College Basketball: Duke and the Top 25 Recruiting Classes for 2011-12

Recruiting is arguably the biggest part of any college basketball team’s success.  It is the way that a program becomes and stays strong.  Good coaching of players can only go so far if no talent can be brought to the school.

Different coaches have different recruiting methods.  Some go for one-and-done players or one-year-wonder players, while others go for players who are good but will stay all four years and be coached more.

Since schools were able to recruit players the recruiting side of basketball has been one of, if not the most important aspect of the game.

The 2011-12 recruiting class is filled to the brim with talent, but some schools have been able to acquire more talent than others.

This list is dedicated to counting down the top 25 recruiting classes of the NCAA.  Factors include talent of recruits, number of recruits, where needs were met, etc.

Without any further ado, let’s start counting down the best recruiting classes.

25. Villanova Wildcats

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CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 18: Cam Long #20 of the George Mason Patriots and Corey Fisher #10 of the Villanova Wildcats fight for a loose ball during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Quicken Loans Arena on March 18, 2011 in Cle

Commits: 4

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 1

Top recruit: PG Tyrone Johnson

Villanova has a lot of good talent coming in, including ESPN Top 100 recruit PG Tyrone Johnson (who is ranked #64), but he is not all.  Nova also has SG Achraf Yacoubou, C Marcus Kennedy and SG Darrun Hilliard coming in, who are all highly regarded.

Nova looks like an NCAA tournament lock again, and they should win a game this time.

24. West Virginia Mountaineers

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TAMPA, FL - MARCH 19: (L-R) Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia talks with Deniz Kilicli #13 against the Kentucky Wildcats during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at St. Pete Times Forum on March 19, 2011 in Tampa, Flo

Commits: 7

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 0

Top recruit: PG Jabarie Hinds

The Mountaineers might not have a recruit in the top 100, but they are bringing in a lot of players.  West Virginia is going to be have two more point guards, three more power forwards, a center and a small forward joining them for sure, and two more excellent power forwards still considering them.

The Mountaineers have the potential to bring in nine recruits, and are looking up, despite not having a Top 100 recruit.

23. Oklahoma State Cowboys

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 10: Head coach Travis Ford of the Oklahoma State Cowboys signals to his team against the Kansas Jayhawks during their quarterfinal game in the 2011 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at Sprint Center on March 10, 2011

Commits: 2

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 1

Top recruit: SF LeBryan Nash

Oklahoma State has a couple of great players signed in SF Lebryan Nash (ranked ninth in the ESPN Top 100) and PG Cezar Guerrero committed.  They also have SG Tony Kimbro Jr. and SF Anthony Norris considering them.  The Cowboys have some good talent already, but if Kimbro and Norris join them they could move up on this list significantly.

22. Alabama Crimson Tide

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NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 31: Toure' Murry #23 of the Wichita State Shockers is stopped by Chris Hines #44 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2011 NIT Championship game on March 31, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Wichita State defeated Al

Commits: 4

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 1

Top recruit: SG Levi Randolph

Alabama has SG Levi Randolph coming in as their ESPN Top 100 recruit, but they also have PF Nick Jacobs, SF Rodney Cooper and C Moussa Gueye coming in for them for sure.  They also have ESPN Top 100 recruit SG Trevor Lacey, SG Maurice Aniefok and SF Alex Davis still considering them.

Alabama already has four players ready to come in and start playing, and they could have a lot of depth at the SG position, which needs some help.  Overall, Alabama looks even better than last season, and hopefully they will reach the NCAA tournament this season.

21. Florida Gators

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 26: Chandler Parsons #25 of the Florida Gators shoots over Shelvin Mack #1 of the Butler Bulldogs during the Southeast regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at New Orleans Arena on March 26, 2011 in New Orlea

Commits: 2

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 1

Top recruit: SG Bradley Beal

The Gators’ recruiting class is led by SG Bradley Beal, who is ranked number four in the ESPN Top 100.  Florida also has PF Walter Pitchford committed, and five recruits still considering, the most notable of whom is SF DeAndre Daniels.

