Pepperdine University’s men’s basketball program announced the commitment of Alex Constanza, a 6‑8 wing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the 2026‑27 roster, marking a watershed moment for the Waves.
A top‑ranked prospect
Constanza arrives as the consensus No. 47 prospect in the ESPN SCNEXT 100 rankings for the Class of 2026, and he also appears at No. 58 on the Rivals list and No. 59 in the 247sports composite. The rankings place him as the highest‑rated recruit ever to choose Pepperdine, underscoring the significance of the addition.
During his junior year at Spire Academy in Geneva, Ohio, he averaged 29.4 points, 10.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, shooting 61 percent from the field and over 50 percent from three‑point range. He recorded ten double‑digit rebound games in 14 contests and was named to the 2025‑26 Naismith Prep Player of the Year watch list.
His senior season at Westminster Academy saw him tally 1,700 points across 89 appearances, while also excelling in the Puma PRO16 league where he posted 29 points and 11 rebounds per game, earning First Team All‑Circuit honors. Constanza also tested his mettle on the national stage, participating in training camp for the 2024 USA Basketball U18 National Team and attending minicamps in Colorado Springs and Houston in 2023.
A program with deep roots
Pepperdine’s basketball heritage includes 13 NCAA postseason appearances, 12 West Coast Conference regular‑season championships and 19 All‑American selections. The program has produced 19 NBA players, most recently capturing the 2021 CBI Tournament title, a testament to the university’s sustained competitiveness.
Coach Griff Aldrich, who has guided the Waves for several seasons, expressed enthusiasm about the signing, noting that Constanza’s blend of size, shooting efficiency and rebounding prowess aligns perfectly with the team’s evolving identity. Aldrich highlighted the recruit’s work ethic and readiness to contribute immediately.
The addition of Constanza not only bolsters the on‑court talent pool but also reinforces the program’s recruiting narrative, positioning Pepperdine as a destination for elite prospects seeking both academic and athletic excellence.