College Basketball Teams Most in Need of a Big April Signing

When a recruiting cycle approaches its final days, college basketball programs hope to have their classes all but wrapped up. That's sometimes difficult, though.

In 2018, there is a common theme that ties together major conference teams still seeking commitments.

Programs connected to the ongoing FBI investigation have been most affected on the recruiting trail, but a couple of other Power Five teams are still pursuing their No. 1 priorities. One other squad simply doesn't have any signees.

While our focus is on high school players who are waiting to make a decision, select graduate transfers are also mentioned.

Arizona Wildcats

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Whether it's warranted or not, Arizona's connection to the FBI investigation has cost the program a trio of top-35 prospects. Since October, 5-star Jahvon Quinerly, 4-star Brandon Williams and 4-star Shareef O'Neal have backed out of verbal pledges.

But if the Wildcats can reel Williams back into the fold or sign 5-star forward Jordan Brown, it would be doubly significant.

First, players of their caliber are important for on-court reasons. Second, an elite prospect's decision to head to Tucson could sway other recruits to pick Arizona despite the uncertainty around the program.

Saturday's commitment by Devonaire Doutrive, ranked 82nd nationally, was a step in the right direction, but Williams or Brown would provide a huge boost.

Plus, according to Evan Daniels of 247Sports, Arizona has reached out to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi grad transfer Ehab Amin.

Indiana Hoosiers

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In his first complete recruiting cycle at Indiana, Archie Miller has secured a quartet of top-150 prospects. Jerome Hunter, ranked No. 52 nationally, is the highest-rated player of the bunch.

Miller and the Hoosiers are still eyeing the top available prize.

Romeo Langford has a final list of Indiana, Kansas and Vanderbilt, and the country's No. 5 talent is nearing a decision. Langford—a standout from New Albany, Indiana—will "definitely" announce his commitment in April, according to Mike Pegram of 247Sports.

Now that the Hoosiers whiffed on bringing in Evansville grad transfer Ryan Taylor, the need for Langford has increased.

Louisville Cardinals

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Louisville is counting on Chris Mack to steady the program, but success in attracting high school prospects must wait a year. Though the former Xavier coach reached out to Langford, per Fletcher Page of the Courier Journal, it's not expected to go anywhere.

The Cardinals must be prepared to replace Ray Spalding and Deng Adel, and Mack has wasted no time looking at grad transfers.

According to Daniels, Louisville is among the dozen-plus teams interested in Amin, who averaged 16.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, a nation-high 3.4 steals and 2.9 assists per game during the 2016-17 season.

ESPN.com's Jeff Borzello noted the Cardinals reached out to Florida Gulf Coast's Zach Johnson, and ESPN.com's Jeff Goodman connected Fordham guard Joseph Chartouny and Albany guard Joe Cremo to the program. Jon Rothstein of CBSSports.com reported Louisville's interest in USC Upstate's Mike Cunningham.

Miami Hurricanes

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Since the Hurricanes have zero commits, they're a no-doubter choice for the list. Miami falls into the same category as Louisville, though.

Its ties to the FBI investigation could have played a significant role in recruits' shying away from the Canes, who are no longer involved with any top available prospects. Miami might reel in a low-rated player but could have to rely on the transfer market to replenish its roster.

Standout freshman Lonnie Walker IV declared for the NBA draft and said he will hire an agent. Bruce Brown Jr. is doing the same. Dewan Huell opted for the draft as well but didn't hire an agent, and while his return would be valuable, he's a forward.

Oklahoma transfer Kameron McGusty and High Point guard Andre Fox are among the players interested in Miami, but they won't be eligible immediately. Amin and Johnson fit that billing, though.

Adding talent in the backcourt is a must for the Canes.

Tennessee Volunteers

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Tennessee must be selective with its limited scholarships, but Rick Barnes and Co. waited a long time only to pick nobody. Anfernee Simons, the country's No. 7 prospect, elected to pursue the NBA rather than attend college.

Now, the Volunteerss must shift their priorities.

Depending on whether Admiral Schofield remains in the NBA draft, Tennessee could have two scholarships open. Should he return, however, the Vols would be stuck with one—barring any transfers.

Tennessee is vying with Arizona and Georgetown for James Akinjo's signature, and it's offered 3-star point guard Tyler Harris. After the Vols earned a No. 3 seed in the 2018 NCAA tournament, it would sting if they exited the cycle without either player.

Vanderbilt Commodores

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Vanderbilt already has a sensational class with 5-stars Simisola Shittu and Darius Garland—both McDonald's All-Americans—and Aaron Nesmith, the No. 64 prospect in the country.

So, why is Bryce Drew's team on the list?

The Commodores entered the week with a couple of 5-stars on the board in Langford and power forward E.J. Montgomery. Daniels noted Montgomery said that during the recruiting process, the strongest player-coach relationship he built was with Drew.

But Montgomery chose Kentucky.

Shittu, Garland and Nesmith will make Vanderbilt a good bet to reach the 2019 NCAA tournament. If the Dores miss on both Langford and Montgomery, however, it would be a disappointment.

Recruiting information from 247Sports. Stats via Sports Reference and NCAA.com unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.