NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Ranking the Top 25 Players in the Class of 2017
With the early signing period coming this week, it's time to examine the major difference-makers in the class of 2017. This class doesn't quite have the depth of 5-star talent that the class of 2016 had before it, but there are still a lot of great players who could be major factors at the college level. In fact, some players at the top of this list could have a bigger college impact than the class before it.
There is still plenty of time for these rankings to change, since these players have to play out their senior seasons and the senior high school all-star games next spring, but here is a look at the top 25 prospects in the class of 2017.
These rankings are based on future long-term projection, as we're looking for the players who have the highest basketball ceilings.
25. Jalek Felton, Point Guard
1 of 25
Measurables: 6'4", 175 lbs
High school and hometown: Gray Collegiate Academy (West Columbia, South Carolina); Mullins, South Carolina
Why he's special: With great natural size and a lot of ability, Jalek Felton is a slick ball-handler and passer who has improved his jumper. Since he can defend multiple guard spots and play on or off the ball, Felton is valuable and can play multiple roles on the floor at the college level. If Felton's perimeter jumper is consistently falling, he's very tough to keep out of the paint, and he's a good passer.
Recruiting rundown: The nephew of NBA veteran point guard Raymond Felton, Jalek committed to North Carolina in December 2014 and will be a big part of the program's future. In a four-man class for the Tar Heels in the class of 2017, Felton is the only 5-star prospect, while the three others are 3-star prospects.
24. Lonnie Walker, Shooting Guard
2 of 25
Measurables: 6'4", 175 lbs
High school and hometown: Reading Senior High School; Reading, Pennsylvania
Why he's special: A talented scoring guard who can make plays with the ball in his hands, Lonnie Walker is one of the more talented scoring wings in the class. With the size to play multiple spots on the floor and an ability to shoot from multiple levels of the floor, Walker is intriguing at the next level. If he can provide some minutes at lead guard, he becomes even more sought-after as a recruit.
Recruiting rundown: Walker has taken four official visits during the recruiting process to Arizona, Kentucky, Miami and Villanova, but it is unclear when he plans to make a decision. Syracuse has also had Walker on campus for an unofficial visit and remains in the picture as well.
23. Brian Bowen, Small Forward
3 of 25
Measurables: 6'7", 175 lbs
High school and hometown: La Lumiere School (La Porte, Indiana); Saginaw, Michigan
Why he's special: A gifted scorer with upside on the wing, Brian Bowen has good size and length for the position, and he's capable of being a secondary ball-handler. The jump shot can be inconsistent at times, but Bowen has a workable looking jumper, and it should end up working out OK. He's a solid all-around performer who can rebound, score and handle.
Recruiting rundown: Expect a spring decision from the Michigan native, as Bowen is still in the process of taking visits and gathering information. Having already taken visits to Arizona and N.C. State, Bowen has a trip lined up to Creighton, and Michigan State has also been active in its pursuit. Texas could also receive a visit, as the Longhorns are working to get more involved.
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22. Trae Young, Point Guard
4 of 25
Measurables: 6'2", 170 lbs
High school and hometown: Norman North High School; Norman, Oklahoma
Why he's special: Gifted with elite shooting range and a quick release off the dribble, Trae Young is a threat from anywhere within 27 feet. Because the jumper is so dialed in, Young is quicker off the dribble, and once he's on the move, he can pull up for shots or use the pass to find guys for assists. An offensive talent like him at lead guard is tough to find because of his unlimited range.
Recruiting rundown: It is unclear if Young will decide during November or wait until later, but he's taken all five of his official visits already. Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech have all received official visits from Young, and he could wait until later to see how those teams use their point guards during the campaign while also seeing who might return to school next season.
21. Jeremiah Tilmon, Center
5 of 25
Measurables: 6'10", 235 lbs
High school and hometown: East St. Louis Senior High School; East St. Louis, Illinois
Why he's special: Quick off the floor with great size and natural timing, Jeremiah Tilmon is the type of big man who could be a strong rim protector and elite rebounder. Since Tilmon has good leaping ability, he's able to finish around the hoop and also snare rebounds well above rim level, and he's played a lot of high-level competition in his career.
