College Basketball Recruiting: Ranking the 25 Best Players in the 2012 Class

College basketball has been over for some time now and fans are already looking forward to next season.

In this year's recruiting cycle, big men like Isaiah Austin and Andre Drummond dominate the top of many scout's recruiting boards.

But prolific shooters like Ricardo Ledo and Rodney Purvis also stake their claim throughout the recruiting rankings as well.

While there are hundreds of talented basketball prospects around the nation, 25 of them particularly stand out to me in the 2012 recruiting class.

Here are the 25 best players in the college basketball 2012 recruiting class.

25. PG Braxton Ogbueze

Name: Braxton Ogubeze

Position: Point Guard

Height/Weight: 6'1", 185-pounds

Committed to Florida 

Ogubeze is more of a shooting guard than a true point guard. He has excellent range all over the floor and is a lights-out shooter. 

And he brings the same intensity on defense, too. He is a relentless defender and can be a true playmaker on both sides of the floor.

Ogubeze can also drive to the hoop with a lot of strength and he is tough to stop once he gets going.

He will have to develop his passing skills and become a truer point guard if he wants to have a future in the NBA though.

24. C Robert Upshaw

Name: Robert Upshaw

Position: Center

Height/Weight: 6'10", 240-pounds

Schools Considering: Arizona, Maryland, UCLA, among others

Upshaw is a massive presence down low with his height, especially in the high school game. But he continues to shed weight, making him even more agile with his low-post game.

He has great hands and will very rarely turn over.

But in terms of his offense proficiency, Upshaw is still developing a lot of his offensive skills. He is improving, but could still be benefited with a couple years of college basketball before going to the NBA.

Look for Upshaw to be relentless on the boards and a defensive force once he begins playing in college.

23. F Amile Jefferson

Name: Amile Jefferson

Position: Forward

Height/Weight: 6'7", 185-pounds

Schools Considering: Maryland, NC State, Ohio State, Villanova, West Virginia

At 6'7", Jefferson will find himself starting at either the small forward or power forward position. But he has the ability to excel at both positions.

Jefferson is very aggressive on the offensive end and could be defined as a slashing-type of offensive player.

He constantly is using screens to get the ball or backdoor cuts to get a clean look at the basket.

One downside to Jefferson is his lack of strength. He'll have to bulk up quite a bit if he wants to be considered a legitimate forward in the college ranks and in the NBA.

22. F/C Tony Parker

Name: Tony Parker

Position: Forward/Center

Height/Weight: 6'9", 270-pounds

Schools Considering: Georgia, Georgetown, Florida, Ohio State, Duke

Like Upshaw, Parker is just a dominating presence down low. But Parker's offensive game is a lot more refined.

His arsenal of low-post moves is never ending and he performs them very cleanly and quickly.

What helps Parker stand out from some other big men in the 2012 class is his ability to step out of the lane and knock down the jump shot with consistency.

He will be a valuable asset for whichever university he selects.

21. PG J-Mychal Reese

Name: J-Mychal Reese

Position: Point Guard

Height/Weight: 6'1", 165-pounds

Schools Considering: Baylor, Kansas, Memphis, Texas, Texas A&M, among others

Reese is arguably one of the best point guards in the state of Texas; a state that has become accustomed to some of the premier basketball talent in the nation.

It is clear from the highlight video that Reese's strength is in his shooting ability. He is able to stop very quickly and and execute a clean pull-up jumper. And he hits his shots very consistently.

But like Ogubeze, Reese is not a true point guard, but rather a score-first point guard. He'll have to improve his point guard mentality and improve his passing ability in order to have success at the point guard position.

He has the potential to become an excellent scorer at the next level.

20. G Omar Calhoun

Name: Omar Calhoun

Position: Guard

Height/Weight: 6'4", 175-pounds

Committed to UConn

Calhoun is one of the most athletic guard prospects in the 2012 recruiting class.

He is very explosive and will drive to the basket with a lot of aggression.

Not to mention, he can provide some highlight-reel dunks (as you can see in the video).

But Calhoun also has a very reliable jump shot that only adds to his arsenal of offensive moves. He has a quick first step and can get enough space between him and the defender in order to get off an open jump shot.

