BOOM. BYU added a high profile piece to its 2025 recruiting class as 4-star big man Xavion Staton committed to BYU Monday evening. Staton chose BYU over other finalists Michigan, Stanford, and hometown UNLV. Xavion committed after taking an official visit to BYU this past weekend.
Xavion Staton is BYU’s highest-rated recruit in the ratings era going back 25 years, according to 247 Sports’ composite ranking. Egor Demin was given a 5-star rating by 247 Sports’ own ratings but did not get a composite rating since not every recruiting service rated him.
The 7-foot big man and Las Vegas native is rated the #23 prospect in the country according to 247 Sports and has a real chance to be named a McDonald’s All-American. Many peg Staton as the best rim protector in the class, and is offensive game is rapidly improving. One scout I talked with compared him to DeAndre Jordan with his ability to rim run, play in pick and roll, and protect the rim. Kevin Young has said multiple times he wants rim-running fives, and Xavion fits that perfectly. Xavion projects as a NBA player who could leave BYU after a year due to his upside, but I expect him to stay for multiple seasons.
BYU’s NBA development pitch, NIL opportunities, and distance from home were all factors in Xavion committing. BYU has pitched NBA development hard to Xavion; during his official visit BYU had a slide showing the 31 lottery picks Kevin Young coached in the NBA. Additionally, Xavion has four younger siblings at home in Las Vegas, and being within driving distance was a factor he considered throughout his recruitment.
Xavion fills a big need for BYU and gives Kevin Young another NBA first round talent to work with. Fousseyni Traore graduates after this season, and Xavion will pair with Keba Keita (who will be a senior) next season to form the 1-2 punch at the center spot. Xavion is every bit of 7 feet and fits exactly what Kevin Young wants at the center position. He will need to get stronger and could struggle against physical 5 men as a freshman, but he has all to the tools to be a first round NBA Draft pick. He has even began developing a three-point shot this season.
You can watch highlights of Xavion below.
