Kaden Powers, a senior shooting guard from Seattle, Washington, has announced his commitment to Rutgers.
The 6-foot-5, 210-pound guard marks the third commitment for Rutgers in the class of 2025. Powers continues the Scarlet Knights’ success on the West Coast, joining Lino Mark, who committed to the program on October 2nd.
“It was definitely a difficult choice to commit to a school on the East Coast instead of staying closer to home,” Powers said. “It was challenging for my family to travel such a long distance, but the coaching staff made us feel at ease and assured us that they would look after me. They have developed a strong relationship with both me and my family, which made the distance feel much shorter, almost like just an hour’s flight, because we felt so comfortable.”
Powers narrowed his options down to just Rutgers and Washington by the end of his recruitment. After wrapping up his official visit last week, he decided to commit to the Scarlet Knights.
“My visit was all positive,” Powers stated. “I had no complaints and genuinely enjoyed it. They have fantastic facilities, but what really impressed me was the connection I built with the coaching staff. They made me feel at ease, and seeing my mom smile during the visit meant a lot to me.”
On the basketball side, Coach Pikiell plans to allow Powers to showcase his scoring abilities.
“He’s going to let me score,” Powers said. “He knows I’m a scorer and intends to let me play my game. He’ll have me coming off screens, using screens, getting some isolation plays, and just being a scoring guard. Beyond scoring, I’ll also be able to facilitate and play as a combo and point guard.”
Powers is also familiar with fellow commit Lino Mark and looks forward to playing alongside him next season.
“Lino is really talented; I faced him in the EYBL. He can pass well, is athletic, and I’ve heard he has a 40-inch vertical, which is impressive for a point guard. He’s gritty, plays excellent defense, and is the type to pressure the ball full-court and handle the tough tasks. He’s also a playmaker and scorer; he can do it all. I’m excited to play next to him.”
With his commitment secured, Powers is clear about what Rutgers fans can expect from him.
“Rutgers fans can count on me giving my all,” he said. “I’ll put everything into my game, score, and do whatever it takes to help us win.”
Powers is also well-acquainted with fellow commit Lino Mark and is eager to team up with him next season.
“Lino is an impressive player; I faced him during the EYBL,” Powers said. “He has great passing skills, is very athletic, and I’ve heard he boasts a 40-inch vertical, which is incredible for a point guard. He’s gritty and plays excellent defense, always ready to apply pressure and take on the tough assignments. He’s a playmaker and a scorer, capable of doing it all. I’m really looking forward to playing alongside him.”
Now that Powers is committed, he is clear about what Rutgers fans can expect from him.
“Rutgers fans can count on me giving my all,” he stated. “I’m committed to putting everything into my game, scoring, and doing whatever it takes to help us win.”
