Basketball Programs Ink Commitments for 2026 Freshman Class

Men's and Women's programs add key recruits during early signing period

Today marks the start of the early signing period for for the 2026 incoming class. Over the next week, non-football sports can sign recruits to letters of intent for the next scholastic year.

Coach Madsen added 6’ 5” Small Forward Dionycius Bakare from Vancouver, BC. Bakare was a Penn State signee through the summer, but decommitted in September. Multiple schools were quick to act, and Cal offered Bakare in early October. Bakare had penciled in Cal in late October. Today, he made it official. Bakare chose Cal out of a final four group that included Illinois, Kentucky, and Alabama. Bakare brings explosiveness to the swing spot reminiscent of early Jaylon Tyson.

Coach Charmin Smith went down under to sign Guards Ruby Perkins from New South Wales, Australia. The 5’ 8” Perkins was a major contributor on Australia’s U17 FIBA team. Perkins’ is fearless in attacking the basket and has displayed exceptional ball-handling capabilities in her young career.

The early signing period runs through November 19th. We will keep you updated as more signings are announced.

Welcome to Berkeley, Dionycius and Ruby!