4-Star CBB Recruits in Class of 2017 with the Best Chance to Reach 5-Star Status

Since many recruiting services have updated their Class of 2017 national rankings, it's time to examine a few players just on the outside of 5-star status who could elevate to there by next spring.

While some players are late bloomers who are just beginning to figure things out, other players are trying to refine certain skills so that they become more well-rounded players. It may seem like a daunting task to dethrone some of the current 5-star players and ascend up the rankings, but every spring there are a few players who put together huge high school seasons and become a part of the 5-star conversation.

Here's a look at some of the players to watch for during the next few months. This list starts out with players who have more work to do and ends with players that have the best chance at achieving 5-star status by next spring.

Recruiting ratings via 247Sports.

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

Jermaine Samuels, Small Forward

Current perception: The Villanova commit is coming off of a very good summer in which he solidified himself as a top-50 national prospect. With good size on the wing at 6'6" and an ability to hit perimeter jumpers and attack the basket, Samuels is able to do a lot of things offensively. Also a good rebounder from the wing, Samuels should help in that area as well.

What to look for: While Samuels had the perimeter jumper working this summer, he wasn't very consistent shooting the ball during the spring, as he only shot 32 percent in Nike EYBL play. If Samuels is able to make perimeter jumpers on a regular basis then he could elevate to 5-star status, because he already does a lot of things well and has a lot of positive traits for a next-level wing. Improving his ball handling and mid-range game would also make Samuels a more well-rounded scorer.

Brandon Randolph, Shooting Guard

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Current perception: There's a lot to like about Randolph as he's 6'6" with long arms and a lot of desirable skills. A comfortable perimeter shooter who made 40 percent of his three-pointers in EYBL play this spring, Randolph can also attack the basket and make plays at the rim thanks to his good athleticism. Playing with the very talented PSA Cardinals, Randolph helped that team win a lot of games this spring and summer.

What to look for: Like a lot of developing wings, Randolph still has to flesh out his mid-range game so that he's more comfortable scoring off of pull-ups. Improving his ball handling is also a must for Randolph as he has a tendency to rely too much on his perimeter jumper. If Randolph improves his ball handling, he also might be more effective as a distributor, as his assist numbers were very low this spring and summer.

Paul Scruggs, Point Guard

Current perception: A strong guard who is very tough to contain off the dribble, Scruggs is one of the best drivers in high school basketball when he has a full head of steam. Also a good distributor who can run an offense, Scruggs can do a lot of things to make his team better on the offensive end. Defensively, Scruggs can lock down a lot of tough perimeter assignments as he takes a lot of pride in being a man-to-man defender.

What to look for: Improving the jumper is a huge part of Scruggs' development as he will sometimes shy away from taking open perimeter shots in favor of attacking the basket. Only shooting 30 percent from three-point range this spring and summer in the Under Armour Association, Scruggs has to keep defenses honest by being able to make an open shot if he wants to achieve 5-star status.

John Petty, Shooting Guard

Current perception: A capable scorer who can play well above the rim, Petty was one of the best two guards on the grassroots circuit this spring and summer as he helped Team Penny reach the semifinals at Peach Jam. Not afraid to attack the basket or shoot from anywhere on the floor, Petty is a dangerous player with the ball in his hands and, at 6'5", he has good size for the position.

What to look for: While Petty can get going on scoring runs that can leave a defense frustrated, he can also make things easy on an opposing defense with his shot selection. Efficiency has been a problem for Petty in the past, as he'll sometimes rely too much on his inconsistent perimeter jumper. Petty's aggressiveness can also lead to some unnecessary turnovers as well. If Petty becomes a more efficient player, he's certainly talented enough to be a 5-star prospect.

Nick Weatherspoon, Point Guard

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Current perception: The younger brother of Mississippi State guard Quinndary Weatherspoon was one of the breakout players nationally this spring as one of the top scorers in the Adidas Gauntlet. Also capable of running the point, Weatherspoon is a major weapon when he has the ball in his hands, and he's one of the best pull-up shooters in the country.

What to look for: For as talented as Weatherspoon is, he can be very wild and reckless with the ball in his hands. Sometimes Weatherspoon has a tendency to drive into trouble as he'll throw up some wild shots and turn the ball over at bad times. It's also not clear if Weatherspoon is actually an effective point guard when it comes to getting teammates easy baskets. If Weatherspoon settles down some of the wild streaks and turns into more of a distributor he could very well be a 5-star prospect.

Jalek Felton, Point Guard

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Current perception: The talent has always been there for the North Carolina commit as Felton has some of the best court vision in the country. A gifted passer who can fit balls through tight windows of space, Felton can set up teammates and get others involved. An improved jump shooter who can get his own scoring going as well, Felton can really get rolling if his three-pointer is falling.

What to look for: For as talented as Felton is, sometimes his motor isn't running all the way and he has a tendency to take too many plays off. There are also times when Felton tries to make highlight-reel plays for the sake of the mixtape audience and it leads to careless turnovers and bad possessions. Felton's perimeter jumper can be hot and cold as well and that sometimes leads to him having low-scoring games. If Felton is engaged and making good basketball plays, he's one of the best point guards in the country.

Jaylen Hands, Point Guard

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Current perception: The UCLA commit can get in the paint pretty much whenever he wants and that enables him to make scoring plays for himself and others. Still developing as a point guard, the 6'0" Hands is a capable scorer who has good body control and an ability to finish over bigger opponents at the rim. Hands is a quality scorer who can get it done from all over the floor.

What to look for: Once Hands figures out the proper time to score and distribute, he'll be a very tough cover. But for now, Hands has a tendency to be a bit of a gunner sometimes, as he can get too shot-happy and leave his teammates standing and watching his offense. Hands can also run into some poor shot selection, as sometimes he settles for too many jumpers despite being an elite athlete who can attack the paint against anybody. If Hands continues to put pressure on defenses and figures out the nuances of playing point guard, UCLA could have a monster prospect.  

Malik Williams, Center

Current perception: A talented center who has a ton of upside, Williams was the only top-40 prospect in the Class of 2017 who didn't play in a shoe-company league this spring and summer. Despite playing lesser competition than his peers, Williams makes it easy to see why Louisville made the 7'0" center a priority and landed his commitment after July. Williams moves incredibly well, has a developing skill level on offense and does a good job of defending the rim.

What to look for: Williams is one of the toughest evaluations in the Class of 2017 because he hasn't been tested against many of the best big men in the country. There are times when Williams doesn't play as tough and physical as he should in the post and that can mean he gets pushed around by smaller opponents. Adding strength and learning how to play against top competition will be key for Williams to maximize his vast long-term upside.

Recruiting ratings via 247Sports.

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