Grading the Top 10 College Basketball Recruiting Classes of 2014
Top 10 College Basketball Recruiting Classes of 2014
It is never too early to look ahead at the next batch of talent in college hoops. So here we are, looking ahead at the top 10 college basketball recruiting classes of 2014.
The 2014 class is not getting anywhere near the hype that the 2013 class received, but that tends to happen when a class has two players--at one point--who are considered the most talented since LeBron James. That was the case with Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker.
To no one’s surprise--hopefully--both Wiggins and Parker are off to very impressive starts. Julius Randle is holding his own as well and could be the best player not only in the 2013 class, but college hoops.
Duke just recently landed three five-star recruits and is looking like the top dog early on. John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats have gotten some solid commitments as well, but Kentucky's 2014 class will more than likely not be deemed the best class of all time.
As usual, there will be many powerhouse teams in this ranking, but that can be expected. I am sure many people will disagree with some of the teams in this top 10 and where those teams are being placed. However, that is basically the case every single year.
Still, there should not be any arguments with the top two teams on this list and the other eight are gaining a bunch of talent.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 10 college basketball recruiting classes of 2014.
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10. Stanford Cardinal
Reid Travis is the most talented player set to join the team for the 2014-15 college basketball season. He is ranked No. 23 in his class, according to ESPN. Stanford is also set to gain three other ESPN Top 100 recruits, so you could definitely say that this team is set for the near future.
9. Florida Gators
The Florida Gators do not have any five-stars joining, but they do have three ESPN Top 100 recruits. Billy Donovan has been a solid recruiter in college hoops over the years.
This may not be his best recruiting class, but it is still one of the most talented entering the 2014-15 season.
Florida usually has great guard play and Brandone Francis and Chris Chiozza will help to continue that theme.
8. Xavier Musketeers
If Xavier’s 2014 recruiting class can meet expectations, it is going to be a very intriguing basketball team to watch.
Four-four stars are set to join, but the Musketeers have five players joining overall.
7. Louisville Cardinals
The Louisville Cardinals are talented enough to win a national championship once again this season and they seem to be set for the future as well.
Shaqquan Aaron and Quentin Snider are both ranked in the top 40 of the class, according to ESPN. As a result, it would not be a surprise if both players received some minutes right off of the bat.
However, the 2014-15 season is a long time from now.
6. Arizona Wildcats
Sean Miller is one of the best recruiters in college basketball. As a result, Arizona will have one of the best classes set to join its team once again.
Stanley Johnson is the prize of the 2014 class--for the Wildcats--as he is ranked in ESPN’s Top 10. He may not be getting as much hype as Aaron Gordon did, but he should still play a huge role for the Wildcats.
5. North Carolina Tar Heels
North Carolina comes in at No. 5 and three-five stars are set to join the team. All three players are talented enough to make an instant impact.
Whether the case, the Tar Heels should be solid in the 2014-15 season, which is usually the case every single year.
4. Kansas Jayhawks
The two players set to join the Kansas Jayhawks are two of the most talented players in the 2014 class. Cliff Alexander is ranked No. 3 and Kelly Oubre is ranked No. 10, according to ESPN.
Neither is as talented as Andrew Wiggins--apparently the next best player since LeBron James--but you could say that about any player in this recruiting class.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State has three players joining that are ranked in the top 25 of ESPN’s top 100 for the 2014 recruiting class. Who knows if it will happen, but there is a chance that the Buckeyes could still land the No. 2 player in the class.
2. Kentucky Wildcats
What a surprise that Kentucky is ranked this high. John Calipari is easily one of the best recruiters in college basketball and his teams will continue to compete for national titles as a result.
The crazy thing about the Wildcats’ 2014 class is that four players are ranked No. 33 or better (according to ESPN) and this class is nowhere near as good as the 2013 class. Times must be tough in Lexington.
1. Duke Blue Devils
Duke has definitely been in the recruiting headlines as of late. They recently picked up Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones. According to ESPN, Okafor is the No. 1 ranked player in the class and Jones is ranked No. 4.
However, people cannot forget about the latest signing of Justise Winslow, which came a day after Okafor and Jones decided to attend the school. Winslow is ranked No. 14 in ESPN’s Top 100.
Also set to join the team is Grayson Allen. No big deal. He is ranked No. 24 in ESPN's Top 100 and is also a five-star recruit. Duke fans usually have a lot to be excited about, but that will definitely be the case entering the 2014-15 season.