It's very tough to block him because he has the vertical to rise up above a defender's outstretched arm.

Calhoun will make a lot of noise for Jim Calhoun and his UConn Huskies come 2012.

19. C Daniel Ochefu

Name: Daniel Ochefu

Position: Center

Height/Weight: 6'9", 225-pounds

Committed to Villanova

Ochefu's clear strength is on the offensive side of the court. His range can extend to around 15-20 feet and he often beats defenders with his jump shot.

But Ochefu can also break down defenses with his post moves. He has a large frame and Ochefu often takes advantage of that during the game. 

On defense Ochefu is arguably an even better player. He does everything well from rebounding to shot blocking. His height makes him someone that shooters look out for when driving into the lane.

And more times than not, Ochefu makes the opponent pay for trying to create a shot inside the lane.

He could play a significant amount in his freshman season at Villanova.

18. G Rasheed Sulaimon

Name: Rasheed Sulaimon

Position: Guard

Height/Weight: 6'3", 180-pounds

Committed to Duke

Sulaimon is another prolific scoring guard in the 2012 recruiting class. 

He can stretch the defense with his incredible range and can put up a lot of points in a hurry. He can come off of screens and moves without the ball very well.

Sulaimon also excels in creating a shot off the dribble with a quick stop-and-pop that he makes look really easy.

He is not the strongest guard in this class and could really benefit from adding some size to his frame.

But at Duke, Sulaimon should flourish under Coach K and will be learning from other excellent scoring guards already on Duke's roster.

17. F Perry Ellis

Name: Perry Ellis

Position: Forward

Height/Weight: 6'8", 220-pounds

Schools Considering: Kansas, Kansas State, Memphis, North Carolina, Wake Forest, among others

Ellis can be defined as a scoring forward more than anything. He possesses excellent speed for a big man and runs the floor very well.

He uses his speed to separate himself from his defender and works to get himself open for the jump shot.

Ellis can drain jump shots from just short of three-point range with consistency and his height makes it tough for defenders to really affect his jump shot.

If Ellis could develop his ball handling skills and use that to create more shots from driving to the lane, he could be one of the best offensive players in the 2012 class.

16. F Anthony Bennett

Name: Anthony Bennett

Position: Forward

Height/Weight: 6'8", 230-pounds

Schools Considering: Cincinnati, UConn, Florida, UNLV, West Virginia, Xavier, among others

Bennett can play both the small forward and power forward positions, but his athleticism could make him a dominant small forward.

Although he does not have great shooting range, Bennett can drive and slash to the basket without the ball very effectively. 

Bennett has a great vertical, which not only helps him with dunking, but with his rebounding as well. 

If he can develop his skills when his back is to the basket, he could also excel at power forward position.

Bennett will have an excellent career at the next level, wherever he ends up.

15. C Hanner Perea

Name: Hanner Perea

Position: Center

Height/Weight: 6'8", 210-pounds

Committed to Indiana

Perea is a very athletic power forward that drives to the basket with a seemingly angry aggression. He throws the ball down with such tenacity and power, which makes him a very intimidating player to guard.

He does not have a refined low-post game, but his explosiveness on the court compensates for it.

His excellent vertical also makes Perea a force on defense with his outstanding shot blocking capabilities.

Perea has a very high ceiling and could turn into an impact player for the Indiana Hoosiers.

Regardless, Perea's commitment to Indiana will go a long way in helping the Hoosiers become relevant in college basketball once again.

14. F Brandon Ashley

Name: Brandon Ashley

Position: Forward

Height/Weight: 6'8", 225-pounds

Schools Considering: Arizona, UConn, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, UCLA, among others

Ashley does a lot of things very well on the offensive end of the court.

He runs the floor well, can score from mid-range consistently, and has outstanding athleticism.

The one weakness for Ashley is his lack of strength. He simply needs to get stronger if he expects to have much success down low against college competition and on into the NBA.

Regardless, he has the potential to be the best prospect in the entire 2012 recruiting class.