Recruiting rundown: The key piece for Illinois and head coach John Groce in the class of 2017, Tilmon committed to the Illini in mid-July, as he's a huge part of their future. By staying in state and committing to Illinois, Tilmon becomes the most important recruit during Groce's tenure, as he picked the Illini over offers from Kansas and North Carolina.
20. Malik Williams, Center
6 of 25
Measurables: 6'10", 200 lbs
High school and hometown: R. Nelson Snider High School; Fort Wayne, Indiana
Why he's special: Not many centers have great touch and skill like Malik Williams does, and his combination of floor spacing and ability to protect the rim is rare. With a perimeter jumper that stretches out to the three-point line, Williams can score at all three levels, and he also has the touch to finish with hooks around the basket. Because he moves well laterally, Williams can also cover a lot of ground defensively, and he's a solid rebounder.
Recruiting rundown: As the only top-40 class-of-2017 prospect to not play for a shoe-company team, Williams kept a lower profile than most 5-star prospects. With mostly Midwest teams involved, Williams committed to Louisville in August and became its best recruit in what's now a four-man class. Williams has a chance to be a big-time player for Rick Pitino.
19. Jarred Vanderbilt, Power Forward
7 of 25
Measurables: 6'7", 205 lbs
High school and hometown: Victory Prep Academy South; Houston
Why he's special: As an elite multipositional defender and rebounder, Jarred Vanderbilt can control things on the defensive end while being gifted as a ball-handler and passer for his size. Lacking a consistent perimeter jumper, he uses his athleticism to attack the rim and is quick off the floor for rebounds on both ends.
Recruiting rundown: The recruiting process for Vanderbilt has been rather quiet during the fall, as he's taken trips to North Carolina and Kentucky. Arizona and in-state Texas are also still involved, but he doesn't have any other known official visits planned at this point. It wouldn't come as a surprise if Vanderbilt opted to wait until the spring, but there is still a slight chance he decides during the early signing period.
18. Kris Wilkes, Small Forward
8 of 25
Measurables: 6'8", 190 lbs
High school and hometown: North Central High School; Indianapolis
Why he's special: A long-armed wing scorer who keeps improving over time, Kris Wilkes has the type of size and athleticism that basketball teams at any level would covet. Once Wilkes improves his perimeter shooting consistency, he has a chance to be a high-level scorer who can get it done from any level of the floor.
Recruiting rundown: Wilkes will be making his decision during the signing week, as he's announcing his choice on Nov. 13. Three schools remain for Wilkes as he chooses among Illinois, Indiana and UCLA. The Indiana native has already taken official visits to all three schools and would be a huge centerpiece for all three programs.
17. Jaren Jackson, Power Forward
9 of 25
Measurables: 6'9", 210 lbs
High school and hometown: La Lumiere School (La Porte, Indiana); Indianapolis
Why he's special: One of the younger players in the class of 2017, Jaren Jackson, 17, keeps on developing and getting stronger as time goes on. Size and strength allow Jackson to be a tenacious rebounder and shot-blocker down low, but he's also skilled enough to stretch the floor out to three-point range. Jackson has already played in some high-level games, including winning a gold medal with USA Basketball this summer.
Recruiting rundown: Michigan State has ramped up its recruiting efforts with 5-star prospects the last few classes, and Jackson is its centerpiece in the class of 2017. Committing in September, Jackson has a chance to log major minutes inside right away for the Spartans, and he has a ton of upside.
16. P.J. Washington, Power Forward
10 of 25
Measurables: 6'8", 230 lbs
High school and hometown: Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nevada); Dallas
Why he's special: A highly productive double-double threat who is bouncy and active, P.J. Washington had a very good spring and summer on the grassroots circuit. Washington has expanded his offensive game to include some face-ups and jumpers, and he's good at finishing around the basket because he's so quick off the floor. Also a good rebounder, Washington attacks the glass over bigger players because of his athleticism.
Recruiting rundown: Washington will announce his college decision Nov. 10 on ESPNU. He'll choose among the three schools he took official visits to: Kentucky, North Carolina and UNLV. Since Washington plays at Findlay Prep in Nevada—a school with close ties to the Runnin' Rebels—UNLV is still very much in the picture despite going up against two recruiting blue bloods.
