Updated 2017 Top 25 Class Rankings
EVAN DANIELS, BRIAN SNOW AND JOSH GERSHON
The nation's best high school basketball players will put the pen to paper on Wednesday, as the first of two signing periods is set to begin. Which schools are bringing in the best recruiting class? Here's the breakdown of the top 25.
#1 Arizona Wildcats
Sean Miller has had a top five recruiting class five of the last six years and it's about to be six of the last seven. Arizona has star power with DeAndre Ayton, the nation's No. 1 overall recruit, in the fold, but they also filled needs at the point guard position, on the wing and inside. Ayton has more potential and upside that anyone in the 2017 class and at nearly 7-feet tall, he brings offensive ability and the potential to be dominant defensively. Brandon Randolph is an equipped with shooter with good size, length and athleticism. Ira Lee is known for his effort, energy and rebounding, while Alex Barcello is an impressive shooter and passer at the point guard spot.
Notable Commitments: DeAndre Ayton (1), Brandon Randolph (38), Ira Lee (80), Alex Barcello (86)
#2 Auburn Tigers
Bruce Pearl, Auburn sat at No. 1 in the pre-July 2017 class rankings with pledges from five-star burly center Austin Wiley and Scout's No. 37 overall recruit Davion Mitchell. The Tigers have only improved their position since, as they reeled in Chuma Okeke, Scout's No. 41 recruit, before the July evaluations concluded. This is a versatile class that includes impact players at three different position. .
Notable Commitments: Austin Wiley (13), Davion Mitchell (37) & Chuma Okeke (41)
#3 Washington Huskies
From Marquesse Chriss and DeJounte Murray to current star Markelle Fultz, Lorenzo Romar has had his fair share of studs the past couple of years. Next up is Scout's No. 5 recruit Michael Porter. The 6-foot-8 wing is arguably the best scorer in the class, and at his size is a heck of an athlete with a pure stroke from deep. Local four-star recruit Jaylen Nowell gives them another scorer on the perimeter, while speedy guard Blake Harris will add depth to their backcourt.
Notable Commitments: Michael Porter (5), Daejon Davis (45) Jaylen Nowell (83), Blake Harris & Mamoudou Diarra
#4 UCLA Bruins
After a top five class last year, Steve Alford and company currently have the No. 4 overall class in 2017 with four pledges, including three from ranked recruits. Jaylen Hands, an athletic and electrifying lead guard, is the top rated prospect currently headed to UCLA, but Cody Riley, Scout's No. 30 overall recruit, gives them some serious beef inside. Riley is recognized as one of the best rebounders in the class. But UCLA isn't done, as it's a foregone conclusion that they'll officially land five-star wing Kris Wilkes during the initial signing period.
Notable Commitments: Jaylen Hands (27), Cody Riley (30), Jalen Hill (87) & LiAngelo Ball
#5 Xavier Musketeers
Chris Mack and his staff were looking to ramp up their perimeter play with their 2017 recruiting class. Well mission accomplished for the Musketeers. Four of the five recruits are guards or wings and each is very different. Paul Scruggs is the highest rated of the bunch and at 6-foot-4, he's, versatile and can impact the game on both ends. Naji Marshall, like Scruggs, is a competitor, but he's at best slashing to the rim or making toughness players. Elias Harden is a perimeter scorer, while Jared Ridder is one of the better shooters in the 2017 class.
Notable Commitments: Paul Scruggs (31), Naji Marshall (39), Elias Harden, Jared Ridder, Kentrevious Jones
#6 Illinois Fighting Illini
John Groce was in need of a quality 2017 class and he's certainly answered the call, reeling in the highest rated recruit of his five years at the helm of Illinois basketball. Jeremiah Tilmon, Scout's No. 19 player, is an impact player and is someone capable of dominating the post in stretches. Illinois also recently picked up their point guard of the future, with the pledge of southpaw scoring lead guard Trent Frazier. Local standouts DaMonte Williams, a combo guard, and Javon Picket, a tall wing, are also expected to sign with Illinois during the early period.