13. F Grant Jerrett

Name: Grant Jerrett

Position: Forward

Height/Weight: 6'9", 210-pounds

Committed to Arizona

Jerrett committed to Arizona back in November 2010 and the Wildcats picked up one of the best big men in the nation.

He possesses great overall scoring skills around the basket and can beat the defense when his back is to the basket or as a face up jump shooter.

Unfortunately, Jerrett does not pose much as defensive presence for his team even though he is 6'9".

He's not a prolific shot blocker like the other big men that have been discussed in this list, but nevertheless, Jerrett is great player.

He has terrific touch around the basket and will catch almost anything thrown his way. Jerrett has a lot of potential, but needs to improve his defense if he wants to be considered a legitimate big man.

12. C Cameron Ridley

Name: Cameron Ridley

Position: Center

Height/Weight: 6'10", 245-pounds

Committed to Texas

Ridley plays a very aggressive style of basketball on both the offensive and defensive side of the court.

He does not have any incredible offensive skills, but he is just an all-around talent in many areas.

Ridley is an excellent rebounder and defensive presence with his shot blocking ability. 

But Ridley can also step out to the mid-range and knock down jumpers with consistency and he also can mix in a hook shot or two to keep the defense off guard.

Like many of these prospects, Ridley has a lot of upside, but he has a better initial foundation to build off.

11. C Kaleb Tarczewski

Name: Kaleb Tarczewski

Position: Center

Height/Weight: 7'0", 220-pounds

Schools Considering: Arizona, UConn, Georgetown, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, among others

Tarczewski is a seven-footer that provides a big defensive presence for his team. His height presents big problems for the offense because it is so tough to shoot over his outstretched arms. 

And with his height, Tarczewski is also an excellent rebounder who can snatch the basketball if it comes anywhere near his area.

Unfortunately, Tarczewski is still very raw on the offensive side of the court. He does not have any sort of go-to move down low and needs to build up his strength if he wants to have more success on the block.

Regardless, his height will make him an excellent college player. Let's hope he can bring his offensive game up to the level of his defensive skills.

10. C DaJaun Coleman

Name: Dejuan Coleman

Position: Center

Height/Weight: 6'8", 280-pounds

Schools Considering: Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse

Coleman won't blow anybody away with his shooting ability, but he will be an excellent weapon when it comes to second-chance points and offensive rebounds.

If Coleman gets the ball on the block, he is almost a sure-thing when it comes to getting a basket.

He is a massive body down low and plays a very physical brand of basketball. He is a tough player to stop once he gets the ball down low due to his frame and strength.

And his big body translates well on the defensive end too. Coleman will be a great rebounder for his team and can shut down an offense's penetration with his shot blocking ability.

9. G Ricardo Ledo

Name: Ricardo Ledo

Position: Guard

Height/Weight: 6'5", 185-pounds

Schools Considering: UConn, Kentucky, Louisville, Providence, UCF

Ledo is one of the top-rated prospects in the entire 2012 class.

At 6'5", Ledo has some height at the guard position that helps him create separation between him and his defender.

He is an outstanding shooter that has big-time range and is comfortable from anywhere on the court.

One aspect of Ledo's game that helps him stand out from the others is his passing ability.

Scouts are infatuated with Ledo's ability to find the open man on his team instead of forcing up shots.

He's a very smart player on the court and is an effective leader.

Look for Ledo to be a big-time guard once he reaches the college ranks.

8. G Archie Goodwin

Name: Archie Goodwin

Position: Guard

Height: 6'4", 180-pounds

Schools Considering: Arkansas, Baylor, Memphis, Missouri, Tennessee

Goodwin stands out from the other guards in this class because of his defense.

At 6'5", he has excellent length and he uses it to his advantage in order to keep the ball handler from getting around him.

He has great lateral agility and hardly ever gets beaten on defense.

While Goodwin does not have great shooting range, he is one of the more aggressive players when driving to the basket.

He's a physical player who can also handle the physicality when driving through the lane.

There is no doubt that Goodwin is a special player who will be a standout freshman in college basketball come 2012.

7. G Rodney Purvis

Name: Rodney Purvis

Position: Guard

Height/Weight: 6'4", 185-pounds

Schools Considering: Duke, Kentucky, Louisville, NC State

There is hardly any weakness in Purvis' game.  

