Rival Views: The most important 2018 prospect still on the board

NEW RELEASE: Small Forwards | Shooting Guards | Point Guards

There aren't many potential difference-makers left on the board in the class of 2018. There are only five, five-star prospects who haven't made a decision and less than 10 percent (11 total) of the 2018 Rivals150 will be available after four-star point guard Tyger Campbell announces his decision on Thursday. So, which of the remaining prospects is the most important and why? As usual Rivals.com National Basketball Analysts Eric Bossi and Corey Evans have Rival views.

First of all, I acknowledge that picking the highest-ranked undecided prospect is a bit of a cop out. But, I'm not trying to go the easy route here and let me explain why. Five-star power forward E.J. Montgomery is likely going to end up at Duke or Kentucky. Important? Sure, but landing another five-star at Duke or Kentucky isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things. I also think that Anfernee Simons' likely flirtation with the NBA Draft is going to tone down his recruitment a little bit. So, let me get back to Langford.

I think the 6-foot-5 shooting guard from New Albany (Ind.) High's decision could have a far greater impact from a program's perspective. Especially if it is Indiana or Vanderbilt that lands him - though he would certainly be a very important get at his other finalist Kansas.

At Indiana, he's a state legend staying home. He's Archie Miller's signature recruit and chance to tell the country that he's putting a fence up around the state of Indiana. Langford is the guy that could potentially put the Hoosiers back onto the path of being one of America's elite programs.

At Vanderbilt, Langford is the icing on what is already the best recruiting class in program history. The Commodores have been a pretty big disappointment this season, but with five-stars Darius Garland and Simisola Shittu already locked up, the prospect of bringing in a scoring machine like Langford could give Vandy fans legitimate hope for the future of their program.

At Kansas, it's looking like the Jayhawks are going to be among the early favorites for the 2019 Final Four. They already have a dynamic recruiting class, have talented transfers sitting out and depending on who does or doesn't come back next season could be crazy loaded across the board. If Malik Newman or LaGerald Vick leaves, Langford becomes hugely important to 2019 success. If both of those guys stick around in Lawrence, well then, Langford would just give Bill Self's crew a crazy amount of firepower.

Take Marvin Bagley III or Kevin Knox off of Duke and Kentucky respectively and each program’s Final Four chances take a hit. Both college stars were the final, top heavy hitting prospects to commit from the 2017 class. While E.J. Montgomery might not be the last one on the board this spring, he could have a similar impact on the program that he chooses, hence why he is the most important recruit available.

A 6-foot-10 power forward, Montgomery has finally tapped into all of the potential that most have seen in him during his senior high school season. Capable of sliding between either frontcourt position, he brings loads of upside, talent and versatility to the court. Montgomery is mobile enough to produce whenever the game picks up, agile enough to guard a high ball screen, skilled enough to score out to the arc and now tough enough to finish within the lane.

The lefty hasn’t given much pertaining to his newfound recruitment beyond a final list of 11 schools that he recently published: Wake Forest, North Carolina, Duke, Kentucky, South Carolina, Clemson, Vanderbilt, Georgetown, USC, UCLA and Georgia.

Montgomery would immediately boost optimism at Wake Forest, South Carolina, USC, Clemson, Vanderbilt, Georgia and Georgetown, while a commitment to North Carolina, Duke, Kentucky or UCLA would elevate that program to a national title favorite.

The way that Montgomery has played this winter, he looks the part of a season changing type of prospect.

Anfernee Simons, Courtney Ramey and Romeo Langford are all super important prospects for those recruiting them but Montgomery's decision weights a bit heavier as it could change the complexion of the national title race.