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Saint Mary's basketball lands top 50 blue-chip recruit
TL;DR
Saint Mary's basketball has secured a commitment from Darius Bivins, a top 50 recruit and McDonald's All-American, marking a historic first for the program. Bivins, ranked as the No. 8 point guard in the 2026 class, is expected to enhance the team's offensive capabilities.
Key points
- Saint Mary's basketball lands Darius Bivins
- Bivins is a top 50 recruit and McDonald's All-American
- He is ranked No. 8 point guard in the 2026 class
- Bivins shot over 90 percent from the free-throw line
- This marks a historic first for the program
Darius BivinsSaint Mary's Gaels
Saint Mary's basketball lands top 50 blue-chip recruit originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As Saint Mary's looks to build on its latest NCAA Tournament run, it had a reason to celebrate on Monday. The Gaels landed a top 50 prospect in McDonald's All-American Darius Bivins. The addition of Bivins shows how far the Gaels have come, as he is the first McDonald's All-American in program history.
The Virginia native is ranked as the No. 8 point guard in the 2026 class and the No. 46 overall recruit by ESPN. The high ranking is due to Bivin's ability to score in bunches and from everywhere on the court. That will be a welcome addition for a Gaels team in need of more playmakers on offense.
During his high school career, Bivins impressed scouts with his advanced feel for the game and impressive court vision. He was also nearly automatic from the free-throw line, shooting over 90 percent. That is partly why Gaels head coach Mickey McConnell is excited to have Bivins in the mix.
While the star recruit had plenty of options, one thing that stood out to him was the culture McConell has created at Saint Mary's since taking over in his first full season.
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"Opportunity to play a major role right away and the staff was transparent. The team has a brotherhood vibe,". "Head coach Mickey McConnell is a super chill guy off the court. His plan is for me to play both on and off the ball. He played the position at Saint Mary's and he was a really good player."
Q&A
Who is Darius Bivins and what is his ranking in college basketball?
Darius Bivins is a McDonald's All-American and the No. 8 point guard in the 2026 class, ranked No. 46 overall by ESPN.
What significance does Darius Bivins' recruitment have for Saint Mary's basketball?
Bivins' recruitment is significant as he is the first McDonald's All-American in Saint Mary's program history, showcasing the team's growth.
How did Darius Bivins perform during his high school career?
During his high school career, Bivins demonstrated impressive scoring ability, advanced game feel, and shot over 90 percent from the free-throw line.