Florida is looking to avenge a loss to Butler in the Elite Eight, and these guys should help them, especially if the considering ones sign.

20. Washington Huskies

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CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 20: Isaiah Thomas #2 talks with head coach Lorenzo Romar of the Washington Huskies while taking on the North Carolina Tar Heels during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena on March

Commits: 5

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 1

Top recruit: PG Tony Wroten Jr.

PG Tony Wroten Jr. is ranked #16 in the ESPN Top 100 recruits, and he is coming to Washington.  The Huskies won the Pac-10 Conference Tournament in the 2010-11 season, and they look to do the same in 2011-12 with Wroten Jr. and four other good recruits, including SG Hikeem Stewart and PF Jernard Jerreau.  The Huskies have some good talent coming in for sure, and they still have two good recruits considering them.

The Huskies will look to get back to their Sweet Sixteen form from the 2009-10 season, and these guys ought to help.

19. Oregon Ducks

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 11: E.J. Singler #25 of the Oregon Ducks goes up for a shot against Justin Holiday #22 of the Washington Huskies in the second half in the semifinals of the 2011 Pacific Life Pac-10 Men's Basketball Tournament at Staples Center on

Commits: 5

ESPN Top 100 recruits:1

Top recruit: SG Jabari Brown

The Ducks have SG Jabari Brown (#25 in ESPN Top 100 recruits) coming in for the 2011-12 season, and they also have four other guys, the most notable of whom is SG Brett Kingma.  The Ducks also have SF Jarion Henry considering them, and he is very highly regarded, and just outside the Top 100.

The Ducks are looking to top their 21-18 record last season, and they need Brown to make a big impact early on if they want to make the Big Dance.

18. Mississippi State Bulldogs

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ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 11: Kodi Augustus #24 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs dunks against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the quarterfinals of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Georgia Dome on March 11, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Commodores defe

Commits: 4

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 2

Top recruit: SG Rodney Hood

The Bulldogs have two ESPN Top 100 recruits joining them in SG Rodney Hood (#30) and SF D.J. Gardner (#95).  They also have two solid players in PG Deville Smith and PF Roquez Johnson.  The Bulldogs have found some homegrown talent in Hood, Gardner and Smith.  The Bulldogs also have SG LeAntwan Luckett and PF Jamari Traylor among four players still considering them.

The Bulldogs did not have the season they wanted, and they need these guys to help them pick it up.

17. Michigan State Spartans

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TAMPA, FL - MARCH 17: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on against the UCLA Bruins during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at St. Pete Times Forum on March 17, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. UCLA won 78-76. (

Commits: 4

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 1

Top recruit: SF Branden Dawson

SF Branden Dawson leads the recruiting class as the only one in the Top 100, but the other three commits were all on the verge of the Top 100.  The Spartans also have SG Brandan Kearney, SG Dwaun Anderson and PG Travis Trice.  The Spartans have some good talent coming in, even if only one player was honored in the Top 100.

The Spartans were bounced in the first round of the NCAA tournament by UCLA last season, and they want to avenge themselves.

16. Florida State Seminoles

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SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 25: Head coach Leonard Hamilton of the Florida State Seminoles reacts during the southwest regional of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Alamodome on March 25, 2011 in San Antonio, Texas. Virginia Commonwealth defea

Commits: 4

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 3

Top recruit: SF Antwan Space

The Seminoles have three ESPN Top 100 recruits coming in.  They have SF Antwan Space (#69), SG Aaron Thomas (#70) and SG Terry Whisnant (#98).  The Seminoles still have four players considering them, the best being PF Chris Bryant.

Florida State made a great run in the NCAA tournament last season, and they are replacing their seniors well, but they probably won’t be able to do it again.

15. Baylor Bears

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 09: Quincy Acy #4 of the Baylor Bears dunks the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners during their game in the first round of the 2011 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at Sprint Center on March 9, 2011 in Kansas City, Mi

Commits: 3

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 2

Top recruit: PF Quincy Miller

The Baylor Bears have ESPN Top 100 recruits PF Quincy Miller (#6) and SF Duece Bello (#95) coming in for the 2011-12 season and beyond.  Miller is a tank, and he is going to make a big impact right from the get-go.  The Bears still have five top recruits considering them, including SG Maurice Aniefok, SF Anthony Norris and SG Anthony Anderson.

