(SAN DIEGO) Point Loma Nazarene University men's basketball Head Coach
Justin Downer announced the signing of Eli Hopkins, a 6-foot-7 guard/forward from Oregon City High School in Oregon City, Oregon, who will join the Sea Lions for the 2027-28 season.
Ranked as the No. 1 small forward and No. 7 overall prospect in Oregon's Class of 2027 by Prep Hoops, Hopkins comes to The Point following an accomplished junior campaign that included OSAA Class 6A Second Team All-State recognition, All-Tournament Second Team honors, and his second consecutive First Team All-Three Rivers League selection.
A versatile, multi-positional prospect with the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, Hopkins averaged 18.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game during the 2025-26 season at Oregon City High School.
"Eli is the type of player that we feel has helped separate us from others over the years," Downer said. "The ability to play multiple positions, shoot it, handle it, and guard virtually every position on the floor makes him very unique, and allows others to play to their strengths. He has a high IQ, and comes from a family that loves basketball, making his knowledge for the game obvious. We are thrilled to add Eli and the Hopkins family to our program and community."
During his junior season, Hopkins helped lead Oregon City to a 24-4 overall record and a share of the Three Rivers League championship, the program's first conference title since 2018. The Pioneers earned the No. 3 seed in the OSAA Class 6A State Tournament, making their first appearance at the state tournament's final site since 2019.
Hopkins was instrumental in Oregon City's success, leading the Pioneers in scoring and rebounding while serving as one of the team's primary offensive playmakers.
He delivered a team-high 17 points in a pivotal 66-64 road victory over Tualatin, helping Oregon City defeat one of the state's premier programs. Hopkins also recorded 14 points and eight rebounds against Jesuit in the 6A state quarterfinals, earning recognition on the tournament's All-Tournament Second Team.
His postseason honors capped a highly successful junior campaign in which he was selected to the OSAA 6A All-State Second Team and earned First Team All-Three Rivers League recognition for the second consecutive year.
Hopkins further distinguished himself on the grassroots and scholastic summer circuits, demonstrating his ability to score at all three levels while contributing as a rebounder, facilitator, and versatile defender.
At California Scholastic Live, Hopkins helped his team complete an undefeated run through its bracket, scoring 21 points and connecting on five three-pointers in a championship victory over St. Ignatius of San Francisco.
His performances drew recognition from Prep Hoops evaluators, who identified his combination of perimeter shooting, athleticism, shot-blocking ability, and offensive versatility as defining strengths.
With the size to defend frontcourt players and the skill set to operate on the perimeter, Hopkins provides Point Loma with a versatile offensive weapon capable of spacing the floor, attacking the basket, and creating opportunities for teammates.
Defensively, his length, mobility, and instincts allow him to contest shots, protect the rim, and guard multiple positions, complementing the Sea Lions' established emphasis on defensive execution and positional versatility.
A native of Oregon City, Hopkins is interested in studying business at Point Loma. He also brings a strong family-centered background and an emphasis on personal development and becoming the best version of himself on and off the court.
Hopkins will join a Point Loma program that has won a conference-record five consecutive PacWest regular-season championships and back-to-back PacWest Tournament titles.
Under Downer, the Sea Lions have captured three consecutive PacWest regular-season championships, becoming just the second program under one head coach to accomplish that feat in conference history. Point Loma has also advanced to two straight NCAA West Regional championship games.
Hopkins is scheduled to arrive on campus in the fall of 2027.
