College Commitment – Jaden Steppe (2024 Tualatin)

The Class of 2024 is shaping up as one of the more highly recruited groups in recent state history and you can mark another Division I commitment on the board. Jaden Steppe Jaden Steppe 6'8" | SF Tualatin | 2024 State #289 Nation OR had several suitors during the recruiting process and took his time with his decision, making a number of official visits while listening to the overtures from several top-level programs. But in the end, there was one school that won his future services and earlier this week, the versatile 6-foot-8 forward from Tualatin announced his pledge to play for Colorado State.

"It was the coaching staff and the offense they run, lots of passing and mobility," Steppe said. "I feel like I can make a huge impact as a freshman and make multiple tournament runs with them."

Steppe chose the Rams after also considering Washington State, Montana State, San Diego, Pepperdine, and UC Santa Barbara in his Top Six. Colorado State was actually his first visit this fall after which he tripped to Montana State, San Diego, and Washington State, but what he saw during his trip to Fort Collins made an impression that no one else could match.

"Super nice facilities, nicer than any other school I visited," Steppe said. "And it's a good place to live. Also, the team was really tight with each other."

With his recruitment out of the way, Steppe can now focus on his senior season at Tualatin. After averaging 19.6 points and 7.6 rebounds in 2022-23 for THS on their title run last season, his expectations are even higher this year when it comes to a possible three-peat for the Timberwolves.

"If we can stay healthy we will win state," Steppe said. "I also think I'm the obvious front-runner for GPOY (Gatorade Player of the Year) if I'm healthy. First team all-state and all-league is a given also if I'm healthy. I also think we can make noise at LSI if we can come together as a team that early in the year."

Steppe currently ranks as the #3 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2024 rankings. With his commitment, he will join basketball teammate AJ Noland AJ Noland 6'0" | CG Tualatin | 2024 State OR , who has committed to Colorado State for football. Our congratulations go out to Steppe and his family on his decision.