4-Star CBB Recruits in Class of 2018 with the Best Chance to Reach 5-Star Status

Now that many younger players have played up on the under-17 level as rising juniors, there is a better national grasp of what the future top 100 might look like. Two more seasons of high school basketball still have to occur before these players will get to college, but at least we're getting a better idea of what this class might look like.

Since the 5-star crop is also starting to look clearer, there's a group right behind them chasing at their heels and trying to make it among the nation's elite. Some of these players need to develop a more well-rounded approach to the game, while others need to refine certain skills that might be important to their positions.

These eight players are a group to watch when it comes to reaching 5-star status, and it'll be interesting to watch them develop the next few seasons. 

Jahvon Quinerly, Point Guard

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Current perception: A quality floor general who can also score a bit, the 6'0" Jahvon Quinerly helped his Sports U U16 team to the championship in the Under Armour Association this summer as he did a great job of finding others on his team. Also an elite free-throw shooter who hovers around 90 percent, Quinerly can be steady with the ball in his hands as he tends to avoid taking bad shots.

What to look for: While Quinerly does a great job of getting shots for others, he still needs to do a better job of finishing at the rim and knocking down three-pointers with consistency. Quinerly also needs to add strength so that he's able to take contact and finish at the rim because he's a little bit small for high-major point guards. If Quinerly can up his perimeter shooting percentage, he'd be a good closer for tight late-game situations.

Tre Jones, Point Guard

Current perception: The younger brother of former Duke guard Tyus Jones is right outside of 5-star territory as Tre Jones has a high IQ and can knock down open jumpers. The 6'2" Tre has a lot of similar traits as his brother when it comes to deceptive moves and passes as he's able to run an offense and find open teammates. Defensively, Tre is not elite, but he takes more pride in being a shutdown guy than his brother at the same age.

What to look for: Jones isn't an elite athlete, so he can give up baskets to some bigger and more athletic lead guards. Defensively, Tre is tougher than his brother, but he also has to become better on that end to be an elite player since he's not as offensively gifted as Tyus. Knocking down three-pointers with consistency will also be a major factor for Jones.

Prentiss Hubb, Point Guard

Current perception: A talented and smooth guard who doesn't make a lot of mistakes, the 6'2" Prentiss Hubb is the next in a long line of talented point guards from Washington, D.C. A lefty who can distribute and also knock down shots, Hubb played up in the Under Armour Association and was one of the better guards in the league this spring. Hubb was second in assists per game this spring at 5.9 per contest.

What to look for: Hubb has a high enough IQ to know when to pass and when to shoot, but he does need to improve his three-point stroke a little bit as well as his free-throw shooting. Adding strength will also enable Hubb to attack the basket and finish over contact at the rim. If Hubb becomes more of a threat to score, then he'll be a complete threat on the offensive end.

Elijah Weaver, Point Guard

Current perception: With good size for a point guard at 6'4", Elijah Weaver can see over the defense, which allows him to play his pass-first style. Even though Weaver can find others while running an offense, he also provides a scoring punch off the dribble since he can make plays at the rim. The lefty is also athletic and has a long wingspan, so it gives him a lot of upside as a defensive prospect. 

What to look for: Weaver's field-goal percentages still leave a little bit to be desired since he had a tough time making jumpers at times during the spring. If Weaver continues to show the improved perimeter jumper that he showed during the summer, then it would make him a tough assignment to check. Colleges are continuing to look for big point guards, and Weaver fits the mold. He could be a 5-star with some other improvements.

Rechon Black, Point Guard

Current perception: The North Carolina commit is a tall lead guard who possesses good size and an intriguing skill level for the position. Because he's 6'5" and a good athlete, Rechon Black can see over smaller guards and deliver good passes to teammates. It also helps him shoot over smaller guards, and Black's ability to finish above the rim is an asset as well. Defensively, Black also takes pride in man-to-man defense, and his good size lets him defend multiple positions.

What to look for: Adding strength and gaining toughness playing against older competition will be important for Black since he can get stuck on the drive against stronger players. Since he likes to be a distributor a lot of the time, Black could also stand to be more aggressive when it comes to hunting his own offense. If Black gains confidence and is more assertive as a scorer, he could be tough on the offensive end.

Robert Woodard, Shooting Guard

Current Perception: The 6'6" Robert Woodard already has good size at 220 pounds and a 7' ½" wingspan that was measured this summer at USA Basketball. The native of Columbus, Mississippi, has great measurables for the wing and also has a decent-looking jumper, so there is plenty of room to grow in his game. Since he's a good athlete with size, Woodard is also a good rebounder and shot blocker for a wing.

What to look for: Although Woodard has good size and developing skills, he has to continue to improve his IQ and his handle. Sometimes Woodard can force himself into some tough shots when he could make things easier on himself in certain situations. If Woodard is able to improve those things, he has the look of a potential 5-star player.

Isaiah Mucius, Small Forward

Current perception: A talented forward who gets off the ground quickly, the 6'8" Isaiah Mucius is a multifaceted wing who can rebound, handle and score. With plenty of upside as a double-double threat in college, Mucius can handle the ball and attack the basket, and he's even improving as a distributor. There are a lot intriguing things to like about Mucius as a prospect.

What to look for: Mucius has shown well for himself at times the past few months, but he's also not used to facing older competition as much as his peers. Also not assertive as a scorer on occasion, Mucius is still finding his spots on the floor where he can go to work. If Mucius can also convert to playing multiple positions on the floor, his versatility alone might help him become a 5-star prospect.

Moses Brown, Center

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Current perception: Oozing with potential as a 7'0" center, Moses Brown showed flashes of possible greatness this summer because he moves so well for his size. With a developing skill level and more assertiveness on the defensive end, Brown looked like a potential rim protector and strong rebounder by the end of summer. Upside is the keyword for Brown's future, but he has a lot of it.

What to look for: Having upside is great for a basketball future, but now Brown has to turn that into more production, especially as a scorer. Brown needs to figure out how to become a double-figure scorer, and being more comfortable as a low-post option is a starting point. At only 210 pounds, Brown can get pushed off the block by bigger players as he's still learning to establish post position.

Recruiting ratings via 247Sports.

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