UCF Secured Three Top-100 Basketball Recruits
The Knights landed a trio of elite talent for the 2027 class to bolster their standing in the Big 12.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Basketball
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UCF women's basketball coach Gabe Lazo has secured verbal commitments from three ESPN top-100 recruits. The program now ties Arizona and Baylor for the most top-100 commitments among Big 12 schools for the 2027 cycle.
Why it matters
This recruiting surge signals a significant push for the Knights as they look to fortify their roster with high-caliber talent. The incoming class chose Orlando after citing the coaching staff's focused attention and clear belief in their potential.
Jordan Speller holds the No. 39 national rank, followed by A'Zyua Blair at No. 57 and 6-foot-4 prospect Miraldina Buitchi at No. 94. These additions include the highest-rated recruit in the history of the program.
The players
Gabe Lazo
He serves as the head coach for the UCF women's basketball team.
Jordan Speller
She is the highest-rated recruit in program history and is ranked No. 39 in the ESPN SCNEXT 100.
A'Zyua Blair
She is a top-100 basketball recruit currently ranked No. 57 in the ESPN SCNEXT 100.
Miraldina Buitchi
She is a 6-foot-4 recruit who is ranked No. 94 overall in the ESPN SCNEXT 100.
The details
Coach Gabe Lazo spearheaded the effort by conducting personal recruiting visits and extending scholarship offers to the three athletes. The recruits prioritized the program's specific need for new players and the direct rapport built with the coaching staff.
Timeline
July 15, 2026: A'Zyua Blair committed to the program.
September 18, 2026: Jordan Speller committed to the program.
October 2, 2026: Miraldina Buitchi committed to the program.
November 11-18, 2026: The early period for National Signing Day.
Season Trajectory
Securing these commitments elevates UCF's standing within the Big 12 recruiting hierarchy and strengthens its long-term competitive balance. This development positions the Knights to challenge established league powers as they integrate these elite recruits into the rotation.
The arrival of three top-100 prospects significantly upgrades the team's talent floor for the 2027 season. Fans can expect a more competitive roster capable of deeper rotation usage based on the high scoring averages of the incoming class.
The takeaway
Building a pipeline of top-100 recruits is essential for programs looking to maintain consistency in the competitive Big 12 conference. Future success will depend on how effectively these individual players transition from high school to the collegiate level.
What happens next
The early period for National Signing Day is scheduled for November 11-18, 2026, when these verbal commitments can be finalized.
Further reading
For more updates on the program's roster development, visit the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Commercial.
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