants his program identity to be: high tempo, transition-first, and built off defense generating offense. Local reporting on the program notes Hodgson has installed the same up-tempo/transition style he used in his Arkansas State turnaround, emphasizing stops as the engine.
Why Philon fits:
Instant “event creator” defensively. Philon’s length + mobility can fuel exactly what Hodgson wants: deflections, run-outs, and early offense.
Positionless forward usage. In a pace system, Philon can play as a switchable 3/4 who screens, cuts, and finishes without needing 12 plays called for him.
Clear role clarity early. USF can pitch a runway where his defense and transition impact earn minutes quickly, with shooting development layered in over time.
Best-case role: A high-minute, multi-positional defender who becomes a transition finisher and connective passer as the half-court game expands.
UCLA: Mick Cronin’s Physical, Half-Court Winning Formula
Head coach: Mick Cronin
Cronin’s system has been consistent for years: defense travels, toughness is non-negotiable, and possessions are valued. UCLA has typically played at a deliberate tempo under Cronin relative to most of the country.That doesn’t mean forwards can’t thrive, it means they have to impact the game without needing constant touches.
Why Philon fits:
Switch and stunt defender. Cronin loves wings/forwards who can guard multiple spots, stunt into gaps, and rebound their area.
Half-court utility. Philon’s athleticism + feel gives him a chance to be a cutter, short-roll decision-maker, and offensive rebounder even before his jumper fully comes around.
NBA-style “role player pathway.” UCLA can credibly pitch Philon as the type of defender/connector that pro evaluators value when the physicality ramps up.
Best-case role: Defensive chess piece and glue forward who closes games based on stops, rebounding, and low-mistake offense.
Ohio State: Jake Diebler’s Modern Spacing and Speed
Head coach: Jake Diebler
Diebler’s Buckeyes are trending toward a modern, attack-oriented build — and even in practice/preseason messaging, “pace” has been a repeated theme around the program. Ohio State can also sell the Big Ten stage and a roster ecosystem where long athletes who defend and run have obvious value.
Why Philon fits:
Transition wing/forward. With his stride and bounce, Philon can be a lane-runner who creates rim pressure without needing isolations.
Defensive versatility matters in the Big Ten. In that league, the ability to guard up and down a position is huge, especially for a forward with length who can recover.
Development pitch. OSU can present a clean progression: defense + effort earn time early; shooting mechanics and strength work turn him into a true two-way forward.
Best-case role: Two-way forward who guards 2–4, runs the floor hard, and becomes a reliable spot-up threat as his jumper stabilizes.
UNLV: Josh Pastner’s Defense-First Culture Reset
Head coach: Josh Pastner
UNLV’s pitch under Pastner begins with culture: defense, accountability, and playing hard every night. Coverage around the program has emphasized Pastner’s defense-first tone and identity-building as the foundation of the rebuild.
Why Philon fits:
Defensive “tone setter” tools. Philon projects as the kind of long, explosive defender who can change shots, switch actions, and ignite the break.
Immediate value without being a finished scorer. Pastner can play him early if he defends, rebounds, and runs, which aligns perfectly with where Philon’s strengths already are.
Program storyline. UNLV can sell the idea of being a cornerstone recruit in a high-visibility market as the program climbs.
Best-case role: High-impact defender and rebounder who becomes a featured athlete in transition and grows into a more complete half-court scorer.
Xavier: Richard Pitino’s Pressure + Ball-Screen Offense
Head coach: Richard Pitino
Xavier offers a Big East platform and a coach who has openly discussed how his philosophies have evolved on both ends, with an emphasis on building systems that fit today’s game. Pitino has historically leaned into aggression and activity, and Xavier can sell Philon on being a versatile piece in a league that demands toughness and adaptability.
Why Philon fits:
Big East-ready defender. Philon’s length and athleticism play in a league that punishes weak links.
Screen game versatility. Forwards who can screen, slip, and make quick decisions are valuable in Pitino-style ball-screen offense, especially when you can also switch and rebound.
Immediate defensive role, expandable offense. Similar to other finalists, Xavier can pitch early minutes via defense while investing in the jumper and strength.
Best-case role: Versatile forward who defends multiple spots, rebounds, and becomes a key connector in a ball-screen-heavy attack.
The Big Picture: What This Top 5 Says About Philon
This list is a strong tell. Philon is being recruited like a modern forward: length, defensive range, transition impact, and upside. Each program offers a different “best version” of him:
USF: fastest path to high usage through defense + pace
UCLA: elite defense culture and role-player-to-pro pathway
Ohio State: modern spacing/tempo with Big Ten development leverage
UNLV: defense-first rebuild where he can be a foundational piece
Xavier: Big East stage + Pitino’s adaptable, aggressive approach
Written by Alex Karamanos | January 6, 2025