Indiana has offered class of 2026 4-star big man Marcis Ponder, he reported on his Instagram page.
A product of Miami, Fla., Ponder attends Gillion Academy in Virginia. He played over the weekend at the DMV Live event where the IU staff was watching prospects.
Ponder might be the most physically imposing player in the rising senior class. He is typically described in the neighborhood of 7-feet and 320 pounds. He goes by the nickname ‘The Big Show’ and has been called ‘Baby Shaq.’
In the average of the national rankings, Ponder is a 4-star, the No. 67 overall player in the 2026 class, and the No. 7 center.
MaxPreps lists him as averaging 9.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game this past season in 32 appearances for West Oaks Academy in Florida.
For travel basketball Ponder plays for Team Breakdown on the New Balance circuit.
Ponder still needs to develop from a skill standpoint, but his combination of size and a very high motor have him on the radar of numerous high major coaches. He dominates in the paint on both ends of the floor.
In addition to IU, Ponder holds offers from Alabama, Texas, Tennessee, Arizona State, Auburn, Florida State, Georgetown, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi State, Miami, Rutgers, Providence and others.
4-star Marcis Ponder made his presence felt at the P32 League Dallas Live Event. Physical, active, and a force on both ends all weekend. #RevoReels pic.twitter.com/R3eToNqP76
— Revocruit (@Revocruit) June 7, 2025
For complete coverage of IU basketball recruiting, GO HERE.
The Daily Hoosier –“Where Indiana fans assemble when they’re not at Assembly”
- You can follow us on Twitter: @daily_hoosier
- Find us on Facebook and Instagram
- Seven ways to support completely free IU coverage at no cost to you.