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Under-the-Radar 2016 College Basketball Recruits Who Can Have an Instant Impact

Scott PhillipsMar 9, 2016

College basketball is asking more of its freshmen than ever before, and one-and-done players aren't the only ones who are expected to produce.

There are plenty of other impact recruits to be found outside of the 5-stars, and these recruits can all come in and help out immediately for their respective programs next season. In the Class of 2016, there are plenty of talented players who will produce in some of the best leagues in the country. 

Here's a look at eight under-the-radar recruits who could come in and be impact college basketball players next season. None of these guys rate as 5-star prospects in the 247 Sports composite national rankings, but they're still dynamic players who can do some damage. This list is arranged by size, so there are a few players at different positions to consider.

Recruiting ratings via 247Sports.

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and information were obtained firsthand.

Charlie Moore, Point Guard, Memphis Tigers

1 of 8

Measurements: 5'10", 160 pounds

Ranking: 76

Best asset: With an ability to hit pull-up jumpers from anywhere out to NBA range, Moore has the kind of quick-trigger shooting ability that colleges covet. Moore is also strong with the ball overall and a clutch performer. 

Freshman-year outlook: Memphis has lacked consistency from its backcourt in recent seasons, and Moore gives the Tigers the kind of shooter and playmaker who should help right away. Moore will have plenty of weapons around him, and he'll draw defensive attention himself as a shooter.

Shamorie Ponds, Guard, St. John's Red Storm

2 of 8

Measurements: 5'11", 160 pounds

Ranking55

Best asset: Shamorie Ponds is the latest New York City guard who can handle and score in most situations. With slick handles and advanced scoring moves, Ponds can put up points in a hurry.

Freshman-year outlook: With St. John's starving for shot makers and creators, Ponds should go nicely with Marcus LoVett, a freshman who had to sit out this season. With a big local reputation, Ponds could be counted on to produce immediately.

Carsen Edwards, Point Guard, Purdue Boilermakers

3 of 8

Measurements: 6'0", 175 pounds

Ranking: 130

Best asset: The native of Texas can really score, and he's the type of offensive player who can heat up and score in a short amount of time. Carsen Edwards' jumper can be inconsistent, but he'll get red hot in the same game.

Freshman-year outlook: With Purdue lacking credible outside threats again, it could use another floor spacer like Edwards, especially since it's losing Johnny Hill. Edwards can handle the ball a little bit and space the floor around the team's imposing front court.

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Tony Carr, Guard, Penn State Nittany Lions

4 of 8

Measurements: 6'4", 200 pounds

Ranking49

Best asset: Tony Carr stuffs the stat sheet by providing production in all facets of the game, and he's a versatile guard with good size. 

Freshman-year outlook: Penn State is starving for impact guards, and Carr is the type of player who can potentially play alongside Shep Garner. With an ability to play on or off the ball, Carr is the top recruit in a great class for the Nittany Lions.

Andrew Jones, Guard, Texas Longhorns

5 of 8

Measurements: 6'4", 180 pounds

Ranking: 32

Best asset: A big and athletic guard, Jones can play multiple positions and is a major threat to create points as a scorer. Since he's also improving as a distributor, Jones is a tough assignment for opposing defenses.

Freshman-year outlook: Texas head coach Shaka Smart needs athletic guards who can handle the ball, and Jones fits the bill perfectly as a guard who can get immediate minutes and score.

Troy Baxter, Forward, South Florida Bulls

6 of 8

Measurements: 6'7", 185 pounds

Ranking110

Best asset: With freakish athleticism as a run-and-jump athlete, Troy Baxter gives South Florida the type of wing athlete that is rare in the American Athletic Conference. Baxter plays well above the rim and has good end-to-end speed for a player his size.

Freshman-year outlook: Wins haven't come easy in Orlando Antigua's first two seasons, and Baxter gives the Bulls an immediate talent upgrade on the wing. Baxter's skill level is still improving, but he makes plays other guys can't make easily.

Mario Kegler, Forward, Mississippi State Bulldogs

7 of 8

Measurements: 6'7", 225 pounds

Ranking: 37

Best asset: A power wing who is a natural scorer, Mario Kegler can get a little shot-happy, but he's a matchup problem for a lot of teams because he has good size but can also hit jumpers.

Freshman-year outlook: Mississippi State is an emerging program, and Kegler is a part of the talent influx under Ben Howland. While the Bulldogs have a lot of guards and big men, Kegler is a rare big wing who could get immediate chances to score.

Joey Brunk, Center, Butler Bulldogs

8 of 8
Joey Brunk
Joey Brunk

Measurements: 6'9", 225 pounds

Ranking101

Best asset: A skilled big man who can fit in with talent around him, Joey Brunk is a high-IQ basketball player who can do a little bit of everything even though he's limited athletically.

Freshman-year outlook: Butler has some productive frontcourt players returning, but none have the natural size Brunk has. Since his skill level allows him to score with his back to the basket, that also helps the Bulldogs.

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