Ranking the Top 10 College Basketball Recruiting Classes in 2017
We're at the point in the recruiting calendar where a lot of the top class of 2017 college basketball prospects are getting serious about finding a future school. Since grassroots season is done and official visits are becoming a focal point, many of the nation's best rising seniors are cutting lists and seeing campuses in the hopes of finding a fit for the next level.
But while some players and schools are trying to land commitments in the next few months, other programs already landed three or four players for the 2017-18 college basketball season.
Obviously, there is still a long way to go when it comes to finishing out these team rankings, but looking at this list now is a solid indicator of early success. We still haven't seen traditional blue-blood programs like Arizona, Duke and Kentucky begin to bring in 5-star players from the Class of 2017 yet, but here are some programs who might have the beginnings of a megaclass that changes the future of their program.
10. California
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Signature recruit: Cal has loaded up on perimeter players with its class of 2017 haul and 4-star guard Jemarl Baker is the prospect to keep an eye on. A reliable perimeter-scoring threat who can also handle the ball and make plays for others, Baker should see early minutes in the Pac-12 if he's able to space the floor like he's been doing this spring and summer.
Other potential star: During the spring and summer, Baker teamed with 3-star guard Juhwan Harris-Dyson on Earl Watson Elite as the duo formed a potent combination that won a lot of games on the circuit. While Baker is more of the perimeter shooter, Harris-Dyson is an athletic guard who can make plays off the dribble with the ball in his hands. Harris-Dyson is versatile enough to play multiple spots on the floor and could be intriguing as a defender.
What comes next: With another commitment from in-state, 3-star guard Alec Hickman, the Golden Bears are clearly making the perimeter a major priority early in recruiting the class of 2017. They're also seeking even more help. Since Cal has nine scholarships going toward upperclassmen and another going to potential NBA lottery pick Ivan Rabb, they could have a ton of open spots to work with for this class and the next. Cal will likely try to find a replacement for Rabb and get more frontcourt help with its remaining scholarships.
9. Creighton
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Signature recruit: Keeping Kansas native and 4-star guard Mitchell Ballock away from the local Big 12 schools was a huge coup for the Bluejays as the 6'5" Ballock gives them a tough and skilled guard. With an ability to hit perimeter shots as well as attacking the basket, Ballock is the kind of versatile guard that Creighton will covet in the Big East.
Other potential star: Ballock wasn't the only 4-star guard to pledge early. Creighton was able to go into North Carolina and pull a commitment from 4-star shooting guard Tyshon Alexander. Much like Ballock, Alexander gives the Bluejays another perimeter scoring threat and a player who can be versatile enough to play a few spots on the floor.
What comes next: Creighton has done a nice job of recruiting some under-the-radar big men the last few classes, and 3-star forward Hunter Thompson could be a nice addition as well. With three spots filled, the Bluejays will likely have one or two more spots to fill, and they could look for a primary ball handler to help replace upper-class guards like Mo Watson Jr. and Marcus Foster.
8. Wisconsin
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Signature recruit: He won't pass the look test, but 4-star forward Nathan Reuvers can really play, and his skilled style of play fits right into what Wisconsin likes to do offensively. The 6'9" Reuvers has range that extends to the three-point line, and he's also showed improved toughness over the last few months by battling a lot of players on the interior. If Reuvers gets a few years working with Wisconsin's skill development course, he could be in for a nice Big Ten career.
Other potential star: Late in the summer, 3-star shooting guard Brad Davison started to get a ton of high-major buzz before he committed to the Badgers in the middle of July. The 6'3" guard can shoot the ball well from the perimeter, but he also showed more as a playmaker with the ball in his hands during the spring and summer. Davison and Reuvers give the Badgers a lot of perimeter firepower in this class.
What comes next: Replacing the four-man senior class that went to two Final Fours and a Sweet 16 the first three years is going to be nearly impossible, but the Badgers have a good start in head coach Greg Gard's first full recruiting year. Besides Davison and Reuvers, talented in-state, 4-star guard Kobe King is also committed, and he gives Wisconsin another versatile guard who can score. With one more piece, Wisconsin is hoping this group can lead to some special postseason memories.
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7. Arkansas
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Signature recruit: By getting his commitment over a year ago, Arkansas was able to build its class around a solid in-state recruit in 4-star big man Daniel Gafford. It's going to take the 6'9" Gafford some time to grow his skill level to be a major factor at the college level, but he's the type of big man who has the athleticism and toughness to be a force after some time in the weight room.
Other potential star: Arkansas had to be pleased when Little Rock, Arkansas, native Khalil Garland decommitted from Memphis once head coach Josh Pastner left for Georgia Tech. The Razorbacks made a quick move on the local 4-star shooting guard and picked up his commitment during July. A 6'6" athlete who can press and play in attack mode, Garland is a great fit for head coach Mike Anderson's uptempo preferences.
What comes next: It appears that going the local route is what Arkansas prefers in the class of 2017 as another in-state wing, Darious Hall, is also committed. With three local commitments and eight upperclassmen on the roster, Arkansas could look to add a few more players if some spots open up through transfers or pro decisions.
6. Michigan
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Signature recruit: Michigan targeted shooting guard Jordan Poole early, and the 4-star Wisconsin native committed last fall. The 6'4" guard can hit shots from a number of unique spots on the floor, as he's grown comfortable as a catch-and-shoot guy or someone who can shoot a bit off the dribble. Michigan should be able to use Poole in multiple spots on the floor.
Other potential star: One of the class of 2017's most intriguing players is 4-star point guard Eli Brooks. The 6'1" Brooks can score in bunches, but he didn't get a lot of national recognition since he didn't play on a shoe company team in grassroots ball. Besides scoring, Brooks is an unselfish floor leader who will get others involved.
