Ranking the Most Impressive CBB Recruits on the Nike EYBL Circuit so Far

Now that we're nearly through the spring grassroots season, it's time to evaluate some of the best players in the Nike EYBL. 

Since the EYBL has played through three sessions and over 10 games the past two months, it's a decent enough sample size of statistics to see who has been consistently good this spring. Most of the best players are solid 5-star prospects while a couple of others are 4-star prospects looking to make a name for themselves.

There is still one more session of play left in the league this weekend in Atlanta to help see who qualifies for Peach Jam, but here is a list of 10 players who have been standouts this spring with their play. This group features a well-rounded collection of players that includes multiple players at different positions. 

Recruiting ratings via 247Sports.

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

Collin Sexton, Shooting Guard

Reputation entering spring: Already in the top 100 at No. 62 overall entering spring, the 6'2" Sexton had a solid reputation as a scoring guard who can create shots off the bounce and hit deep jumpers.  

Signature stat: Averaging 30.5 points per game this spring, Sexton is the EYBL's leading scorer by a staggering 7.3 points per game. Sexton has also made 52 more free throws than any other player in EYBL play.

What comes next: Only averaging 1.2 assists per game, Sexton could stand to get his teammates a little bit more involved, but he's clearly gifted as a scorer and can really get it done. And at 31 percent from three-point range, Sexton is a streaky shooter from distance who needs a bit more consistency.

Kevin Knox Jr., Small Forward

Reputation entering spring: As the No. 6 player in the 2017 class, Knox Jr. has been on a steady climb up the national rankings since last summer as the 6'8" wing can do a little bit of everything.

Signature stat: Third in the EYBL in scoring at 21.5 points per game, Knox is getting it done scoring the ball, and he's also in the top 25 in the league in rebounding at 7.7 boards per contest. Big wings who can score and rebound like Knox are valuable pieces.

What comes next: If Knox continues to play like this against the top competition, he's going to be in the running for a top-five spot in the class. If Knox is able to improve his 31 percent three-point shooting and limit his turnovers, his future his bright.

Quade Green, Point Guard

Kelly Kline/Getty Images

Reputation entering spring: A steady 5'11" point guard who gets others involved, Green was the No. 39 overall prospect entering this spring, as he was also known as a guard who can score.

Signature stat: Green is averaging 10.2 assists per game, which is a full 3.0 assists more than anyone else in the EYBL. And with only 2.8 turnovers per game, Green has been very efficient handling and distributing this spring. He's also leading the EYBL at 2.7 steals per game.

What comes next: Clearly benefitting from playing with some talented players, Green looks like one of the best floor generals in the class. If he can raise his 38 percent shooting from the field, he can be a well-rounded guard and also very efficient.

Mitchell Robinson, Center

Reputation entering spring: Already on the map as a top-30 prospect, the 7'0" Robinson was a known talent at center, but it remained to be seen how he would look on the national circuit.

Signature stat: Leading the EYBL in blocks at 4.2 swats per contest, Robinson is putting himself in the mix to be a 5-star prospect with his play, as he's also fifth in rebounds (10.7 per game) and shooting 74 percent from the field.

What comes next: Robinson is developing into a good-looking prospect, but he also needs to expand his offensive game to help when defenses can match his size at the next level. If Robinson can become a scorer in the post, it was make him that much more valuable because his defensive contributions are significant.

Mohamed Bamba, Center

Kelly Kline/Getty Images

Reputation entering spring: Already owning a big reputation, the 6'11" Bamba is the No. 2 player in the class, and he's known as a defensive force thanks to his freakish wingspan and athleticism.

Signature stat: Leading the EYBL in rebounding at 13.9 rebounds per game, Bamba has the length and athleticism to snare nearly every rebound in his vicinity. Because of his 7'8" wingspan, Bamba is also third in the EYBL in blocks at 3.1 swats per game.

