Under-the-Radar 2017 College Basketball Recruits Who Can Have an Instant Impact

College basketball has plenty of 5-star freshmen coming in next season who are going to be expected to make a huge impact. But there are also a lot of quality 4-star Class of 2017 prospects whom colleges need to step up and produce right away. 

The All-Americans aren't the only ones who are expected to produce anymore. Since expectations are higher than ever for top-100 prospects, there are a lot of freshmen who will be expected to be major parts of teams with postseason aspirations.

Here's a look at a handful freshmen who aren't 5-star prospects who could come in and help win games next season. 

Recruiting ratings via Scout.com.

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

8. Kellan Grady, Davidson Wildcats

Scout.com

Measurements: 6'4", 170 points

Ranking: 84

Best asset: With good size and passing ability, Kellan Grady is a solid new-age floor general who can see over smaller guards. A good leader who gets others shots while running an offense, Grady can also get his own offense going since he's used to playing without the ball. 

Freshman-year outlook: Finding players who can handle the ball and make plays for others is a huge key, and Davidson appears to have scored a major coup with Grady. Jack Gibbs has been an important player in the Davidson program, and he is moving on after this season, so it will be important for the Wildcats to find their next floor leader. 

7. Trent Frazier, Illinois Fighting Illini

Scout.com

Measurements: 6'1", 170 pounds

Ranking: 77

Best asset: Scoring comes pretty easily for the Florida native, as Trent Frazier can pour in points either as a shooter or getting to the rim. Confident as an attacking guard, Frazier can make a lot of things happen for an offense, and that can also mean getting some opportunities for other players to get easy shots.

Freshman-year outlook: Illinois has struggled to find consistent point guard play the last few seasons, and Frazier could help be a part of the answer. The Illini haven't been able to find scoring or consistent floor leaders at the 1, and Frazier should at the very least be able to come in and get some points. He is still a work-in-progress as a true point, but he's at least more capable of being a difference-maker than some past options.

6. Lindell Wigginton, Iowa State Cyclones

Scout.com

Measurements: 6'2", 170 pounds

Ranking: 65

Best asset: A capable combo guard who can play both backcourt spots, Lindell Wigginton is the type of perimeter player who can excel with or without the ball in his hands. Tough defensively because of his athleticism, Wigginton can become even more intriguing if he continues to show more point guard skills like he did over last summer. 

Freshman-year outlook: Iowa State is losing four senior double-figure scorers from this current team, so it's going to be looking to a lot of new pieces to come in and contribute right away. Wigginton has competed at a high level and been successful in nearly every setting, so he can be a valuable rotation member next season, especially since he can handle the ball or play with other guards. Versatility might be the key for Wigginton's early minutes. 

5. Ethan Thompson, Oregon State Beavers

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

Measurements: 6'5", 170 pounds

Ranking: 52

Best asset: A talented wing who can score, Ethan Thompson has a developing skill level that allows him to put up points from all over the floor. Since Thompson has good size and he's able to hit some jumpers in the mid-range, it enables him to score over smaller defenders. 

Freshman-year outlook: As a talented 4-star wing who can put up some points, Thompson should fit in nicely in an Oregon State rotation that could use a bit more scoring punch. As the son of assistant coach Stephen Thompson and brother of guard Stephen Thompson Jr., Ethan should already have a decent feel for the team's culture and how things are done. 

4. Jordan Goodwin, Saint Louis Billikens

Scout.com

Measurements: 6'4", 205 pounds

Ranking: 51

Best asset: One of the toughest guards in the Class of 2017, Jordan Goodwin is a very unique player on the perimeter. While he isn't the most skilled perimeter shooter, Goodwin makes up for it with savviness, strength, toughness and skill. An elite rebounder at guard, Goodwin makes plays all over the floor and brings tremendous intensity to both ends of the floor.

Freshman-year outlook: Saint Louis needs a roster overhaul, and head coach Travis Ford has some impressive pieces coming in. But as the Saint Louis metro-area product and 4-star prospect, Goodwin is going to be expected to come in and help win games. A state champion in Illinois, Goodwin has a winning reputation and should bring a lot of both ends of the floor for the Billikens. 

3. John Petty, Alabama Crimson Tide

Scout.com

Measurements: 6'5", 180 pounds

Ranking: 43

Best asset: An ultra-aggressive scorer, John Petty is looking to get buckets on nearly every possession he's on the floor. Wired to attack the basket or knock down jumpers, Petty keeps opposing defenses on their toes with the array of moves he can use to score. 

Freshman-year outlook: Head coach Avery Johnson is relying quite a bit on 5-star guard Collin Sexton and Petty to come in right away and provide some scoring pop. If Petty limits turnovers and takes smart shots, then he has a chance to come in and be a lethal scorer nearly immediately. 

2. Tremont Waters, Georgetown Hoyas

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

Measurements: 5'11", 155 pounds

Ranking: 35

Best asset: Creative with the ball in his hands, Tremont Waters is a talented point guard who is small but effective. Waters has a lot of unique ways to get in the paint, and he also has an ability to knock in deep jumpers from beyond the arc. An offensive weapon who can score or set up others, Waters is a very good offensive player.

Freshman-year outlook: With Georgetown struggling to the bottom of the Big East, the Hoyas desperately need a playmaking guard who can not only make some shots, but also set up others. Since Georgetown has traditionally been a school with talented big men—and Jessie Govan and Marcus Derrickson could be back—Waters has an advantage after playing with 5-star center Nick Richards this summer. Waters knows how to play with big men and the Hoyas need another playmaker, so he could see a ton of minutes.

1. Matt Coleman, Texas Longhorns

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

Measurements: 6'2", 160 pounds

Ranking: 34

Best asset: Matt Coleman is one of the better setup guys in the class, as his point guard abilities get a lot of easy shots for his teammates. Playing on some high-level teams like the USA Basketball U18 team last summer and Oak Hill Academy as a senior, Coleman has played with a lot of talented players around him and won a lot of games with the ball in his hands.

Freshman-year outlook: Texas and head coach Shaka Smart have a lot of talent on the roster this season, but the Longhorns are young and don't have a true floor leader. Coleman should be able to come in and compete for the starting point guard spot right away, as he should be able to get shots for the other Texas perimeter players as well as interior touches for big men. If Jarrett Allen returns for his sophomore season, Coleman will get him plenty of touches.