Notable Commitments: Jeremiah Tilmon (19), Trent Frazier (78), DaMonte Williams & Javon Pickett
#7 Louisville Cardinals
Rick Pitino moved quickly in July, picking up pledges from two of their top targets, Malik Williams and Darius Perry. Williams, a five-star recruit, impresses with his skill set at 6-foot-10. Perry is similar to guards of Pitino's past, as he brings toughness, intensity, scoring and on the ball defense to the table. Four-star Lance Thomas and Jordan Nwora were the latest commits. Thomas is an athletic rim runner that has potential as a shooter, while Nwora is one of the better shooters in the class and shot nearly 40-percent from three in the EYBL.
Notable Commitments: Malik Williams (21) & Darius Perry (76), Lance Thomas & Jordan Nwora
#8 Oregon Ducks
Dana Altman received huge news on Monday of signing week when five-star guard Troy Brown opted for the Ducks. Brown, Scout's No. 11 overall prospect, gives them a versatile, two-way player that impacts the game in a variety of ways. Brown joins a class that consists of elite athlete V.J. Bailey and versatile combo forward Abu Kigab.
Notable Commitments: Troy Brown (11), V.J. Bailey, Abu Kigab
#9 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
When Rick Stansbury got hired at Western Kentucky there was no doubt he was going to get players. That said, most didn’t expect that he’d be able to land a top 10 player in the nation, which is exactly what he did. Stansbury, who had originally recruited Mitchell Robinson to Texas A&M, was able to reel him in the elite prospect at WKU. Robinson projects as the best player to sign outside of a top rated conference in years. WKU also has top 50 recruit Josh Anderson, a 6-foot-5 athletic, wing on board.
Notable Commitments: Mitchell Robinson (6), Josh Anderson (50)
#10 Texas Longhorns
Shaka Smart continues to show his prowess on the recruiting trail, and the Longhorns are building a strong class. Their top recruit is Houston native Jase Febres, who emerged in the summer and an impressive shooter and athlete. The Longhorns also reeled in fast rising center Jericho Sims, who moved into Scout's post-July top 50 rankings . An impressive athlete, Sims is beginning to transition from prospect to player and has intriguing upside. Smart, Texas also hold a pledge from Royce Hamm, a tough and athletic power forward who runs the floor and rebounds well.
Notable Commitments: Jase Febres (47), Jericho Sims (48), Royce Hamm (89)
EVAN DANIELS, BRIAN SNOW AND JOSH GERSHON
The nation's best high school basketball players will put the pen to paper on Wednesday, as the first of two signing periods is set to begin. Which schools are bringing in the best recruiting class? Here's the breakdown of the top 25.
#1 Arizona Wildcats
Sean Miller has had a top five recruiting class five of the last six years and it's about to be six of the last seven. Arizona has star power with DeAndre Ayton, the nation's No. 1 overall recruit, in the fold, but they also filled needs at the point guard position, on the wing and inside. Ayton has more potential and upside that anyone in the 2017 class and at nearly 7-feet tall, he brings offensive ability and the potential to be dominant defensively. Brandon Randolph is an equipped with shooter with good size, length and athleticism. Ira Lee is known for his effort, energy and rebounding, while Alex Barcello is an impressive shooter and passer at the point guard spot.
Notable Commitments: DeAndre Ayton (1), Brandon Randolph (38), Ira Lee (80), Alex Barcello (86)
#2 Auburn Tigers
Bruce Pearl, Auburn sat at No. 1 in the pre-July 2017 class rankings with pledges from five-star burly center Austin Wiley and Scout's No. 37 overall recruit Davion Mitchell. The Tigers have only improved their position since, as they reeled in Chuma Okeke, Scout's No. 41 recruit, before the July evaluations concluded. This is a versatile class that includes impact players at three different position. .
Notable Commitments: Austin Wiley (13), Davion Mitchell (37) & Chuma Okeke (41)
#3 Washington Huskies
From Marquesse Chriss and DeJounte Murray to current star Markelle Fultz, Lorenzo Romar has had his fair share of studs the past couple of years. Next up is Scout's No. 5 recruit Michael Porter. The 6-foot-8 wing is arguably the best scorer in the class, and at his size is a heck of an athlete with a pure stroke from deep. Local four-star recruit Jaylen Nowell gives them another scorer on the perimeter, while speedy guard Blake Harris will add depth to their backcourt.
