The University of Pennsylvania has announced the addition of five recruits to its men’s basketball program for the 2024-25 season. Fran McCaffery, who was appointed as Penn’s head coach in April, shared details about the incoming class: Ryan Altman, Jay Jones, Payton Kamin, William Kruse, and Dalton Scantlebury.
“We have five young men who I’m excited to coach and develop,” said McCaffery. “As I’ve gotten to know these guys, it’s apparent to me that we have players in this group who will immediately bid for playing time and have an impact on our lineup as soon as they arrive on campus. In having several conversations with all of them since I was hired, I know they’re going to be great representatives of our program and I can’t wait for the Penn basketball community to get to know them.”
Ryan Altman joins from Rivers School in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. He played varsity basketball for five years under Keith Zalaski and received the James A Navoni Prize. His high school team won multiple Independent School League (ISL) championships and New England Prep School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC) titles during his tenure. Altman finished his high school career with over 1,300 points and participated in AAU competition with Middlesex Magic.
Altman is enrolled in Wharton at Penn. He stated: “I chose Penn because from the moment I stepped on campus I knew it was the place for me. The amazing education, paired with the high-level basketball, is a combination that you don’t see a lot. It was a no-brainer for me, and I couldn’t be more excited to get started in Philadelphia.”
Jay Jones spent four years at The Rivers School before completing a post-graduate year at Cushing Academy under James Cormier. His teams collected three NEPSAC Class B championships and two ISL titles during his time at Rivers. At Cushing Academy he contributed to a 26-6 record and an NEBL championship.
Jones is enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences. He said: “I chose Penn because of the great academics, amazing campus and facilities, and the family feel to the basketball program.”
Payton Kamin comes from Chicago’s DePaul Prep before transferring to Worcester Academy in Massachusetts where he helped secure a NEPSAC AA championship last season. Kamin earned first-team All-NEPSAC honors while leading his league in scoring at Worcester Academy.
He is also enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences. Kamin explained: “I chose Penn for the opportunity to play Division I basketball for a legendary coach at one of the world’s top universities, in one of the country’s most dynamic and historic cities.”
William Kruse arrives from Nesbru, Norway where he played both domestically with Asker Aliens BC—averaging nearly 10 points per game—and internationally with Norway’s national team during World Cup qualifiers.
Kruse will study at Wharton as well. He commented: “Great basketball program combined with world class academics. In particular, I really wanted to study at Wharton.”
Dalton Scantlebury attended Lane Tech High School in Chicago where he set records including rebounds in a season while earning several local honors such as first-team all-city recognition.
Scantlebury joins Wharton too. He noted: “I knew I wanted to play at Penn before I had a single college offer. The rich history and warmth of the campus enticed me so much, and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to be here. Getting to go to the best business school in the country while playing Division 1 basketball is so awesome and I am thrilled to be here.”
