Las Vegas has long been a hotbed for basketball talent, and the next wave may already be here in the form of Elijah and Olujimi Popoola, twin brothers in the class of 2027 who are quickly drawing attention on the West Coast. Standing 6-foot-6 with 6’7 to 6’8 wingspans, the Popoola twins are long, skilled, and rising fast.
I first identified them as promising young prospects at a 2023 youth camp when they were younger. The twins stood out immediately — not just because of their length and physical tools, but because of their perimeter and fluid movements, and advanced feel for the game at an early age. Even back then, the signs of something unique were visible.
Fast forward to today, and the Popoola twins have made a major move: transferring from Las Vegas to Palisades Charter High School in Los Angeles, the alma mater of their father, Christian Popoola, who starred there in the late ‘90s before going on to play for UNLV.
Palisades head coach Jeff Bryant confirmed the addition, noting how impactful the twins could be right away:
“Getting both EJ and OJ is huge. They bring versatility, length, and leadership — they’re next-level guys, and we’re lucky to have them.”
🎥 Courtesy of NXTUPHoop
🔍 Scouting Report: Elijah & Olujimi Popoola (Class of 2027)
Perimeter Shotmaking: Both brothers have expanded their range and improved mechanics, making them reliable from deep and in mid-range actions. Off the catch or off the bounce, they can create space and hit tough jumpers.
Versatility: What truly sets the Popoolas apart is their positional versatility. They can switch across multiple positions defensively, handle the ball in transition, and initiate offense in spurts. Elijah operates a bit more on the wing, while Olujimi has shown flashes of interior toughness and rebounding instincts.
Athletic Tools: Long, wiry frames with elite lateral movement and bounce. Their upside is considerable as they continue to fill out physically.
Basketball IQ: Sons of a former D-I player, their court awareness reflects strong mentorship and early development. They play unselfishly and are advanced in reading spacing and tempo for their age.
Upside: With two years of high school remaining, the twins project as high-major prospects. Their work ethic, combined with a move to a more competitive basketball market, positions them well for national recognition.
🚨 Why This Transfer Matters
The decision to leave Arbor View High School in Las Vegas for Palisades Charter could prove to be pivotal. Not only does it reconnect the family legacy with their father’s alma mater, but it also gives the twins a platform in Southern California — one of the most scouted regions in the country.
“Sometimes a change in environment is exactly what a young player needs,” said one local scout. “For these two, it could be the spark that puts them on a national radar.”
📈 Recruiting Outlook
With offers from multiple institutions, and continued development at Palisades, it’s only a matter of time before more MWC, Big 12, and WCC programs come calling. If they stay on this trajectory, don’t be surprised to see the Popoola twins mentioned in future Top 100 national rankings for 2027.
🏀 Final Thoughts
Elijah and Olujimi Popoola are not just twins with talent — they are the total package. Size, skill, basketball bloodlines, and a hunger to improve. Scouts and college coaches should be paying close attention. Their journey began in Las Vegas, but their future is quickly expanding beyond it.
Keep your eyes on the Popoola twins — the best may be yet to come.
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