2010 College Basketball Recruits: Elite Eight Impact Freshman

While the majority of next year’s recruiting class is busy preparing for campus life, a few top recruits have yet to make a decision. Among this group of undecided players includes No. 1 overall recruit, Brandon Knight, along with C.J. Leslie and Josh Selby.

This list isn’t a simple rundown of the eight most talented players, sans the three aforementioned prospects. Instead, I’ve chosen kids with the best chance of making a significant impact as a freshman.

Notably absent from this list are a pair of Memphis and North Carolina Top 10 recruits. For the Tigers it’s Jelan Kendrick and Will Barton. The other two are Tarheels commitments Reggie Bullock and Harrison Barnes.

Granted, it’s foolish not to think these kids will have a major influence on the program’s success next year. However, they are heading to rosters of other young All-American talents so the potential for significant impact is somewhat lessened.

One player not listed but who would instantly jump to the No. 1 ranking on this list based on his final decision is Ray McCallum Jr. (Detroit Country Day High School – Beverly Hills, MI).

The explosive scorer and floor general had major offers from top teams but it’s ultimately come down to heading across the country to UCLA or staying home and playing for his Dad at the long dormant, but historically-rich program at University of Detroit Mercy.

Ryan Harrow – North Carolina State (PG / 6-0 / 160)

Patric Young – Florida (PF / 6-9 / 225)

Nate Lubick – Georgetown (PF / 6-9 / 230)

Perry Jones – Baylor (C / 6-11 / 230)

Adreian Payne – Michigan State (PF-C / 6-10 / 225)

Fabricio “Fab” Melo – Syracuse (C / 7-0 / 275)

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 10: Fab Melo #51 of the Syracuse Orange shoots over Dwayne Polee Jr. #0 of the St. John's Red Storm during the quarterfinals of the 2011 Big East Men's Basketball Tournament presented by American Eagle Outfitters at Madison Square Ga

Jereme Richmond – Illinois (SF / 6-6 / 195)

Jared Sullinger – Ohio State (PF / 6-8 / 265)