CBB Recruiting 2015: Ranking 25 Best Classes After McDonald's All-American Game
Fans across college basketball can't wait until next season after seeing what the top high school players in the nation can do in the McDonald's All-American Game.
While the 2015 national champion will be decided next weekend in Indianapolis, it's never too early to look at the future. The stars of next season and beyond were on display Wednesday night, and it helped give a good indication of what to expect going forward.
The East beat the West 111-91 with Cheick Diallo taking home the MVP award. However, the individual performances are the real story with undecided players like Diallo, Jaylen Brown, Ivan Rabb and Brandon Ingram leading the way.
These players will cause dramatic shifts along the rankings as we wait to see where each will land.
Still, guys like LSU's Ben Simmons, Maryland's Diamond Stone, Kentucky's Isaiah Briscoe, Arizona's Allonzo Trier and more already gave their fans a lot to look forward to in the coming season. These performances and more help shape recruiting class rankings for 2015.
Classes No. 25-21
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Top Recruits: PF Ted Kapita (4-star), SG Jimmy Whitt (4-star)
Although it is just a two-man class, both players have the ability to make an impact early in their careers. Ted Kapita is an explosive forward who can make plays on both ends of the court, while Jimmy Whitt can create off the dribble as well as guards much older than him.
Arkansas' fast-paced attack would suit both of these players well.
Top Recruits: PF Chimezie Metu (4-star), SF Bennie Boatright (4-star)
This class is all about potential. Both Chimezie Metu and Bennie Boatright have the athleticism and raw tools to be stars at the next level, although it will take time to get production out of either player.
With USC still going through a rebuilding process, the frontcourt duo will have plenty of time to develop.
Top Recruits: PG Jalen Adams (4-star), PF Steve Enoch (4-star)
When you think about UConn, you think about scoring point guards and shot-blocking bigs. That is what the Huskies added with this class.
While Steve Enoch might take some time to develop into an elite defender, Jalen Adams is already a smooth playmaker who will be fun to watch next season.
Top Recruits: SG P.J. Dozier (4-star), PF Chris Silva (4-star), C Travon Bunch (3-star)
P.J. Dozier can be the real surprise of the 2015 class, especially if he ends up moving to point guard. The South Carolina native showed his potential as a creator at the All-American game and can be a mismatch with his size at 6'6".
Adding the athletic Chris Silva to the roster will only create more highlight plays in the offense.
Top Recruits: SG Eric Davis (4-star), SG Kerwin Roach (4-star)
This class will remain in limbo while Texas attempts to replace Rick Barnes as head coach, but the school will want to do whatever it takes to keep this backcourt duo. Eric Davis and Kerwin Roach are both volume scorers with high upside if they can work on their consistency.
Classes No. 20-16
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Top Recruits: SG Prince Ali (4-star), PG Aaron Holiday (4-star), PF Alex Olesinski (3-star)
Between Aaron Holiday and Prince Ali, the upside for this backcourt is huge. Holiday has a great feel for the game with a developed mid-range game, while Ali can finish at or above the rim as well as anyone in the nation.
Consistency could be an issue, but the potential is high for this duo.
Top Recruits: PF Horace Spencer (4-star), SF Danjel Purifoy (4-star), SG T.J. Dunans (4-star)
Head coach Bruce Pearl is adding players who fit his system. The five-man class is full of players with size, length, athleticism and slashing ability to succeed on both ends of the court.
T.J. Dunans is rated by 247Sports as the No. 1 JUCO recruit in the nation and has the ability to be a go-to scoring option right out of the gate for the Tigers.
Top Recruits: SG Stephen Thompson Jr. (4-star), SF Tres Tinkle (4-star), PF Drew Eubanks (4-star)
Wayne Tinkle's attempt to turn around Oregon State will be aided by the addition of his son, Tres. The younger Tinkle and Stephen Thompson Jr. are two advanced perimeter scorers who should make an impact right away.
Although the rest of the class is a bit raw, there are enough players to ensure plenty of production from this group.
Top Recruits: PG Jalen Brunson (5-star), SG Donte Divincenzo (4-star), PF Tim Delaney (3-star)
Donte Divincenzo could end up as a quality scorer and passer, but the real star is Jalen Brunson. The All-American point guard is a prototypical floor general who does everything necessary to help his team win.
In a program known for its guard play, Brunson should fare well at Villanova.
