With today's release of the updated 2018 Rivals150, we see many players making impressive moves up the rankings or an eye-catching debut. We explore the 12 most notable moves in more depth.
RANKINGS: 2018 Rivals150 | 2017 Rivals150 | 2017 Team Rankings
TWITTER TUESDAY: Readers' questions answered
Previous rank: No. 29
Why he made a big move: During the winter, Akot proved that he's a legitimate high-end wing who can handle the ball and create a shot. He's still a little rough around the edges but has big-time tools.
Recruitment: Committed to Arizona
Previous rank: No. 24
Why he made a big move: Grimes has proven to be more athletic and skilled as a playmaker than we thought coming out of the summer. He was already a near elite scorer so adding the ability to make others better allowed him to make a big jump into five-star status.
Recruitment: Offers from Arizona, Baylor, Florida, Houston, Kansas, Kentucky, Texas, Texas A&M and several others.
Previous rank: No. 23
Why he made a big move: Smith's ranking has always been just as much about the player we thought he could be as it was the player he is. Now, it's become much more about who he is. He rebounds, protects the rim and his offense is coming along rapidly.
Recruitment: Offers from Arizona, Florida, Marquette, Maryland, Miami, Providence, Stanford, Syracuse, Villanova, Virginia and others.
Previous rank: No. 33
Why he made a big move: Williams was a big mover during the winter and he continued his climb all the way to five-star status. He's a little undersized as a four-man but incredibly productive and turns each battle with an opponent into a test of who is the toughest dude on the floor.
Recruitment: Offers from Baylor, Florida, Kansas, LSU, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, TCU, USC and others.
Previous rank: No. 38
Why he made a big move: Porter has size, strength and a high level of skill. He is an above-average rebounder and as good a passer as there is in the class of 2018, regardless of position.
Recruitment: Barring a shock, he will end up at Missouri where his father coaches and his older brother, Michael Porter Jr., is headed.
Previous rank: No. 50
Why he made a big move: A combo forward who presents a matchup problem, Cherry has steadily worked his way up the charts. With his ability to move between the three and the four and improved threat as a shooter, his strengths fit the direction the college game is headed.
Recruitment: Arizona, California, Florida State, Gonzaga, Kansas, San Diego State, USC, UCLA and others.
Previous rank: Unranked
Why he made a big move: We had a chance to check out the son of former NBA player Larry Nance earlier this spring and he left a huge impression. He's a high-end athlete with even higher-end skill.
Recruitment: Has become a priority recruit for Michigan, Northwestern and Purdue.
Previous rank: Unranked
Why he made a big move: Duke was one of the most impressive guards that we saw all weekend. He has terrific size, he's athletic and he's capable of making jaw-dropping plays. His debut is a strong one and could be just a sign of things to come.
Recruitment: Creighton, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Providence, Rhode Island, Syracuse, Virginia Tech and several others have offered.
Previous rank: No. 123
Why he made a big move: An athletic wing with the ability to score in bunches, Nolley has big-time SEC scorer written all over him. By spring's end he will be one of the biggest priority recruits in the Southeast.
Recruitment: Auburn, Florida, Florida Gulf Coast, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech and others have offered.
Previous rank: No. 102
Why he made a big move: The more we see of Hamilton, the more we love his instincts for putting the ball in the hoop. He's slick off the dribble, can get hot from deep and looks as if he has lots of upside. College coaches have been warming up to him; look for them to fall in love this spring.
Recruitment: Offers from Arizona State, Boise State, Nevada, UCSB, UNLV and UTEP.
Previous rank: No. 124
Why he made a big move: Loyer isn't the biggest guard around, but he can shoot, he has a high level of skill and he plays with toughness. He had an incredible run in the Michigan state playoffs and isn't afraid of any competition.
Recruitment: Committed to Michigan State
Previous rank: No. 139
Why he made a big move: Green was already one of the best shooting and smartest playmaking point guards. However, a 3-inch growth spurt since last summer and added strength have allowed him to flourish.
Recruitment: His father, Kyle Green, is an assistant at Northern Iowa and is about to be in for a fight.
