Arizona women’s basketball received a significant boost over the weekend when four‑star forward Celsy Colombo publicly announced her commitment to the University of Arizona. The decision was made official on Tuesday afternoon, marking the latest addition to Coach Becky Burke’s recruiting efforts for the 2027 class.
Colombo’s background and on‑court production
Colombo, a 6‑foot‑4 power forward, hails from the Buffalo, New York region. Her hometown is listed variously as Yorkshire, Lancaster, or Arcade, NY, all within a 45‑mile radius of Buffalo. She currently plays for St. Mary’s High School in Lancaster after transferring from Pioneer Senior High School in Yorkshire. Her club affiliation is with Exodus.
During the 2025‑26 season, Colombo posted averages of 10.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.2 blocks per game in 20 appearances for St. Mary’s. She shot 73 % from the free‑throw line, 58 % on two‑point attempts and 30 % from three‑point range. Her defensive presence and rebounding ability have drawn attention from multiple Division I programs.
Recruiting rankings and national recognition
Although ESPN does not currently rank Colombo, she holds a scout grade of 91, placing her just behind a group of players ranked No. 86‑100 with the same grade. ESPN listed her as No. 96 in June, indicating that the platform’s evaluation may be lagging.
Other recruiting services rate her more favorably. 247Sports ranks Colombo No. 38 nationally, No. 10 among power forwards, and No. 2 in New York. Their composite places her at No. 48 overall, No. 11 among power forwards, and No. 2 in the state. Rivals lists her No. 53 overall, No. 12 among power forwards, and No. 3 in New York. Prospect Nation ranks her No. 36 nationally and No. 11 among forwards, aligning with the consensus that she is a top‑50 prospect.
National team experience
USA Basketball has recognized Colombo as one of the premier players in her class. She was a finalist for the U‑16 national team in 2025 and received an invitation to the U‑17 trials in 2026. Although she did not make the final 22‑player roster for the U‑17 team, Prospects Nation noted that she “used her mobility and range in the trial spot well.”
College offers and decision
Colombo received offers from several prominent programs, including Syracuse, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, DePaul and NC State. Some reports indicated she was previously leaning toward Syracuse or Fairfield before choosing Arizona.
Coach Becky Burke, who welcomed a top‑20 2026 class and already secured two four‑star verbal commitments for 2027, praised the addition. Burke has previously highlighted the value of any recruiting advantage, even joking that associate head coach Todd Starkey’s son, actor Drew Starkey, might serve as a useful resource for future visits.
Impact on the Arizona program
Colombo’s commitment adds size, length and defensive versatility to a Wildcats roster that is already shaping up as a contender in the Pac‑12. Her presence should give Coach Burke additional options in the frontcourt and strengthen the team’s rebounding and shot‑blocking capabilities.
The Wildcats will continue to build on their recent recruiting successes as they prepare for the 2027 season, aiming to compete for conference titles and NCAA tournament berths.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