Top Recruits: PG Tyler Dorsey (4-star), PG Kendall Small (4-star), PF Trevor Manuel (4-star)
Tyler Dorsey will be the one to watch in this group as a combo guard who could develop into one of the top scorers in the nation. Kendall Small is more of a true point guard with great passing ability and good defensive skills.
These players could develop into one of the top backcourts in the Pac-12 before long.
Classes No. 15-11
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Top Recruits: PG Jalen Coleman-Lands (4-star), SF D.J. Williams (4-star), SG Aaron Jordan (4-star)
Jalen Coleman-Lands and D.J. Williams are two players who could be elite scorers at the next level. Each one has an advanced skill set that allows him to create his own looks and finish with consistency.
Adding an elite shooter like Aaron Jordan will make this a tough team to defend in the future.
Top Recruits: PF Deyonta Davis (4-star), SG Matthew McQuaid (4-star), SG Kyle Ahrens (3-star)
In typical Tom Izzo fashion, this is a group of players that will only get better the longer they are in school. Deyonta Davis clearly has the highest ceiling as an elite shot-blocker who looks like a pogo stick on the floor. His offensive game is a bit raw, but he has shown the tools to be a star going forward.
Matthew McQuaid and Kyle Ahrens can also help out early with their ability to knock down shots from deep.
Top Recruits: PF Dedric Lawson (5-star), SF K.J. Lawson (4-star), PG Randall Broddie (3-star)
Brothers Dedric and K.J. Lawson should give Memphis a boost right away with their versatility. Both players have the slashing ability to score from the wing while also being able to defend either forward position.
Dedric is the higher regarded prospect and showed off plenty of versatility during the week of the McDonald's All-American Game, but both players should help the Tigers next season.
Top Recruits: SG Dejounte Murray (4-star), PF Marquese Chriss (4-star), SF Matisse Thybulle (4-star)
Although this class lacks a true game-changing player, it makes up for it with incredible depth. Head coach Lorenzo Romar will bring in six players to reload his roster and provide plenty of hope for the future.
Dejounte Murray is the most intriguing player of the group as a long, athletic guard who can make plays in the open court. Whether he ends up as a point guard or shooting guard, his upside is off the charts.
Top Recruits: SG KeVaughn Allen (4-star), PF Noah Dickerson (4-star), SF Keith Stone (4-star)
Florida adds some much-needed size with frontcourt players Noah Dickerson, Keith Stone and Kevarrius Hayes. All three of them also have the tools necessary to keep up the defensive theme for the Gators.
With KeVaughn Allen providing surprising athleticism in his 6'2" frame, this class should help the program get back on track after a down year.
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10. Duke Blue Devils
4 of 13Rankings: No. 17 in 247Sports, No. 10 in ESPN
5-Star Recruits: Chase Jeter (6'11" PF), Luke Kennard (6'5" SG)
4-Star Recruits: None
What they'll do well: Attack
Although there are just two players in this class at the moment, both were McDonald's All-Americans with high potential going forward. Chase Jeter won't completely replace Jahlil Okafor in the post, but he has a high motor and will always be active on the glass.
Luke Kennard is more advanced offensively and could be one of the top freshman scorers in the nation. As long as he has the ball, he will aggressively look for his own shot either from deep or slashing to the rim.
Where they'll need work: Rounding out their game
While Jeter will get points running the floor, he needs to learn how to create for himself at the next level. Kennard is a talented offensive player but could stand to improve on the defensive end by utilizing his quickness.
Additionally, a lack of options could force Kennard to play point guard at times next season, which would be a change after being more of a shooting guard for his career.
Even if coach Mike Krzyzewski adds more bodies to this class, the Blue Devils will likely be thin next year and reliant on the contributions of these two stars.
9. Louisville Cardinals
5 of 13Rankings: No. 4 in 247Sports, No. 11 in ESPN
5-Star Recruits: None
4-Star Recruits: Donovan Mitchell (6'3" SG), Deng Adel (6'7" SF), Raymond Spalding (6'9" PF)
What they'll do well: Be physical
Head coach Rick Pitino cares about his defense, and he will bring in players who fit the scheme. That's perfect for Donovan Mitchell and Deng Adel, who both have the strength and toughness necessary to immediately step into the lineup.
Mitchell is also a phenomenal athlete for his size and will make plays on both ends of the court. Raymond Spalding is not quite as polished, but he has the athleticism that makes him a quality prospect.
