Penn State men’s basketball commit Kayden Mingo was named the New York Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Gatorade announced Thursday.

Mingo, a senior at Long Island Lutheran High School, is the highest-ranked commit in program history. Averaging 13.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, Mingo has led the Crusaders to ESPN’s No. 3 ranking in the nation.

The 6’2″ guard headlines the No. 23 recruiting class in the country, according to 247Sports, and will join the Nittany Lions for the 2025-26 season with Mason Blackwood and Justin Houser.

Along with Gatorade Player of the Year honors, Mingo was also named to the All-Nike EYBL Scholastic League Second Team this season.

About the Author

Michael Siroty

Michael Siroty is a junior from Westfield, New Jersey, majoring in broadcast journalism. When he isn't writing articles or making TikToks for Onward State, Siroty is probably somewhere talking about college sports. You can contact him to discuss your sushi order or music taste on Instagram and X @msiroty or by email at mfs6682@psu.edu.

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