Class of 2017 CBB Recruits with Potential to Be Game-Changers for Their Schools

Recruiting in the college basketball world is unique because all it takes for a potential turnaround is a commitment from one special player.

Sometimes that commitment comes when a lower-level program is able to nab a commitment from a 4-star or 5-star prospect, while other times a high-major program just needs one commitment to get things rolling again on the recruiting front.

While programs like Duke and Kentucky get commitments from future pros every year, plenty of programs who haven't had recent success already have commitments from promising players in the class of 2017.

With an eye toward programs that missed the NCAA tournament in 2016, here's a look at seven programs that already have potential game-changing recruits committed for the future.

Kellan Grady, Davidson

What he does well: A developing point guard with good size at 6'4", Kellen Grady emerged on the national radar as a junior and committed to the Davidson Wildcats in April. A solid facilitator who can put others in position to score as well as score on his own, Grady is the type of playmaking guard who was coveted before hitting the grassroots circuit this spring. Although his jumper can be a bit streaky, Grady can knock it down if he gets hot, and it could become a consistent weapon for him with added reps.

Why he could change the program: Since Steph Curry left for the NBA, Davidson has remained a viable and successful program while moving to the Atlantic 10, but Grady is the type of 4-star prospect the Wildcats have failed to land. If Grady can come in and be successful like some of Davidson's past guards, then it could open the door for other top-100 types to commit to and develop with the Wildcats.

Zach Brown, St. John's

What he does well: Coming in at a legit 7'1", 256 pounds, Zach Brown brings the type of natural size any college would covet at the rim. Not an elite athlete, Brown has a good understanding of how to use his massive size and impressive wingspan to make an impact on the game as he can rebound, block shots and seal smaller defenders to get post position and score. A former 5-star prospect, Brown is working his way back up the national rankings after missing some time this spring and summer.

Why he could change the program: New head coach Chris Mullin has done a nice job of recruiting some impact guards and wings to St. John's in his first few classes, but Brown gives him a legitimate center to work with who also comes with top-100 credentials. If Mullin proves he can develop the skills of a highly touted center recruit, then it could lead to other post players wanting to play in the Big East.

Jordan Goodwin, Saint Louis

What he does well: A junkyard dog who puts winning above all, the 6'2" Jordan Goodwin is coming off a state title in Illinois during his junior season as well as a successful spring and summer on the grassroots circuit. As a two-way guard who is rugged and physical, Goodwin stuffs the stat sheet in multiple ways as he can score, rebound and distribute for his team. In the Nike EYBL this spring, Goodwin finished in the top 10 in rebounds per game despite being a guard.

Why he could change the program: After struggling to 11-21 finishes the last two seasons, Saint Louis badly needs more top-end talent, and Goodwin is a tremendous start. A top-50 talent who is also from the St. Louis metro area in nearby Belleville, Illinois, Goodwin is the type of commitment who could get local players interested, and his success could lead to a lot more wins for new head coach Travis Ford.

Daniel Gafford, Arkansas

What he does well: A tenacious rim protector and rebounder, the 6'9" Daniel Gafford is one of the best in the class at altering things on the defensive end. With good natural timing as a leaper, Gafford is a big threat as a shot-blocker, and he can also chase out-of-area rebounds for a big man. Developing offensively, Gafford still doesn't have a go-to move, but he has upside to improve as a post scorer.

Why he could change the program: Although head coach Mike Anderson hasn't made as many NCAA tournament appearances as Arkansas Razorback fans would hope for, he was at his best when led by two in-state big men in Bobby Portis and Moses Kingsley. Gafford represents the next generation of top-50, in-state big men to head to Arkansas, and he could be a leader who helps the program get back to the Big Dance.

Jeremiah Tilmon, Illinois

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

What he does well: Since he gets off his feet so quickly when leaping off the ground, the 6'10 ½" Jeremiah Tilmon has been regarded as a 5-star prospect for most of his high school career. An aggressive rebounder who has also shown some ability as a shot-blocker, Tilmon is a force on the interior as he helped his high school team, La Lumiere, make the title game at Dick's Sporting Goods Nationals last spring. Since then, Tilmon has been recovering from shoulder surgery.

Why he could change the program: Illinois has made one NCAA tournament appearance in the last five seasons as they've struggled to land 5-star talent. Getting Tilmon was huge for head coach John Groce because he was able to secure an in-state prospect while beating some major programs like Kansas and North Carolina to get him. Groce has been able to recruit some talented wings and guards to the Illini, but he's never had a big man like Tilmon to build around.

Austin Wiley, Auburn

What he does well: A 5-star center who helped the USA Basketball U17 team to a gold medal at the FIBA World Championships this summer, the 6'10 ½" Austin Wiley can be dominant on the block thanks to his size and strength. With good hands and solid touch, Wiley is improving his scoring on the block, and he's also good on the glass and defending one-on-one in the post. Wiley is the rare high school big man who can command a double-team on offense.

Why he could change the program: The rebuild at Auburn hasn't exactly been easy for head coach Bruce Pearl, but Wiley could be the type of big man you can build a program around. With a number of talented perimeter players already in the fold, Wiley is the type of two-way big man the Tigers have coveted as he could be a major force from his first day on campus.

Mitchell Robinson, Western Kentucky

What he does well: A defensive freak who is the best shot-blocker in the class of 2017, the 7'0" Mitchell Robinson led the Nike EYBL in blocked shots and total rebounds this spring as his fluid athleticism allows him to cover a ton of ground. Because he moves so well laterally, Robinson can switch onto smaller defenders on the perimeter, and he's also quick off the floor as a rim protector. Robinson's end-to-end speed also allows him to outrace other big men for easy finishes as his offense expands.

Why he could change the program: Western Kentucky isn't involved with 5-star prospects too often, but new head coach Rick Stansbury was able to pull in a potential one-and-done prospect with Robinson. Conference USA doesn't produce a ton of NBA-caliber talent, so Robinson's presence, especially defensively, could have a huge impact on Western Kentucky. Already having a 5-star center also means other top prospects could have an interest in playing for the Hilltoppers, so it'll be intriguing to see if that ends up being the case.

Recruiting ratings via 247Sports.

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