Five-star Dutch forward Dwayne Aristode commits to Arizona Wildcats

Arizona installed the first piece of its 2025 recruiting class Sunday when versatile five-star Dutch forward Dwayne Aristode committed to the Wildcats.

“The place to be is the place for ME,” Aristode posted, adding “bear” and “down” emojis.

A 6-8, 215-pound forward from Amsterdam now playing for New Hampshire’s Brewster Academy, Aristode is considered “one of Europe’s most promising young prospects,” according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, drawing praise for his play last summer with the Netherlands national team in Europe and with the Expressions Elite club on the EYBL circuit.

Givony wrote that Aristode had strong performances in games against Serbia and Belgium, with PDT reporting that he 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.

While Aristode’s size and athleticism suggest he can play either forward spot, Brewster coach Jason Smith told the Star that he’s actually more of a big wing or small forward who is “definitely a 3-and-D guy.”

“Elite perimeter defender who can guard multiple positions,” Smith said via text message. “Very good athlete and shooter from 3.”

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.”

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Aristode is entering his second season at Brewster, playing before then for Spain’s Joventut Badalona youth club, where he was a teammate of UA sophomore guard Conrad Martinez. In 2022, Aristode averaged 15.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists while playing for Netherlands in the FIBA U16 European Championship.

The Wildcats began recruiting Aristode in the fall of 2023, Smith said, and Aristode took a visit to Arizona in January. In interviews, Aristode indicated that UA’s style and coach Tommy Lloyd’s experience with international players made a difference in his decision.

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

Aristode also spoke highly of Lloyd’s international recruiting efforts in a Zagsblog interview during the EYBL Peach Jam in July.

“I think he has the ability to make a relationship with (international players) 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.”

Zagsblog reported that Aristode’s father also played college basketball, at Montana State, as well as for the Ivory Coast national team.

Aristode wound up choosing 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. Efforts to reach Aristode via his agent were unsuccessful.

Arizona’s remaining 2025 targets include five-star Gilbert Perry forward Koa Peat and five-star Southern California guard Brayden Burries, among others. With four players ranking in the top 60 of ESPN’s top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, the Wildcats are also likely to be highly active in the spring transfer portal.