The 10 Names You Need to Know in the CBB Recruiting Class of 2017
Now that the high school season has finished and the senior all-star games are fading from the spotlight, it's time to turn our attention to the class of 2017.
The next two April weekends are an important time in college basketball recruiting, as they mark the only two weekends that college coaches will be able to see high school players on the grassroots circuit until July. So you'll likely hear a lot about this current crop of high school juniors, who are all jockeying for position for the top spot in a class that is shaping up to be fun to watch.
Much like the class of 2016 preceding it, the class of 2017 has talented big men, developing wings and a couple of electric guards—all of whom are looking like future 5-star prospects. This class has a solid positional balance that will make the battle for the No. 1 overall spot and the fight for tops at each position entertaining to follow.
So here's a look at 10 names to get familiar with over the next few months, as these players will begin to pile up scholarship offers and take the national spotlight. The list starts with some names that are firmly in the 5-star discussion, while the back-end of the list features the players currently in the discussion for No. 1 overall in the class.
Troy Brown, Point Guard
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What we know: Troy Brown is a native of Las Vegas and has been on the national radar since an impressive performance against older competition at the 2014 LeBron James Skills Academy. With great passing ability and an improving jumper, the 6'5" Brown is one of the elite guards in the 2017 class.
What we'll learn: Although Brown has been a top-tier prospect for a few years now, there are some college coaches and national talent evaluators who question whether he's a true point guard. Brown has tremendous vision, but his handle and feel have to improve to answer his critics.
Top-end potential: Point guards continue to get bigger, and Brown has the natural size and length to be a major problem at the college level from the moment he sets foot on campus. If Brown figures out how to run a team at an elite level, he could turn a strong roster into a title contender.
Gary Trent Jr., Shooting Guard
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What we know: The son of former NBA forward Gary Trent, Gary Trent Jr. is an established 5-star guard and led the Nike EYBL in scoring last spring, averaging 22.1 points per game. With an advanced array of scoring moves and a polished jumper, Trent can already score with the best of them.
What we'll learn: Scoring is something that comes naturally to Trent, but now we'll learn if the 6'5" guard can make others around him better. With only 13 assists in 413 minutes of play in the EYBL last spring, Trent was hunting for his own offense and ignoring his teammates.
Top-end potential: Concerns about being a complete guard aside, Trent is already enough of a scorer to come in and start at most elite college programs as a freshman. Professional bloodlines and an advanced skill level will benefit Trent, as he's already ahead of most of his peers heading into his final trip on the grassroots circuit.
Hamidou Diallo, Shooting Guard
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What we know: An electric athlete who has a ton of upside, Hamidou Diallo can soar through the air and finish above the rim with the best of them. Gifted with a high motor and great length and athleticism, the 6'4" Diallo has the kind of attributes that any coach would love to work with.
What we'll learn: Nobody will ever question Diallo's athleticism, but he does have to improve his overall perimeter skills to become a special prospect. Jumpers can be streaky for Diallo, and his handle can also be a bit reckless at times, but when he gets a head of steam going to the rim, watch out.
Top-end potential: Athletes as good as Diallo rarely come around, and if he's able to improve his overall skill level, Diallo has a shot to be a player who regularly makes the highlight reels on your nightly sportscast as a freshman.
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Billy Preston, Power Forward
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What we know: One of the nation's most skilled offensive forwards, Billy Preston can score effectively from all three levels, and he gets after it on the glass. Also an underrated passer, Preston is the type of player who can take over a game in multiple facets.
What we'll learn: For as talented as Preston can be in most parts of the game, the 6'10" forward also has, at times, displayed a questionable motor and desire to win. The past knock on Preston has also been that he only cares about putting up numbers, and defense isn't as important to him.
Top-end potential: If Preston puts it all together, he could be the type of player who is a matchup nightmare at the college level. With his ability to score from all over the floor, find cutters from the elbows or gather a rebound and push, Preston is the type of skilled forward who elite colleges covet for versatility purposes.
Kevin Knox, Small Forward
5 of 10What we know: Since the USA Basketball U16 tryouts last summer—where he was a surprise addition to the roster—Kevin Knox has become an elite prospect who has gone from a forward to more of a wing. Quick off his feet with great athleticism, the son of former Florida State star wide receiver Kevin Knox is rapidly increasing his wing skills.