He can score at will and he is an excellent passer. 

Purvis runs the floor well and can jump as high as anyone in this recruiting class.

He provides that same talent and intensity on defense as well, making him one of the best all-around players in the nation.

Purvis has a real future as a standout college and NBA point guard.

6. F Jarnell Stokes

Name: Jarnell Stokes

Position: Forward

Height/Weight: 6'8", 250-pounds

Schools Considering: Arkansas, Duke, Kansas, Memphis, Tennessee

Stokes has a large frame that he uses to his advantage around the court.

The best thing about Stokes is that he is a very physical basketball player. He can dish it, but can also play through the physicality.

He is in great condition for a big man and is relentless around the basket.

Not to mention, Stokes is an excellent defender in the low post. Not many people are able to body up Stokes and win the battle.

5. G Kyle Anderson

Name: Kyle Anderson

Position: Guard

Height/Weight: 6'8", 215-pounds

Schools Considering: Arizona, Georgetown, St. John's, UCLA, Villanova, Xavier

At 6'8", Anderson probably has the most height out of any guard in this class.

And with him playing guard, that puts him at a large automatic advantage against his opponent.

As a guard, Anderson has great passing ability, making him more a "point forward."

He doesn't have consistent three-point range, but he can make jump shots from mid-range.

He can do it all and will be a big-time playmaker when he enters college basketball.

4. F Mitch McGary

Name: Mitch McGary

Position: Forward

Height/Weight: 6'10", 250-pounds

Schools Considering: Arizona, Duke, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Texas, Xavier, among others

McGary is one of the best forwards in the entire 2012 recruiting class. 

He can extend the defense with his excellent shooting touch from mid-range and also dominate his opposition with his big body down in the low post.

If a ball comes off the basket anywhere near his direction, McGary will rebound it better than anybody around him.

He is not the most athletic player, but McGary provides an immediate help in the low post and his physical play will give him a lot of success at the next level.

3. F Shabazz Muhammad

Name: Shabazz Muhammad

Position: Forward

Height/Weight: 6'6", 215-pounds

Schools Considering: Arizona, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Memphis, UNC, among others

Muhammad is the best high school wing player around the country.  He does not have a consistent outside game, but he is an absolute force when driving and cutting to the basket.

When Muhammad is on the floor, defenses must take notice or he will score a lot of points in a short amount of time.

He can drive and dunk at will or pull up for a mid-range jump shot. He has a variety of ways that he can beat the defense.

If needed, Muhammad can also play well down in the post. 

On defense, Muhammad uses his athleticism to be one of the best shot blockers in the nation and can rebound better than most basketball players.

Muhammad is a true impact player when on the court.

2. C Isaiah Austin

Name: Isaiah Austin

Position: Center

Height/Weight: 7'0", 200-pounds

Committed to Baylor

Austin is arguably the top player in the 2012 recruiting class.

Austin can literally do anything he wants on the floor and at his height, it makes him virtually unstoppable.

He can shoot up to 20 feet away from the rim with consistency, he is an excellent ball handler for a seven-footer and he has fantastic hands.

On the defensive side as a seven-footer, he is obviously a legitimate shot blocking threat and an outstanding rebounder.

If Austin can bulk up his seven-foot frame, it would be tough to find a weakness in him.

He is truly an elite upcoming prospect for college basketball.

1. C Andre Drummond

Name: Andre Drummond

Position: Center

Height/Weight: 6'9", 250-pounds

Schools Considering: UConn, Duke, Georgetown, Louisville, UNC, Pittsburgh

Drummond is an absolute force on the defensive end. He reminds me of a Roy Hibbert when he played at Georgetown.

Drummond can get his hands on a lot of shots and is a serious problem for his opposition.

He has great size and athleticism, which help Drummond to disrupt a lot of plays that the opposition runs on offense.

It is tough to drive to the basket anywhere near him.

If he can develop his low post offense more, Drummond could be a top draft pick in 2013. According to scouts, he is already a lock for a lottery pick right now.

Regardless, he is the top college basketball prospect in the 2012 recruiting class.