What comes next: With another commitment from 4-star forward Isaiah Livers, Michigan is in good shape in the class of 2017. It's still recruiting some other players to try to fill out the class even more and could be in shape for one of the best classes in the country if it lands another top-100 prospect.
5. Xavier
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Signature recruit: Coming off a monster summer on the grassroots circuit, 4-star small forward Naji Marshall is a great get for Xavier. The attacking wing can do a lot of damage off the dribble, and he has a knack for playing the kind of hard-nosed ball that head coach Chris Mack looks for out of his players. The 6'6" Marshall is talented enough to handle the ball a bit, and he should get a lot of chances to slash.
Other potential star: Besides Marshall, Xavier has done a nice job of recruiting the wing in the class of 2017 as 4-star shooting guard Elias Harden is also committed. The 6'6" native of Georgia can score from multiple levels of the floor as he had a productive spring and summer with Game Elite. The combination of Harden and Marshall is a nice one-two punch in the Big East.
What comes next: Yet another wing is committed to the Musketeers in the class of 2017 as 3-star small forward Jared Ridder is also on board. This is a big and important class for Xavier as it could take as many as six players in the class. Recruiting a point guard to distribute to these wings and some big guys to replace players like Jalen Reynolds and James Farr will be key.
4. Illinois
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Signature recruit: Since taking the job in 2012, head coach John Groce has never been able to land the coveted 5-star recruit that always seems to escape his grasp in the final list portion of recruiting. By getting 5-star big man Jeremiah Tilmon, the Illini grabbed an in-state product who could give Groce some extra job security. Tilmon is the type of elite athlete and rebounder who should make an immediate impact at Illinois.
Other potential star: Illinois fans were pumped up when 4-star guard DaMonte Williams committed early in the year. The son of former Illinois star Frank Williams, DaMonte has a lot of potential as a 6'2" guard, but he's a bit erratic with his effort on the floor. When Williams is focused, he can get rolling as a scorer or a playmaker, and he's the type of talented off-the-dribble guard that the Illini need.
What comes next: This is an important class of 2017 for Illinois since it not only has a positive start, but it's likely it'll take five or six players as well. Besides Tilmon and Williams, 3-star guard Javon Pickett is also committed, and the trio forms a nice in-state start for Illinois in a class it needed to hit a home run with. If Groce can put together a top-flight class, he could do a lot of help his job security.
3. UCLA
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Signature recruit: UCLA has been in an interesting situation with the class of 2017 since all three Bruin commitments have been in place since last September. Of the trio, 4-star guard Jaylen Hands is perhaps best suited to come in and be an immediate impact. An athletic 6'0" lead guard who can touch the paint at will, Hands will be counted on to help replace the likely departure of Lonzo Ball.
Other potential star: Although he is a little bit of a project, 4-star power forward Jalen Hill is still a really intriguing piece for UCLA's future. Turning only 17 years old this December, Hill still has plenty of time to figure things out with his game as he could be a major rim protector and rebounder for the Bruins in a few years.
What comes next: Also owning a pledge from Lonzo's class of 2017 brother Liangelo Ball, the Bruins are still searching for players who can come in and complement their three-man class. With Isaac Hamilton and Bryce Alford both being seniors and Lonzo potentially being a one-and-done, UCLA is going to need more perimeter firepower in this class.
2. Auburn
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Signature recruit: When head coach Bruce Pearl landed a commitment from 5-star big man Austin Wiley last fall, it signified the type of star that Pearl needed to be competitive in the SEC. At 6'10 ½", 250 pounds, Wiley is a load to handle on the interior, and his ability to get quickly off the floor makes him a nightmare to defend around the rim. If Wiley can stay healthy, he can be the type of post force that draws instant double-teams when he steps on the floor.
Other potential star: Needing a point guard to go along with his new post weapon, Pearl and his staff targeted 4-star point guard Davion Mitchell. The 6'1" guard also committed to the Tigers last fall, giving Auburn a lot of time to target specific players who can run alongside Wiley and Mitchell. A playmaking guard who can knock down shots from the perimeter, Mitchell is a top-50 point guard in a class that doesn't feature a lot of elite options at lead guard.
What comes next: Landing a commitment from 4-star wing forward Chuma Okeke was a great post-July score for the Auburn staff as the 6'7" Georgia native is coming off a huge summer. With those three top-50ish prospects in the mix, Auburn can afford to be a bit picky taking another player that will complement those three.
1. Washington
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Signature recruit: Michael Porter Jr. is the type of 5-star recruit who can come in for one season and help a team reach a Final Four. The 6'9" small forward and son of new Washington assistant coach Michael Porter Sr. will have a lot of expectations when he steps on campus, but Porter Jr. is the type of scorer and rebounder who can handle it. As productive as any player in the class, Porter should be a huge scorer at the college level.
Other potential star: While Porter is already generating NBA buzz, future teammate and 4-star guard Jaylen Nowell is no slouch himself. The 6'4" Nowell averaged over 20 points per game in the Nike EYBL this spring and is a proven bucket-getter who can create his own shot. With defenses keying in on Porter, Nowell will help alleviate some of Porter's scoring pressure.
What comes next: The Huskies round out their current four-man class with 3-star athletic guard Blake Harris and 3-star small forward Mamoudou Diarra, but they might not be done. With head coach Lorenzo Romar attracting so many potential pros, plenty of scholarships could open up if more guys go to the NBA or opt to transfer.
Recruiting ratings via 247Sports.
Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and information were obtained firsthand.
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