Where they'll need work: Outside shooting
Ryan McMahon can be a lights out shooter, but the 3-star prospect will need to add some bulk before competing in the ACC on a regular basis. Meanwhile, the rest of the class could end up struggling to spread the floor.
Even Mitchell gets most of his points at the rim despite his small stature.
After Louisville shot just 30.7 percent from three-point range this past season, don't expect much of an upgrade next year.
8. Marquette Golden Eagles
6 of 13Rankings: No. 8 in 247Sports, No. 9 in ESPN
5-Star Recruits: Henry Ellenson (6'10" PF)
4-Star Recruits: Haanif Cheatham (6'5" SG)
What they'll do well: Contribute early
Marquette is coming off a rough season, but reinforcements are on the way in the form of a quality five-man class headlined by Henry Ellenson. The power forward didn't play Wednesday due to a hand injury, but he will be asked to take on a big role early next year, which is just fine thanks to his wide offensive skill set.
Center Matt Heldt will also add size inside, while guard Haanif Cheatham has the tools to be a go-to scorer right out of the gate.
Where they'll need work: Consistency
The Golden Eagles will be one of the youngest teams in the country next season with freshmen and sophomores leading the way. While the players are bright enough to handle the pressure, you can expect plenty of mistakes.
Coach Steve Wojciechowski will have to figure out a way to get the most out of his players on a daily basis to get them competitive in the Big East.
7. LSU Tigers
7 of 13Rankings: No. 14 in 247Sports, No. 6 in ESPN
5-Star Recruits: Ben Simmons (6'8" SF), Antonio Blakeney (6'4" SG)
4-Star Recruits: None
What they'll do well: Playmaking
LSU not only added two of the best players in the nation, but both of them will be a thrill to watch in their first year.
Ben Simmons is the consensus No. 1 in the class, according to 247Sports. Not only does he have a knack for finishing above the rim, but he is always in complete control of the offense and can set up teammates just as easily as himself. Meanwhile, Antonio Blakeney is one of the more advanced guards in this class with the skill to create looks for himself whenever he wants.
As far as two-man classes go, it's almost impossible to imagine a better combination.
Where they'll need work: Covering other positions
With both Jordan Mickey and Jarell Martin declaring for the NBA draft, LSU loses a lot of talent going into next season. Simmons and Blakeney are ready to make big contributions, but they can only do so much.
The Tigers have a lot of young talent that barely saw the floor last season, and they will need them to step up to give this excellent duo some support.
6. Syracuse Orange
8 of 13Rankings: No. 7 in 247Sports, No. 4 in ESPN
5-Star Recruits: None
4-Star Recruits: Malachi Richardson (6'5" SF), Moustapha Diagne (6'9" PF), Tyler Lydon (6'9" PF), Franklin Howard (6'4" SG)
What they'll do well: Fit a 2-3 defense
No matter what these players did defensively in high school, they are all perfectly built to succeed in the 2-3 zone at Syracuse. Each recruit has the size, length and athleticism to disrupt passing lanes and the quickness to fill gaps in a hurry.
With Moustapha Diagne potentially being a quality shot-blocker in the middle, the Orange should be just fine defensively.
Where they'll need work: Passing
Malachi Richardson has a wide offensive skill set, while Franklin Howard can also create for himself. Tyler Lydon's shooting gives Syracuse the potential to be a high-scoring team. However, the players will have to figure out a way to work together.
None of these players is especially known for his passing or court vision, which could be a problem on a team that already has question marks at point guard.
5. Ohio State Buckeyes
9 of 13Rankings: No. 6 in 247Sports, No. 5 in ESPN
5-Star Recruits: None
4-Star Recruits: Jaquan Lyle (6'5" SG), Daniel Giddens (6'10" C), Austin Grandstaff (6'4" SG), A.J. Harris (5'9" PG), Mickey Mitchell (6'7" SF)
What they'll do well: Versatility
This deep class has just about everything you could want. Quick point guard A.J. Harris and sharpshooter Austin Grandstaff could create an excellent backcourt of the future, while Jaquan Lyle and Mickey Mitchell have the athleticism and skill to contribute in a number of ways.
Even Daniel Giddens can help out on both ends of the floor as a quality shot-blocker and rebounder with a developing offensive game.
Ohio State will have plenty of returning talent, but this class could easily make up a competitive starting lineup.
Where they'll need work: Finding a go-to option
While everyone brings something to the table, this elite class lacks one elite player. There are no McDonald's All-Americans, and none of the five really qualifies as a can't-miss prospect.