Notable Commitments: Michael Porter (5), Daejon Davis (45) Jaylen Nowell (83), Blake Harris & Mamoudou Diarra
#4 UCLA Bruins
After a top five class last year, Steve Alford and company currently have the No. 4 overall class in 2017 with four pledges, including three from ranked recruits. Jaylen Hands, an athletic and electrifying lead guard, is the top rated prospect currently headed to UCLA, but Cody Riley, Scout's No. 30 overall recruit, gives them some serious beef inside. Riley is recognized as one of the best rebounders in the class. But UCLA isn't done, as it's a foregone conclusion that they'll officially land five-star wing Kris Wilkes during the initial signing period.
Notable Commitments: Jaylen Hands (27), Cody Riley (30), Jalen Hill (87) & LiAngelo Ball
#5 Xavier Musketeers
Chris Mack and his staff were looking to ramp up their perimeter play with their 2017 recruiting class. Well mission accomplished for the Musketeers. Four of the five recruits are guards or wings and each is very different. Paul Scruggs is the highest rated of the bunch and at 6-foot-4, he's, versatile and can impact the game on both ends. Naji Marshall, like Scruggs, is a competitor, but he's at best slashing to the rim or making toughness players. Elias Harden is a perimeter scorer, while Jared Ridder is one of the better shooters in the 2017 class.
Notable Commitments: Paul Scruggs (31), Naji Marshall (39), Elias Harden, Jared Ridder, Kentrevious Jones
#6 Illinois Fighting Illini
John Groce was in need of a quality 2017 class and he's certainly answered the call, reeling in the highest rated recruit of his five years at the helm of Illinois basketball. Jeremiah Tilmon, Scout's No. 19 player, is an impact player and is someone capable of dominating the post in stretches. Illinois also recently picked up their point guard of the future, with the pledge of southpaw scoring lead guard Trent Frazier. Local standouts DaMonte Williams, a combo guard, and Javon Picket, a tall wing, are also expected to sign with Illinois during the early period.
Notable Commitments: Jeremiah Tilmon (19), Trent Frazier (78), DaMonte Williams & Javon Pickett
#7 Louisville Cardinals
Rick Pitino moved quickly in July, picking up pledges from two of their top targets, Malik Williams and Darius Perry. Williams, a five-star recruit, impresses with his skill set at 6-foot-10. Perry is similar to guards of Pitino's past, as he brings toughness, intensity, scoring and on the ball defense to the table. Four-star Lance Thomas and Jordan Nwora were the latest commits. Thomas is an athletic rim runner that has potential as a shooter, while Nwora is one of the better shooters in the class and shot nearly 40-percent from three in the EYBL.
Notable Commitments: Malik Williams (21) & Darius Perry (76), Lance Thomas & Jordan Nwora
#8 Oregon Ducks
Dana Altman received huge news on Monday of signing week when five-star guard Troy Brown opted for the Ducks. Brown, Scout's No. 11 overall prospect, gives them a versatile, two-way player that impacts the game in a variety of ways. Brown joins a class that consists of elite athlete V.J. Bailey and versatile combo forward Abu Kigab.
Notable Commitments: Troy Brown (11), V.J. Bailey, Abu Kigab
#9 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
When Rick Stansbury got hired at Western Kentucky there was no doubt he was going to get players. That said, most didn’t expect that he’d be able to land a top 10 player in the nation, which is exactly what he did. Stansbury, who had originally recruited Mitchell Robinson to Texas A&M, was able to reel him in the elite prospect at WKU. Robinson projects as the best player to sign outside of a top rated conference in years. WKU also has top 50 recruit Josh Anderson, a 6-foot-5 athletic, wing on board.
Notable Commitments: Mitchell Robinson (6), Josh Anderson (50)
#10 Texas Longhorns
Shaka Smart continues to show his prowess on the recruiting trail, and the Longhorns are building a strong class. Their top recruit is Houston native Jase Febres, who emerged in the summer and an impressive shooter and athlete. The Longhorns also reeled in fast rising center Jericho Sims, who moved into Scout's post-July top 50 rankings . An impressive athlete, Sims is beginning to transition from prospect to player and has intriguing upside. Smart, Texas also hold a pledge from Royce Hamm, a tough and athletic power forward who runs the floor and rebounds well.
Notable Commitments: Jase Febres (47), Jericho Sims (48), Royce Hamm (89)