What we'll learn: This spring and summer, we get to see just how comfortable Knox looks as more of a wing-forward and how he'll be able to play that position at the next level. If the jumper and handle continue to get better, Knox is going to be a tough cover because of his 6'8" size and athleticism.
Top-end potential: College coaches are anxious to see how Knox continues to develop, and if he's a full-time wing, he has the type of skill set that means he might not stay in the college ranks for long.
Wendell Carter, Center
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What we know: Wendell Carter already has the production to match the potential. In the Nike EYBL last year, he went toe-to-toe with Harry Giles during the regular season and unleashed a memorable 25-point, 13-rebound, eight-block effort in the championship of the Peach Jam. With post moves and a nose for the ball, the 6'10" Carter is as solid as they come at the high school level.
What we'll learn: Now that Carter doesn't have Udoka Azubuike and a loaded Peach Jam title team on the floor with him at the same time, it will be interesting to see how he adapts to being the go-to guy. This year's Georgia Stars are still plenty talented, but Carter will see constant double-teams and attention.
Top-end potential: Back-to-the-basket centers are becoming increasingly rare, but Carter is so skilled that he'll likely command double-teams at the college level. Since he's also an elite rebounder and improving shot blocker, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Carter as one of the college game's most productive freshmen.
Michael Porter Jr., Small Forward
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What we know: The son of Missouri women's basketball assistant Michael Porter, Michael Porter Jr. comes from strong basketball bloodlines, as he's had multiple sisters play Division I basketball. As his own player, Porter is a great athlete with a feathery deep jumper whose rebounding improved as a junior.
What we'll learn: There is no question that the 6'8" Porter has the size and skill level to be an elite wing, but he still needs to add strength and toughness on his drives to the basket. Ball-handling will be another area of focus for Porter—as well as his mid-range game.
Top-end potential: Big wings with a high skill level and athleticism have become a focal point of the pro game, and a college will be pleased with Porter—even though he will likely spend only a year on campus. As one of the most productive players in the Nike EYBL last summer, Porter should have a huge summer and a good freshman year.
Trevon Duval, Point Guard
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What we know: One of the most athletic and competitive point guards to play on the grassroots circuit over the last few years, Trevon Duval has earned rave reviews from peers and coaches alike for his intensity and skill level. The 6'3" Duval is electric with the ball in his hands, can get in the paint whenever he wants and is also improving as a shooter.
What we'll learn: There is no question that Duval is an elite offensive talent who is capable of taking over a game, but he's also prone to a high number of turnovers. Not all turnovers are created equal—as some turnovers come because Duval is testing his athletic limits in traffic—but he still has to improve his decision-making.
Top-end potential: Duval has the size, athleticism and skill level to be the next point guard to come in and take over a program. He's going to be one of the most sought-after lead guards of the last few seasons, and he has already piled up numerous Division I offers. Because Duval embraces playing top competition, he is the type of leader who any college coach would love to have on their side.
Mohamed Bamba, Center
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What we know: Already displaying elite measurables and an improving skill level, Mohamed Bamba sports a ridiculous 7'8" wingspan and 9'5" standing reach as a high school junior. An elite shot-blocker who moves well for his size, the 6'11" Bamba is starting to hit face-up jumpers and figure things out offensively.
What we'll learn: Sometimes, Bamba doesn't play with a high motor during every minute, which is important to consider because he can defensively challenge an opposing offense on every possession. It'll also be crucial for Bamba to add strength and more consistency to his jumper.
Top-end potential: We've seldom seen a high school prospect with the kind of length and athleticism that Bamba displays, so he could become one of the nation's elite rim protectors the moment he begins playing college basketball. If he figures out the offensive equation before college, that's just icing on the cake.
DeAndre Ayton, Center
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What we know: At nearly 7'0", DeAndre Ayton runs the floor like a guard and has the athleticism to snare rebounds above rim level better than anyone in the class. Also displaying a solid touch around the basket, Ayton has special abilities for a high school center.
What we'll learn: Ayton has developed a bit of a reputation for never playing all the way through an event, especially if he has a minor injury or poor performance. Obviously, many of these events don't matter in the long-term scheme of things, but it is concerning that he takes plays (and sometimes games) off.
Top-end potential: As a high school sophomore, Ayton had 17 points and 18 rebounds in a summer exhibition win over North Carolina—which shows how good he can be when properly motivated. With his natural size, athletic ability and talent, Ayton could be a major force in college basketball.
Recruiting ratings via 247Sports.
Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and information were obtained firsthand.
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