15. Nick Richards, Center
11 of 25
Measurables: 6'10", 225 lbs
High school and hometown: The Patrick School (Elizabeth, New Jersey); Manhasset, New York
Why he's special: With an ability to defend the rim, rebound and score a bit inside, Nick Richards has tremendous natural size and coordination for interior. Able to time blocks and rebounds and score inside on putbacks and short hooks, Richards is competitive against top big men and he has a lot of room to grow as a player.
Recruiting rundown: Making his college decision at his high school on Nov. 10, Richards is down to Arizona, Kentucky and Syracuse. Richards has taken official visits to see Kentucky and Syracuse during the recruiting process, and since the Orange are within driving distance of where Richards lives, he's been on campus for unofficial visits as well.
14. Troy Brown, Small Forward
12 of 25
Measurables: 6'6", 200 lbs
High school and hometown: Centennial High School; Las Vegas
Why he's special: A skilled wing who can also be used as a ball handler, Troy Brown is an athletic attacker from the wing, as he keeps improving his jumper. Capable of stuffing the stat sheet with rebounds and assists, Brown has put up solid numbers during his whole high school career, and he's capable of defending multiple spots on the floor.
Recruiting rundown: Committing to Oregon at the start of Signing Week, Brown joining the Ducks was important in helping them keep pace in the emerging Pac-12 arms race. Giving head coach Dana Altman another talented perimeter player who can play multiple spots on the floor, Brown is a great addition to Oregon because he can fit in with the group of players currently on the roster.
13. Austin Wiley, Center
13 of 25
Measurables: 6'10", 235 lbs
High school and hometown: Spain Park High School; Hoover, Alabama
Why he's special: A monster presence on both ends of the floor, Austin Wiley is a plus defender and rebounder who can also get some stuff done on offense. With solid touch and an improving feel for the game, Wiley is a potential double-double threat who can protect the rim. He's got the potential to have a big impact in the SEC.
Recruiting rundown: Committed to Auburn since September 2015, Wiley is a part of Bruce Pearl's rebuilding efforts in which he has a 5-star prospect on board in three consecutive classes. The Tigers are bringing in a lot of talent over the next few years, and Wiley could be a major piece that helps take them back to the NCAA tournament.
12. Billy Preston, Power Forward
14 of 25
Measurables: 6'10", 230 lbs
High school and hometown: Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia); Santa Ana, California
Why he's special: Unique size and skill level define Billy Preston's game, as he's got perimeter skills and is able to shoot over smaller defenders. Good at handling the ball and scoring at multiple levels of the floor, Preston can be a bit wild and turnover prone, but he's also capable of going on scoring bursts. Preston is also a capable rebounder who could be a good defender if he's motivated.
Recruiting rundown: Preston has taken four official visits to Indiana, Kansas, Syracuse and USC, and those are the main schools involved as his recruiting process is starting to wind down. A decision could come during the early signing period, and with a list of schools from all over the country, it'll be interesting to see if Preston opts to return home to Southern California or go elsewhere.
11. Gary Trent Jr., Shooting Guard
15 of 25
Measurables: 6'5", 200 lbs
High school and hometown: Prolific Prep (Napa, California); Apple Valley, Minnesota
Why he's special: One of the toughest scorers to stop in the country, Gary Trent Jr. is physical and possesses a high basketball IQ. The son of 12-year NBA veteran Gary Trent, the younger Trent attacks each game and workout with a pro mentality, and he has a strong work ethic and skill level that translate to any level. Trent can shoot from all three levels and also takes weaker guards into the mid-post, possessing a growing post game.
Recruiting rundown: Announcing his college decision on Nov. 10, Trent has already taken official visits to all three of his finalists, Duke, Michigan State and UCLA. While there has been speculation of a package deal with 5-star center Wendell Carter, Trent has downplayed those rumors by stating that he's making his own decision—although Duke is still very much in the picture for both.
10. Brandon McCoy, Center
16 of 25
Measurables: 7'0", 235 lbs
High school and hometown: Cathedral Catholic High School; San Diego
Why he's special: Great size and athleticism make Brandon McCoy an enticing long-term prospect at center, as he has the ability to protect the rim, rebound and also shows good touch and soft hands. Anytime a 7-footer can catch tough passes in the post and finish like McCoy can, he becomes an intriguing prospect. Also showing some mid-range ability, McCoy has a lot of upside.