The Bears could go a lot higher on this list if their considering recruits sign, but for now they must settle for #15.

14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

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NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 09: Gilvydas Biruta #55 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights shoots over Justin Brownlee #32 of the St.Johns Red Storm during the second round of the 2011 Big East Men's Basketball Tournament presented by American Eagle Outfitters at Madiso

Commits: 7

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 1

Top recruit: PG Myles Mack

The Scarlet Knights only have one player in the Top 100 (Myles Mack #61), but they have six other commits who could’ve been.  The Scarlet Knights have two point guards, two power forwards, a center, a small forward and a shooting guard coming in, and they are looking like a young team.  The Scarlet Knights still have four players considering them, all of whom are very good players.

Rutgers will be a young team next season, but they should still be pretty good, and they are looking forward.

13. Pittsburgh Panthers

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WASHINGTON - MARCH 19: Gary McGhee #52 of the Pittsburgh Panthers reacts to their loss to the Butler Bulldogs during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Verizon Center on March 19, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Nick Laham

Commits: 4

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 2

Top recruit: C Khem Birch

The Panthers are looking to go big, and they did that, recruiting two centers in the ESPN Top 100, Khem Birch (#11) and Malcolm Gilbert (#59).  They also got shooting guards Durand Johnson and John Johnson (no relation) who both just missed out on the Top 100.  The Panthers still have good talent at every position, and they can play Birch and Gilbert together if they want because Birch can also play power forward.

The Panthers are looking to avenge a loss in the Round of 32 to Butler, and they still look pretty good.

12. Illinois Fighting Illini

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TULSA, OK - MARCH 20: D.J. Richardson #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini goes up for a shot against Tyrel Reed #14 and Thomas Robinson #0 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 20

Commits: 5

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 4

Top recruit: C Nnanna Egwu

The Fighting Illini have locked up four ESPN Top 100 recruits in C Nnanna Egwu (#68), PG Tracy Adams (#84), PF Mike Shaw (#88) and SF Mycheal Henry (#94).  They have also snagged SF Devin Langford, who just missed the Top 100.  They also have three excellent recruits considering them, the best being C Kevin Johnson.

Illinois has an awesome recruiting class coming in, and the program is looking better.

11. Virginia Tech Hokies

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GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 12: Malcolm Delaney #23 and Erick Green #11 of the Virginia Tech Hokies battle for a loose ball against Nolan Smith #2 of the Duke Blue Devils in the semifinals of the 2011 ACC men's basketball tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum

Commits: 4

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 3

Top recruit: SF Dorian Finney-Smith

The Hokies have scored three ESPN Top 100 recruits in SF Dorian Finney-Smith (#17), SG Robert Brown (#79) and PF C.J. Barksdale (#97).  The have also signed PG Marquis Rankin.  The Hokies still have four good recruits considering them, the most notable being SF Jarrod Davis.

The Hokies are one of a handful of ACC teams on this list, and hopefully they have found a way to get into the NCAA tournament after being snubbed three years in a row.

10. Syracuse Orange

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CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 20: Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange looks on from the bench during the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles during the third of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Quicken Loans Arena on March 20, 2011 in C

Commits: 3

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 3

Top recruit: C Rakeem Christmas

The Orange only go after top-notch players and all of their recruits are in the ESPN Top 100 this year, getting C Rakeem Christmas (#19), SG Michael Carter-Williams (#20) and SG Trevor Cooney (#63).

Syracuse only has one senior leaving them, and that’s Rick Jackson, who averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds.  The Orange have addressed two issues with their recruits: replacing Jackson and gaining some athleticism.

The Oranges are trying to bounce back from an early exit in the 2011 NCAA tournament, and they are poised to do so being led by Scoop Jardine.

