Over the weekend, Calvin University picked up a steal for their 2026 recruiting class. This came from Owen VanderWaal, a 6’7” forward of Unity Christian High School (MI) and the West Michigan Premier. During the course of the grassroots season at NY2LA tournaments, he averaged 14.8 points while shooting 58.4% from the field in addition to 7.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists to earn himself All-July team honors on the NY2LA Platinum Elite.
Even while receiving offer from Grand Valley State and Lake Superior State, division two programs, VanderWaal picked the division three school. “I picked Calvin for many reasons, but my main reason was because of the way the team was more than just a group of basketball players. The way they were around each other and how well they got along is something that meant a lot to me when deciding. I want to be at Calvin to make good relationships that will last my entire life and that’s what I’m going to get,” he said about his decision. Some of the other schools to had also offered him included Hope, Spring Arbor, and Taylor.
The commitment comes after VanderWaal recently took a pair of visits to the in-state school. “I went on my first official visit like early September, and it went great. Then I went on another visit with more of the basketball guys and it sold me. I loved it.”
“The first thing I love about Calvin basketball was how much they emphasized defense,” VanderWaal first about his game fitting in there. “Coming from a great defensive team in high school I think a team that can play hard and together on defense is so much fun. I also like how they play very position less offensive and I can play out and still play inside.”
While the forward has continued to see the offers come in over the past few months, he felt now was the right to make his commitment. “I decided to commit now because Calvin was a great fit for me and there was no need to wait for a better fit college for me. It’s also nice to have the decision made early so I can go into my senior season and just play and not have to worry about my decision.”