Recruiting rundown: Still in the midst of taking official visits, it would come as a surprise if McCoy decided and signed early. So far, the California big man—who originally hails from Chicago—has taken official trips to Arizona and UNLV, and he's scheduled upcoming visits to Oregon and Michigan State. McCoy has said to Bleacher Report on multiple occasions that location won't be a factor in his decision.
9. Collin Sexton, Point Guard
17 of 25
Measurables: 6'2", 175 lbs
High school and hometown: Pebblebrook High School; Mableton, Georgia
Why he's special: Not many players in the country play with as much intensity as Collin Sexton, and it's made him one of the premier players in the country. A gifted downhill scorer who attacks the basket by changing speeds and utilizing shot fakes, Sexton does a great job of getting to the free-throw line. Defensively, Sexton makes it happen by providing a lot of energy and using his athleticism to be an impact.
Recruiting rundown: Sexton will be announcing his college decision on Nov. 10, as he has taken official visits to Alabama, Kansas, North Carolina State and Oklahoma State. There hasn't been a lot of information on the Sexton recruitment as far as favorites go to this point, and this is one of the more intriguing decisions in the class of 2017.
8. Hamidou Diallo, Shooting Guard
18 of 25
Measurables: 6'6", 180 lbs
High school and hometown: Putnam Science Academy (Putnam, Connecticut); Flushing, New York
Why he's special: Leapers like Hamidou Diallo don't come around very often, and he's gifted beyond belief in that category. Diallo's ability to leap quickly and play well above the rim makes him an elite dunker, a great rebounder from the perimeter and the type of player who can also block shots. Defensively, Diallo is long and athletic, so he's a gifted trap defender and can check multiple positions.
Recruiting rundown: A spring decision is what Diallo is aiming for, as he recently cut his list to Arizona, Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky and Syracuse. The shooting guard has yet to take an official visit, but he has seen the two local schools on his list, Syracuse and UConn, for unofficial visits. One interesting wrinkle of Diallo's recruitment is the potential for him to declare for the 2017 NBA Draft. Since he graduated high school last spring and is doing a post-grad year, Diallo could follow in the footsteps of Thon Maker and opt to go pro out of high school.
7. Kevin Knox, Small Forward
19 of 25
Measurables: 6'8", 205 lbs
High school and hometown: Tampa Catholic High School; Tampa, Florida
Why he's special: Another gifted athlete who can make so many things happen, Kevin Knox has a chance to be a jumbo wing and matchup nightmare as he improves his skill level. Rebounding is also a big attribute of Knox's game as he's able to corral a lot of boards because of his size and athleticism. Perimeter shooting is something that Knox has to improve, but once he does, he can shoot over most other players and be a matchup nightmare.
Recruiting rundown: Knox has always publicly maintained that he'll wait to commit and sign until after the early signing period, and that looks to still be the case at this point. The bouncy wing has already taken an official visit to Duke, and Knox has scheduled official visits to his other three finalists, Florida State, Kentucky and North Carolina, for after the new year. Knox is going to take his time and see how teams use players at his position.
6. Wendell Carter, Center
20 of 25
Measurables: 6'10", 240 lbs
High school and hometown: Pace Academy; Atlanta
Why he's special: The depth of this class shows with a player of this caliber being at No. 6. Wendell Carter is a gifted post scorer who can function on either block and also face up. One of the best rebounders at the high school level, Carter has good timing coming off of the rim, and he rebounds everything at rim level. With good touch and fundamentals, Carter is an advanced post scorer and the type of player any team would love to have.
Recruiting rundown: The recruiting process is beginning to wind down for Carter at this point as he's taken official visits to Duke, Harvard, and most recently, in-state Georgia Tech. Georgia is also still involved for Carter as well. With visits now out of the way, Carter will likely decide some time in the next few weeks. Having recruited Carter hard the last two years, Duke has been the perceived favorite, but Carter and his family have maintained that Harvard and the in-state schools are all still in play.
5. Mitchell Robinson, Center
21 of 25
Measurables: 6'11", 225 lbs
High school and hometown: Chalmette High School; Chalmette, Louisiana
Why he's special: Not many centers can move like Mitchell Robinson, and his lateral quickness, speed and burst off the floor help make him the best high school shot-blocker in the country. Also showing decent shooting touch and feel around the basket, Robinson is a rare athlete who can outrun guards and jump over anyone. He's a potentially elite shot-blocker and rebounder who could put up monster numbers.