What comes next: With a developing offensive game, Bamba is averaging a solid 12.7 points per game but there's room to grow for him on offense. If Bamba continues to improve his face-up game and his range, he'd be a force on both ends of the floor and push for No. 1.

P.J. Washington, Forward

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

Reputation entering spring: In the running for an All-American spot with the No. 23 overall ranking in the class, the 6'7" Washington is a bouncy forward who can do a lot of damage near the basket.

Signature stat: Sitting in the top 10 in both scoring and rebounding, Washington has been a destructive force so far this spring. At eighth in scoring (19.7 ppg) and fourth in rebounding (11.4 rpg), Washington is doing it all for his team while also getting to the free-throw line frequently.

What comes next: With teams OK with playing small lineups, Washington could have a ton of value at the college level as a player who can rebound against bigger players but defend against some wings. He's the type of player, because of production, who is likely going to rise up rankings by the end of spring.

Marvin Bagley, Power Forward

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

Reputation entering spring: The 6'10" forward is considered the No. 1 prospect in the 2018 class, as Bagley has firmly established himself as a 5-star talent. 

Signature stat: Bagley is one of the only Class of 2018 prospects putting up numbers like this. He's top-10 in points (ninth at 19.4 ppg), rebounds (10.3 rpg) and blocks (1.8 bpg) while also shooting 47 percent from the floor.

What comes next: Based on those numbers, you can see why Bagley is atop the 2018 rankings, but he can also still improve some facets of his game. At 17 percent from three-point range, Bagley is taking too many perimeter shots and needs to improve that aspect of his game to complete his offensive arsenal. 

Trae Young, Point Guard

Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

Reputation entering spring: After a successful run in the EYBL last spring, Young entered this spring with a big reputation after being ranked No. 20 in the 2017 class. 

Signature stat: The No. 5 overall scorer (20.8 ppg) and No. 2-ranked player in assists (7.2 apg), Young is also No. 10 in three-pointers made (26) and No. 15 in free throws (49). Clearly, on the offensive end of the floor, the 6'2" Young is a force to be reckoned with. 

What comes next: Young is a gifted offensive player with the ball in his hands, and once he starts cutting down his turnovers (4.5 tpg) and shooting more efficiently from three (32 percent), he'll be a very tough cover. At this stage, Young is a likely All-American who could be moving up the rankings with his play.

DeAndre Ayton, Center

Sam Forencich/Getty Images

Reputation entering spring: The 7'0" Ayton was already considered to be the No. 1 prospect in the country entering the spring as a rare center talent who is solidly built but incredibly agile and skilled.

Signature stat: As a No. 1 prospect should, Ayton is dominating the EYBL, but there are also some interesting wrinkles to his game. Ayton is top-10 in scoring (seventh at 19.8 ppg), rebounding (second at 11.6 rpg) and blocks (10th at 1.7 bpg), but he's also shooting 86 percent from the free-throw line. For a big man to shoot that well from the line means Ayton has tons of opportunities for three-point plays.

What comes next: As long as Ayton continues to evolve and develop his game, he's a rare type of talent at his size. Ayton does have a tendency to play on the perimeter a bit too much sometimes. If he can improve his 31 percent three-point shooting, that's just adding one more move to a nearly unstoppable force.

Michael Porter Jr., Small Forward

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

Reputation through spring: Already firmly in the 5-star conversation, Porter Jr. is fighting for the top spot in the class as a very skilled and athletic 6'9" wing. Porter is currently No. 3 in the class.

Signature stat: You can find Michael Porter Jr.'s name all over the EYBL's statistical leaderboards. He's the only player in the EYBL who is top-five in scoring and rebounding. Porter is fourth in scoring (21.2 ppg) and third in rebounding (11.5 rpg) while also averaging over a steal (1.4 spg) and block (1.1) per game.

What comes next: The only thing lacking in Porter Jr.'s game this spring is the lack of consistency on his perimeter jumper. A streaky distance shooter, Porter is only sitting at 25 percent from three-point range, and if he gets that number up, he'll be a tough cover.