NORFOLK, Va. -- Old Dominion University men's basketball head coach Jeff Jones announced a three-member early 2024 signing class on Wednesday. The Monarchs have added: Caden Diggs, Ethan Lathan and Deion Ware.
"Obviously we are ecstatic with this recruiting class. They are a talented trio but just as important, their positive character and desire to improve signal a bright future for all of them," said Jones.
This class is the highest-rated recruiting class in program history by 247sports coming in 29th nationally.
Caden Diggs
6-7, 192-pound wing
Waldorf, Md.
Diggs plays for The Bullis School where he was an All-Metro DC third team selection as a junior and also earned first team All-Conference honors. He is the highest rated recruit in program history by 247sports.com ranking 97th nationally. He plays for New World AAU 3SSB on the summer circuit. He chose ODU over Oklahoma State, Iowa, Seton Hall, Richmond and George Washington.
JONES ON DIGGS: "Caden is a wonderful young man, outstanding student and just oozes potential as a basketball player. He has great positional size with a well-rounded skill set and has been extremely well coached at Bullis by a highly respected coach in Bruce Kelley."
DIGGS ON WHY ODU: "I chose ODU because of my relationship with Coach Jones, Coach Jordan Brooks and the staff. They were easily the most consistent school in my recruitment. My official visit there was wonderful, Norfolk is comfortable and feels like home. I am excited for the opportunity that is presented here, and I can't wait to get on campus."
Ethan Lathan
6-11, 220-pound center
Rockford, Ill.
Lathan will play his senior season at Arizona Compass Prep and chose ODU over Dayton, Georgia Tech, Indiana State and LSU. He played as a junior at Calvary Christian Academy (Fla) where he averaged eight points and six rebounds per game. He played for SOH Elite in the summer circuit. He's ranked 116th by 247sports.com and is a four-star recruit by ESPN.
JONES ON LATHAN: "The first thing that jumps out at you about Ethan is the way he can move at his size. That is extremely rare. While Ethan was heavily recruited, he has a humble nature and will continue developing his game. The sky is the limit."
LATHAN ON WHY ODU: "I chose ODU because of the overall family feeling and how the coaching staff treated the team when I was on my visit. I felt like I was a part of their family on my visit and I loved how the city of Norfolk embraces and loves their Monarchs. Coach (Jordan) Brooks has been recruiting me the last couple of years and followed me all around the country, and while ODU was my first scholarship offer it was something I had to strongly consider. Coach Jones has been great through the whole process and I believe in him with my development."
Deion Ware
6-5, 180-pound guard
New Orleans, La.
Ware attends Montverde Academy (Fla.) where he will play this season after leading his high school team in Killeen, Texas to the state championship game as a junior and earned All-State honors. An athletic guard who can get to the rim and finish, he plays for the Houston Defenders in the summer circuits. He is a three-star recruit according to 247sports.com.
JONES ON WARE: "I am so excited about Deion joining the Monarch family. He is a high-flying athletic playmaker with an infectious smile and great energy. I know he can't wait to get to Norfolk.
WARE ON WHY ODU: "I chose ODU because of the family feeling I got on my official visit. My family and I loved Coach Jordan Brooks' consistency on the recruitment process. I built a great relationship with Coach Jones and the coaching staff was very genuine on what to expect if I was to sign with ODU. I admire the fact that Coach Jones is very passionate about coaching. Let's go Monarchs!"
Men's Basketball Announces 2024 Recruiting Class