Recruiting rundown: Western Kentucky and new head coach Rick Stansbury were able to get Robinson to commit in late June, and the Hilltoppers will have an influx of talent that includes incoming freshmen in addition to transfers. None of the other players are 5-star talents like Robinson, however, and he might only be in Conference USA for a year before moving on to the pro level.
4. Mohamed Bamba, Center
22 of 25
Measurables: 6'11", 215 lbs
High school and hometown: Westtown School (Westtown, Pennsylvania); Harlem, New York
Why he's special: With an enormous 7'8" wingspan and a ton of upside, Mohamed Bamba moves incredibly well for a center, and he's a potential new-age big man who can switch onto perimeter players while still providing rim protection. Also an elite rebounder, Bamba is figuring things out on offense, but he has a nice touch and the type of workable jumper that could eventually become a weapon.
Recruiting rundown: Things have been quiet for Bamba during the recruiting process, as he's taken a couple of official visits and seen a few more campuses in an unofficial capacity. Taking known official visits to Michigan and Texas, Bamba has also seen Harvard, Kentucky and UConn in the last few months. There is a small chance that Bamba could commit during the early signing period, but it appears more likely that he'll wait.
3. Trevon Duval, Point Guard
23 of 25
Measurables: 6'3", 190 lbs
High school and hometown: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida); Hockessin, Delaware
Why he's special: The nation's top point guard prospect is an elite athlete who possesses a ridiculous handle. Since he can touch the paint on nearly any drive, Trevon Duval is a great creator who is also a contortionist at the rim when he needs to score over bigger players. Since he's an elite athlete with a long wingspan and big hands, Duval also has the ability to be a high-upside defender, capable of defending bigger perimeter players because of his length.
Recruiting rundown: The recruitment of Duval has been a bit of a mystery, as he fully re-opened his list in October after initially focusing on 10 schools. Since opening things up, things have been quiet with Duval with regards to specific schools, but he's mentioned Maryland, St. John's, Seton Hall and Villanova this fall. Expect a spring decision from Duval.
2. Michael Porter Jr., Forward
24 of 25
Measurables: 6'10", 210 lbs
High school and hometown: Nathan Hale High School (Seattle); Columbia, Missouri
Why he's special: Tall and talented wings who can score from all over the floor are hard to find, and Michael Porter Jr. is incredibly productive and efficient. Finishing top five in the Nike EYBL in points and rebounds this spring, Porter helped lead MoKan Elite to the Peach Jam title while also winning a gold medal with the USA Basketball U18 team this summer. Porter can score at all three levels, rebounds in traffic and keeps improving. He's a lethal scorer.
Recruiting rundown: Porter Jr. committed to Washington in mid-July after head coach Lorenzo Romar hired Michael Porter Sr. to be an assistant coach. With his father as an assistant and his younger brother, Jontay, committed in the Class of 2018, Michael decided to play for Romar, a lifelong family friend. Porter's commitment to Washington gives the Huskies the potential for three consecutive seasons in which they land a top-10 NBA draft pick.
1. DeAndre Ayton, Center
25 of 25
Measurables: 7'0", 245 lbs
High school and hometown: Hillcrest Hoops (Phoenix); the Bahamas
Why he's special: A truly gifted athlete at center who also has an insane skill level, DeAndre Ayton is one of the rare high school centers who can dunk every finish and corral every rebound in traffic while also having the touch to space the floor. Talented enough as a post scorer to command double-teams, Ayton can also face up and knock down jumpers, and he's a 78 percent free-throw shooter. Defensively, Ayton is quick enough to switch onto some perimeter players, and it makes him an intriguing threat on that end as well.
Recruiting rundown: Committed to Arizona since early September, the Wildcats are hoping that an elite center like Ayton gets them back to the Final Four. Since Ayton can control the game in so many unique ways, he could be a special offensive player who can also rebound and defend. With head coach Sean Miller having so many talented perimeter players at his disposal, there should be plenty of guys who can get Ayton clean looks when he gets to campus.
Recruiting profiles from Scout.com.
Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and information were obtained firsthand.
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