Talent spread: Top prospects by conference
On the morning of the early signing period for the class of 2016, only 26
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members of the Rivals150 have yet to make their decisions. That number will
shrink over the next few days.
Here's a look at the top five prospects -- regardless of position -- plus a non
ranked sleeper headed to each of the major conferences.
Top Prospects By Conference
ACC
POS.
PLAYER
RIVALS 150
SCHOOL
PF
2
SF
3
Duke
PG
4
PG
10
Duke
PF
14
Sleeper
3-star
The ACC is really loading up this year and defending national champion Duke has put together a ridiculous haul. Giles will have to make a return from a second major knee injury but is quite skilled. Tatum is maybe the most skilled player at any position. Like Giles, Smith will miss his senior season due to knee injury but he's a Baron Davis style point guard when healthy. Jackson is an explosive combo guard and Isaac is dripping with long term potential due to his size and ability to score in space. Huff is relatively unknown because he hasn't competed against much national competition but he's got great size and can shoot the heck out of the ball.
BIG EAST
POS.
PLAYER
RIVALS 150
SCHOOL
C
22
PG
42
St. John's
SF
48
SG
83
C
98
Butler
Sleeper
3-star
Villanova
Unlike the 2015 class that sent Henry Ellenson and Jalen Brunson to the Big East, the 2016 haul may not include a big-time instant impact player, but it is a solid early effort. Spellman is a beefy big man with some shooting touch while Ponds is a high scoring Ryan Boatright type point guard. Bailey is a shooter with size and NBA genes while Goodin is a big time athlete and Brunk should become a low post mainstay at Butler. Painter is a big kid who has come on late and has a chance to develop into one of the Big East's best big men with time.
BIG TEN
POS.
PLAYER
RIVALS 150
SCHOOL
SF
11
SG
18
Michigan State
PG
28
Michigan State
PF
45
Michigan State
PG
46
Sleeper
3-star
Michigan State has put together what is likely the best recruiting class that the conference has seen since Ohio State brought in
Greg Oden, Mike Conley and Daquan Cook in 2006. Bridges is an explosive forward who loves physical play while Langford is another physically tough kid with skill. Winston is a winner at the point, Ward has touch and size while Cowan should add immediate leadership at Maryland. Lucas looks to be a very good fit at Illinois and could end up surprising.
BIG 12
POS.
PLAYER
RIVALS 150
SCHOOL
SG
43
SF
74
C
85
SG
91
Texas
SF
92
Sleeper
3-star
Amongst major conferences, the Big 12 is really lagging behind on the recruiting trail. There are still some big name players considering member schools but the overall haul is the most disappointing of any of the power leagues. McGusty is a rangy scorer who is in constant motion and Vital is a positionless tail kicker with big time athleticism. Banks has legit size and is mobile enough while Young is a trigger happy shooter who puts up points in a hurry. Sneed could end up a steal at K-State because of his play on both sides of the ball. West Virginia has a few intriguing big guys and Konate is a powerful athlete with upside.
PAC-12
POS.
PLAYER
RIVALS 150
SCHOOL
PG
8
SG
13
PF
4-star
C
37
UCLA
PG
51
Sleeper
3-star
In Ball, UCLA has landed one of the most creative passers to make his way through the high school ranks in some time. Fultz will get a chance to play the point in Seattle but he's a Brad Beal type scorer. Markkanen is a highly celebrated International prospect and will receive heavy consideration for five-star status before he arrives in Tucson. Anigbogu is a terrific shot blocker with developing offense while Pritchard is a high scoring point guard. In Daniels, Utah has landed a guy who can play multiple positions that is likely to end up a very valuable upper classman.
SEC
POS.
PLAYER
RIVALS 150
SCHOOL
SF
12
PF
17
SG
21
PF
26
Kentucky
C
34
Sleeper
3-star
A rangy wing with extreme athleticism, Ferguson has as good looking a jump shot as you can find in high school basketball. Gabriel is a skilled and active four man who is improving quickly while Heron is a tough as nails wing who loves to attack off the dribble. Killeya-Jones is a jump shooting big man with athleticism while Herard is a true throwback, back to the basket type center. Mizzou hopes to have found themselves a steal in Jackson who is athletic, tough and plays with a great motor.
BEST OF THE REST
POS.
PLAYER
RIVALS 150
SCHOOL
PF
31
C
32
Gonzaga
SF
4-star
PG
36
Connecticut
PG
39
UMass
Sleeper
3-star
Rhode Island
Much like Harry Giles, Durham is going to have to recover from a second major knee injury but when healthy he is a fluid athlete with touch to 16 feet. Collins has tremendous size and skill to go along with good athleticism. Jackson is a Canadian import with inside/out ability and Gilbert could be a future All-American type point guard for UConn. Jarreau is a tall playmaker and one of the biggest recruiting heists of the 2016 class. Dowtin looks like one of those guys who turns into an All-League player as a senior and exceeds all expectations.
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