9. Arkansas Razorbacks

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ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 10: Mardracus Wade #1 of the Arkansas Razorbacks shoots against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first round of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at the Georgia Dome on March 10, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/

Commits: 5

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 3

Top recruit: PG B.J. Young

Arkansashas locked up three Top 100 recruits this year, PG B.J. Young (#15), SG Ky Madden (#36) and PF Hunter Mickelson (#53).  They also have three recruits still considering them, including Top 100 recruit Otto Porter (#31) and Tony Kimbro Jr. who barely missed the Top 100.

The Razorbacks have lost seniors Delvon Johnson and Jemal Farmer, but they have replaced them.  Johnson made an impact with almost 10 points per game, but Farmer did little to nothing in the games.  Johnson has been replaced with Mickelson, and Farmer with Madden.  The Razorbacks decided they wanted a better point guard too, and got B.J. Young.

The Razorbacks had a disappointing 2010-11 season, but they are looking much better for the 2011-12 campaign.

8. Louisville Cardinals

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DENVER, CO - MARCH 17: Head coach Rick Pitino of the Louisville Cardinals looks on from the sidelines against the Morehead State Eagles during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Pepsi Center on March 17, 2011 in Denver, Colo

Commits: 5

ESPN top 100 recruits: 3

Top recruit: SG Wayne Blackshear

The Cardinals scored three ESPN Top 100 recruits, SG Wayne Blackshear (#26), PF Chane Behanan (#27) and C Zach Price (#55).  They also signed SF Angel Nunez and SF Ryan Taylor.  Louisville also has SG Kevin Ware still considering them, and he is number 93 on the ESPN Top 100 recruits.

The Cardinals are addressing the loss of their only senior, Preston Knowles, with Blackshear.  The Cardinals have addressed their needs and then some with their recruits, and they are looking good this season.

The Cardinals were bounced in their first game against Morehead State, and they are looking to do much better than that this season.

7. Arizona Wildcats

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 26: Jesse Perry #33 and Solomon Hill #44 of the Arizona Wildcats fight for a rebound against Tyler Olander #10 of the Connecticut Huskies during the west regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center

Commits: 4

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 4

Top recruit: PG Josiah Turner

The Arizona Wildcats have brought in four Top 100 players for next season, PG Josian Turner (#14), SG Nick Johnson (#21), PF Angelo Chol (#59) and PF Sidiki Johnson (#91).  The Wildcats have brought in some major talent this season, but they have probably lost more than they gained, with freshmen being somewhat unpredictable.

The Wildcats have only lost one senior in Jamelle Horne, who averaged only six points per game, and was an outside shooter.  The biggest loss for the Wildcats will Derrick Williams, who is expected to declare for the draft any day now.  Williams led the Wildcats to the Elite Eight, and he will be sorely missed.  The Wildcats have tried to replace him with Chol and Johnson, but they will not be near Williams’ level.

The Wildcats were great in the 2010-11 season, but they will probably drop in the coming season.

6. North Carolina Tar Heels

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NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 27: John Henson #31 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in action against Eloy Vargas #30 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the east regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Prudential Center on March 27, 2011 in Newark

Commits: 4

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 2

Top recruit: PF James McAdoo

The Tar Heels have taken two Top 100 recruits in PF James McAdoo (#5) and SG P.J. Hairston (#12).  The other notable recruit for UNC is PF Jackson Simmons.  These three could also be joined by C Desmond Hubert.

The Tar Heels really dodged a bullet after the tournament, with Tyler Zeller and John Henson deciding to stay, and Harrison Barnes leaning toward staying.  The departures of Justin Knox, Daniel Bolick and Van Hatchell were inevitable since they were seniors, but they will not be missed much.

The Tar Heels are looking very good for the 2011-12 season, and they will have high expectations.

5. Ohio State Buckeyes

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NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 25: Jared Sullinger #0 of the Ohio State Buckeyes goes for a lay up against DeAndre Liggins #34 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of the east regional semifinal of the 2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Prudenti

Commits: 5

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 4

Top recruit: PG Shannon Scott

The Buckeyes have a great class, gaining four ESPN Top 100 recruits in PG Shannon Scott (#34), C Amir Williams (#41), SF Sam Thompson (#43) and SF LaQuinton Ross (#51).  These four will be joined by C Trey Williams.

