Class of 2018 College Basketball Recruits to Watch This Spring

The Class of 2018 is starting to come into focus as the current group of high school sophomores will be juniors by the time next fall begins. That means many of them are playing up with the Class of 2017 on the grassroots circuit and already producing at a high level on some of the best travel teams in the country.

So it's time to get to know some of these players, as some like Marvin Bagley, Romeo Langford and Jordan Brown are putting up great numbers and shooting up recruiting rankings this spring. Here's a list of players to keep an eye on over the next few months. 

These aren't necessarily rankings of the top players in the class as much as it's a picture of some bright spots at multiple positions who are fun to watch. 

Bol Bol, Center

What we already know: The son of former NBA center Manute Bol, Bol Bol is highly skilled for a 6'11" center, and he can face up and do damage in the open floor. Bol is off to a solid start in his high school career, and he's already one of the better shot blockers playing a grade up in the Under Armour Association.

What we want to see: Adding strength will be a huge part of Bol's development because he's so skinny right now. Playing in the post and scoring with his back to the basket is also something Bol could get better at, especially if he continues to grow. With his perimeter skills and size, if Bol added those tools, then he could be a force.

Simi Shittu, Power Forward

What we already know: As one of the next promising basketball prospects to come from Canada, the 6'8" Simi Shittu is quick off his feet and a solid athlete at forward. Already productive since the youth level, Shittu has built a big name and reputation in Canada, and he can be a force around the hoop.

What we want to see: If Shittu could add a bit more skill to his game, then he could really be a force on both ends of the floor. Right now, Shittu isn't much of a perimeter jump-shooter despite favoring a face-up game. He could also stand to tighten his handle a bit. But these are small complaints for a talented athlete of his caliber.

Cameron Reddish, Small Forward

(Note: The video above contains profanity.)

What we already know: Playing up with Team Final in the Nike EYBL, the 6'8" Cameron Reddish is the team's second-leading scorer at 15 points per game while also adding five rebounds and three assists. Reddish has also been pretty efficient, as he's shooting 46 percent from the field and 79 percent from the free-throw line.

What we want to see: Reddish has struggled in one area and that has been three-point shooting. Although he's a capable scorer and willing distributor, Reddish still needs to shore up his perimeter jumper—currently at 30 percent—if he wants to be among the top spots in the class.

Darius Garland, Point Guard

What we already know: A talented deep shooter who can also make flashy finds for assists, the 6'2" Darius Garland has established himself early as one of the most productive guards in the class. Already averaging 17 points per game with the St. Louis Eagles in the EYBL, Garland is hitting 41 percent of his threes.

What we want to see: Garland is shooting the ball well, but he hasn't put up good assist or rebound numbers; he could help round out his game by improving at both. Although he has good size, Garland needs to add strength to take contact around the basket at the next level.

Silvio De Sousa, Power Forward

What we already know: At 6'9", 220 pounds, Silvio De Sousa already has the size and athletic ability to be a force around the basket as he can already handle older players near the rim. With an improving mid-post game and feel, De Sousa has some solid upside as a power finisher and rebounder.

What we need to see: Continuing to expand his moves around the basket is key for De Sousa, but if he's able to expand his range and hit any kind of jump shot, then he would be a tough cover. De Sousa could also improve his passing skills and overall skill level.

Gerald Liddell, Small Forward

What we already know: Gerald Liddell has some scary upside as the 6'6" wing can already make plays that few in the class are capable of. A capable ball handler with a nice-looking jumper, Liddell is a versatile and athletic wing who stands to be a top-tier, two-way wing.

What we need to see: Like many younger players his age, putting on strength and improving consistency are the improvements that Liddell needs to work with. Because Liddell currently lacks strength, he can have some issues finishing around the basket at times.

Jordan Brown, Center

What we already know: Whether it's USA Basketball U16 trials or the Adidas Gauntlet, the 6'10" Jordan Brown has been productive and tough to stop near the basket. With long arms and good touch, Brown put up 18.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game on 50 percent shooting this spring.

What we need to see: At only 205 pounds at his size, Brown can get pushed off the block a bit by strong, big men. Size and strength should come with time. Facing up and expanding his shooting range also wouldn't hurt in Brown's offensive development.

Javonte Smart, Point Guard

What we already know: Having already experienced a season in the Nike EYBL starting and playing two age levels up, Javonte Smart is now playing in the Under Armour Association and putting up solid numbers for Team Beast Mode. The 6'4" Smart is averaging 14.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. 

What we want to see: Smart has the size and athleticism to get in the paint and produce nearly every possession, but he has struggled to consistently knock down perimeter shots. If Smart can hit three-pointers to compliment his driving ability, then he would be a very tough cover.

Romeo Langford, Shooting Guard

What we already know: A high-level performer who has played well on the big stage in the Indiana State tournament and the Adidas Gauntlet, Romeo Langford leads the Gauntlet in scoring at 23.6 points per game while also throwing in 8.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. The 6'4" Langford is gifted as a scorer.

What we need to see: Langford can go on runs where he just gets buckets, but he's also prone to some cold stretches, especially from the perimeter. Only shooting 27 percent from three-point range in the Adidas Gauntlet this spring, if Langford increases that number, then look out.

Marvin Bagley, Power Forward

What we already know: Many consider the 6'11" Marvin Bagley to be the top prospect in the class as he sits No. 1 in the 247 Sports composite rankings. A lefty who can drive, finish, rebound and defend, Bagley has a ton of upside to be a dominant player in the future.

What we need to see: If Bagley can figure out how to be a stretch option on the perimeter as a big man, then he'll be nearly impossible to check without a double team. Bagley has to also continue to work hard on his strength through the next few years to reach his ceiling.

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and information were obtained firsthand. Recruiting ratings via 247Sports.