Kutztown University Men’s Basketball Welcomes Three Early Commits
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | January 4, 2026 | Photo courtesy Team Photo
Kutztown University Men’s Basketball Welcomes Three Early Commits
The Kutztown University Men’s Basketball program is building for the future, and that future looks bright. The Golden Bears are excited to announce three early commitments from standout high school players whose talent, character, and passion for the game align with the program’s culture: KJ Coles, Ayden Wise, and Cameron Smith.
KJ Coles: A Proven Leader with a Love for the Game
KJ Coles, a point guard from Pocono Mountain West, has been immersed in basketball since the age of five. A steady and dependable floor general, Coles has been the starting point guard for Pocono Mountain West since his freshman year, displaying leadership well beyond his age.
Soft-spoken yet confident, Coles spoke sincerely about what basketball means to him. “There’s so many opportunities that come along with it,” he said, explaining that it’s something he “truly loves doing” and “feels like it can take me somewhere in life.”
Coles’ résumé speaks for itself. He reached the 1,000-point milestone during his junior year and is on pace to potentially eclipse 2,000 career points by the end of this season. Off the court, he is equally impressive—an honor roll student who actively volunteers in his community.
When asked why he chose Kutztown, Coles pointed to the connection he felt with the program. “The coaches reached out to me, and when I went on my official visit, it felt like home,” he said. “The environment matched my personality. I feel like it’s a place where I can develop and get better.”
Ayden Wise: Grounded, Faith-Filled, and Driven
Ayden Wise brings consistency and maturity to the backcourt. Currently attending Pope John Paul II, Wise has been a starting point guard from ninth through twelfth grade, beginning his high school career at Alliance Christian. He is on track to reach the 1,000-point milestone this season, further cementing his impact as a reliable scorer and leader.
Wise echoed a familiar sentiment when describing his decision to commit to Kutztown. “When I got on campus, it felt like home,” he said. “It’s also close to home, and that’s what I love.”
Beyond basketball, Wise is deeply rooted in his faith and community. He attends The Real Church near Kutztown, where his father serves as pastor. Wise openly expressed his love for Jesus and his passion for working with people, qualities that reflect his grounded nature and servant’s heart.
Cameron Smith: A Calm Presence with a Strong Foundation
Cameron Smith, a forward at the Academy of the New Church, has been a starter since his sophomore year and has played basketball for as long as he can remember. His calm demeanor on the court is intentional. “For me, it’s the most calming to play,” Smith said. “It just makes sense.”
Smith earned First Team All-League honors during his junior year, a testament to his skill and consistency. His decision to commit to Kutztown was influenced by more than just basketball. “The coaching staff seems to really care about more than just basketball. They care about my family,” he explained. “That was different than a lot of other schools I looked at.”
Family plays a central role in Smith’s journey. He credits much of his growth to his mother, a former player. “I look up to her the most,” he said. “She’s able to break the game down for me.”
A Promising Future for the Golden Bears
Kutztown’s coaching staff has expressed strong enthusiasm for these early commits, praising not only their athletic abilities but also their character, leadership, and work ethic. Together, Coles, Wise, and Smith represent the type of student-athletes the program values—players who excel on the court, contribute off it, and are ready to grow as individuals.
As Kutztown looks ahead to next season and beyond, the foundation being built with this recruiting class signals an exciting chapter for Golden Bears basketball.
Graphics Courtesy of: @dray_flix
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