The Buckeyes have lost seniors Eddie Days, David Lighty, Jon Diebler and Dallas Lauderdale.  Luckily for them, however, Jared Sullinger stayed.  The Buckeyes have gotten some good talent to replace some of those whom they lost, but we cannot expect them to go 32-2 again with the team they have.

The Buckeyes were the number one overall seed in the NCAA tournament, but were bounced by Kentucky, and they tried to keep their prowess, but lost some when recruiting.

4. Texas Longhorns

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TULSA, OK - MARCH 20: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Texas Longhorns walks off the court after their 70-69 loss to the Arizona Wildcats in the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 20, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Pho

Commits: 5

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 4

Top recruit: PG Myck Kabongo

The Longhorns have snagged four Top 100 recruits in PG Myck Kabongo (#10), SG Sheldon McClellan (#45), PF Jonathan Holmes (#60) and SG Julien Lewis (#74).  They have also signed SF Kevin Thomas who just missed out on the Top 100.  The Longhorns still have three excellent players considering them, including DeAndre Daniels.

The Longhorns have lost only seniors, and they have been Matt Hill, Clint Chapman, Jai Lucas, Dougas Balbay and Gary Johnson.  The Longhorns have easily made up for these guys with their recruiting class.  The best player they lost was Johnson, and they have replaced him with McClellan.

The Longhorns have addressed their needs and then some, and are looking good this season.

3. Duke Blue Devils

Commits: 4

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 4

Top recruit: SG Austin Rivers

The Blue Devils have another awesome class coming in, led by ESPN Top 100 recruits Austin Rivers (#2), SF Micheal Gbinjie (28#), C Marhshall Plumlee (#35) and PG Quinn Cook (#38).  They also still have DeAndre Daniels considering them.

The Blue Devils’ losses are big, with Kyrie Irving leaving early, Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith being seniors along with Casey Peters. The Blue Devils have great recruits, however, with Cook replacing Irving, Rivers replacing Smith, Gbinje replacing Singler and Plumlee replacing Peters.

The Blue Devils are still terrific, and the Duke-UNC rivalry will be amazing in the 2011-12 season.

2. St. John’s Red Storm

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DENVER, CO - MARCH 17: Head coach Steve Lavin of the St. John's Red Storm looks on from the bench against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Pepsi Center on March 17, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (P

Commits: 9

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 6

Top recruit: SF Dom Pointer

The Johnnies have an astounding number of recruits coming in to replace their nine leaving seniors.  They have six Top 100 players, and nine total who are all very good.  Instead of listing all of their recruits, I will just say that almost their entire team has been replaced, and they still have three more guys considering them.

The Johnnies have replaced all of their seniors is good ways, and they will essentially be the same team.  The bad news for St. John’s, however, is that coach Steve Lavin has been diagnosed with cancer.

St. John’s was a question mark this season, but everyone should be pulling for them and their coach next season.

1. Kentucky Wildcats

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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts from the sidelines against the Connecticut Huskies during the National Semifinal game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Reliant Stadium on April 2

Commits: 4

ESPN Top 100 recruits: 4

Top recruit: PF Anthony Davis

The Kentucky Wildcats have an amazing recruiting class in terms of talent.  They have already signed ESPN Top 100 recruits PF Anthony Davis (#1), SF Michael Gilchrist (#3), PG Marquis Teague (#7) and PF Kyle Wiltjer (#18).  They also have SG Trevor Lacey (ESPN Top 100 #40) and SF DeAndre Daniels still considering them.

Wow.

The Wildcats have lost senior Josh Harrellson.  They have replaced him with Davis.  The Wildcats have gained a lot more than they have lost, and we can expect big things from Calipari’s crew.

Kentucky looks amazing this season, and they are my early preseason pick to win it all (but that’s pretty hard to tell since it’s 11 months away).