The question is whether one of these players will step up at the next level and separate himself from the others. Lyle probably has the best chance with his versatility, but a lot of improvement is necessary.
4. Florida State Seminoles
10 of 13Rankings: No. 5 in 247Sports, No. 7 in ESPN
5-Star Recruits: Dwayne Bacon (6'6" SG)
4-Star Recruits: Malik Beasley (6'4" SG), Terance Mann (6'5" SG)
What they'll do well: Showcase athleticism
Everyone in this class is explosive, and it could lead to big things at Florida State.
Malik Beasley and Terance Mann both know how to finish above the rim and should turn their athleticism into production before too long. Jean Marc Christ Koumadje is another player to watch as a 7'3" center who can run the floor and finish dunks with ease.
Of course, the real star is Dwayne Bacon, who won the dunk contest Monday in Chicago. These players on the same team will create quite a high-flying group next season.
Where they'll need work: Offensive polish
Aside from Bacon, who can drive and finish at the rim as well as anyone in the nation, the rest of this class is raw. Beasley and Mann have shown the ability to hit outside shots but will need to be more consistent at the next level while also learning how to create for themselves.
Koumadje also has a lot of work to do on that end of the court, but the ceiling is high enough to be excited for the future.
3. Texas A&M Aggies
11 of 13Rankings: No. 3 in 247Sports, No. 3 in ESPN
5-Star Recruits: None
4-Star Recruits: Tyler Davis (6'9" C), D.J. Hogg (6'8" PF), Elijah Thomas (6'9" C), Admon Gilder (6'2" SG)
What they'll do well: Low-post scoring
In an era of college basketball when back-to-the-basket scorers are a rarity, Texas A&M will add two to its lineup with Tyler Davis and Elijah Thomas. Although neither will be Jahlil Okafor in his first year, they have solid technique for their age and should be tough to defend in the paint.
With versatile scorer D.J. Hogg capable of playing either forward position, the Aggies appear set in the frontcourt for now.
Where they'll need work: On-ball defense
All four members of this class are offensive-minded players. This is fine for now, but they all need work on the defensive end of the court. While they have the athleticism necessary to make plays and block shots, they could still use improvements when it comes to actual on-ball defense.
With time to develop, this should not be an issue for too long.
2. Arizona Wildcats
12 of 13Rankings: No. 2 in 247Sports, No. 2 in ESPN
5-Star Recruits: Allonzo Trier (6'4" SG), Ray Smith (6'7" SF)
4-Star Recruits: Justin Simon (6'4" PG), Chance Comanche (6'9" C)
What they'll do well: Transition scoring
Arizona coach Sean Miller would be smart to pick up the tempo next season because he is loading up his roster with players who can dominate on the fast break. Justin Simon knows how to run an offense, while Ray Smith can use his athleticism to be almost unstoppable in the open court.
With Allonzo Trier being legitimately one of the top scorers in this class, the Wildcats can transform into a high-scoring attack after years of fielding defensive-minded teams.
Where they'll need work: Playing within a system
Trier showed at the McDonald's All-American Game that he is a scoring threat whenever he touches the ball, but he has to make sure he doesn't force too much at the next level. Meanwhile, Smith and Chance Comanche are a bit raw on the offensive end and could take some time to develop their talents.
Although everyone in the class has the tools to be a star at the next level, it might take some time to jell together.
1. Kentucky Wildcats
13 of 13Rankings: No. 1 in 247Sports, No. 1 in ESPN
5-Star Recruits: Skal Labissiere (6'10" C), Isaiah Briscoe (6'3" PG)
4-Star Recruits: Charles Matthews (6'6" SG)
What they'll do well: Make NBA scouts drool
Stop me if you've heard this one before, but Kentucky is bringing in a freshman class full of talented players who will soon be in the NBA. With arguably the top point guard (Isaiah Briscoe) and center (Skal Labissiere) in the class, the upside will be noticeable.
If John Calipari can add some of the uncommitted recruits who are expected, the Wildcats will have a chance to be just as talented next year as they were this season.
Where they'll need work: Weight room
While Briscoe has the strength and toughness to step right into the college game, Labissiere (200 lbs) and Charles Matthews (172 lbs) are a bit light for their positions. Both have plenty of skill, but they could end up being pushed around at the next level until they add some bulk to their frame.
This is especially true if either one wants to play in the NBA.
Team rankings from 247Sports and ESPN were considered, while star ratings were based on 247Sports' composite rankings.
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