Texas combo guard Kayde Dotson, class of 2024, commits to Lobos

Next week marks the start of official practices for the 2023–24 collegiate basketball season.

The UNM Lobos made progress toward the 2024–25 season on Wednesday.

The first player in the Class of 2024 to commit to UNM is Kayde Dotson, a 6-foot-2 senior combo guard at Beaumont (Texas) United High School. He made the announcement at a ceremony in his hometown on Wednesday night, saying he has committed to play for head coach Richard Pitino and the Lobos.

“I like the program that they have; I just really bonded with the squad and the coaches when I was out there. Playing in the Pit is a once in a lifetime chance, plus coach Pitino and the accomplishments that they’ve made since he’s been there,” Dotson told the Journal.

Over the weekend of September 9, Dotson paid Albuquerque an official recruiting visit.

After averaging 11.9 points, 1.6 steals per game, team-best assists (2.4) and 3-point shooting (37.0%) in the previous season, which helped propel his high school team to the state championship game, Dotson’s recruiting stock continued to grow when he was playing for the Houston-based JL3 club squad.

Every major college program in the nation was recruiting at the famed Nike EYBL Peach Jam event in early July, when Dotson placed in the top 10 in terms of scoring, averaging 18.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 41% 3-point shooting.

With a ranking of 3 stars on 247Sports.com, Dotson received an invitation to participate in the NBPA Top 100 camp in Orlando, Florida, which took place in late June.

While he had more than 20 Division I scholarship offers, his final three schools included Sothern Methodist in Dallas and Stephen F. Austin, which is just two hours from his home.

Dotson expressed his admiration for the latitude Pitino gives his guards to play with. He also noted that three of UNM’s starting guards this season are seniors: Jamal Mashburn Jr., Jemarl Baker Jr., and Jaelen House. Mashburn has the option to play a COVID makeup season in 2024–25.

“It was significant that I will have the chance to have an instant influence,” Dotson remarked.

Jordan Hunter, a Beaumont native and former point guard for the Lobo, was highly complimentary of Dotson’s time in Albuquerque, a statement he made.

Dotson remarked, “He said I would love the crowd and just everything about it.”

According to the scouting report, Dotson is a genuine combo guard who, in his high school season, predominantly played point guard when paired with Wesley Yates, a 6-4 shooting guard who is currently a freshman at the University of Washington. But Dotson proved he could also be a lead scoring option when competing for the John Lucas 3 club in the EYBL.

However, he believes that when he takes the court, Lobo fans will notice more than simply his numbers.

They will receive a dog that will train hard every day. There will be a victor for them. I don’t plan on losing right now because I’ve won at every level,” Dotson remarked.

Only after a player has signed their National Letter of Intent are UNM coaches permitted to make comments on recruits. The early signing period begins on November 8 and is the first day for men’s basketball players to sign their NLI.