Jordan Brand Classic: Teams with Most to Boast at Annual Showcase

The Jordan Brand Classic has boasted future NBA stars such as LeBron James, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin throughout the years, and this year will be no different.

The triple-header—which features a Regional Game displaying the top prep stars from North Carolina and an International Game—showcases the top two recruits in the nation this year, Nerlens Noel and Shabazz Muhammad, as well as plenty of other big names.

Some programs scored big during recruiting season. Here's a look at the teams that have the most to boast at the 2012 Jordan Brand Classic on Saturday.

3. Arizona

Arizona landed a remarkable three five-star recruits this offseason, including top center Kaleb Tarczewski, Grant Jerrett and Brandon Ashley, who will all appear at the Classic.

Tarczewski has great size at 7'0", 240 pounds, and he can run the floor and finish strong. He's an excellent rebounder who can block shots and is developing his post game. As his frame continues to fill up, Tarczewski figures to be virtually immovable on the low block during college.

Jerrett figures to be Arizona's power forward of the future and follow in Derrick Williams' footsteps. He has great length, he has the athleticism and basketball IQ to score in tight spaces in the paint, and he's a smooth shooter with range out to the three-point line. He's also a solid defender who appears to understand the art of shot-blocking.

Last but not least, there is Brandon Ashley, who has the ability to play both forward spots due to his strength and length. He's a quick, athletic player who has developed his post game and improved his shooting out to mid-range. Beyond that, his long arms allow him to be a pesky defender with shot-blocking ability.

2. UCLA

Shabazz Muhammad. That's the main reason why UCLA will be grinning from ear to ear at the Classic. Muhammad, the No. 2 overall recruit according to ESPNU, is one of the most explosive athletes in the class, with the ability to score in tight spaces and knock down the mid-range jumper. He has tremendous potential and it wouldn't surprise me if he went one-and-done at UCLA.

But beyond Muhammad, there is also the No. 5 recruit in the class, Kyle Anderson, and Top-50 recruit Jordan Adams. That gives the Bruins three electric wing players to use however they choose.

Muhammad and Anderson will participate in the Classic, but watch out for Tony Parker, as well. He's still deciding, and UCLA is on his list.

1. Kentucky

No, this is not 2011 and, no, Nerlens Noel isn't Anthony Davis, although he may as well be. When Kentucky landed Noel and his hair on Wednesday, visions of Davis in a Wildcats jersey sprung up again.

Noel has elite shot-blocking ability and, like Davis, can change the game without even scoring. But that's not to say he can't score. Noel is an explosive player near the rim, with a nice post game. As he continues to work on his mid-range game, he's only going to get better.

Shooting guard Archie Goodwin and small forward Alex Poythress are also five-star recruits.

Goodwin is a very smooth player who has drawn comparisons to Joe Johnson, and he has nice length, allowing him to rebound and defend well. He can create his own shot off the dribble or knock it down from three-point range—one of those players who will do a lot for you.

Poythress has terrific length and explosiveness, which allows him to attack the rim, crash the boards and be disruptive on defense. He still needs to work on his perimeter game and overall skills, but his athleticism is scary.

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