UCLA adds five-star Kris Wilkes to loaded class

UCLA's already strong 2017 class got another huge boost Sunday afternoon when five-star small forward Kris Wilkes announced that he would be joining Steve Alford and the Bruins.

A 6-foot-8 wing from Indianapolis (Ind.) North Central, Wilkes ranks No. 18 nationally and is a versatile performer who Alford and his staff locked in on early, convincing him that the Bruins were a great fit.

“The weather is great and all that but he looked at their play and the style of play," Wilkes father Greg told Rivals.com. "Also Steve Alford is an Indiana guy and talked to him about going out of state to do what he needed to do.

“He developed a good relationship with coach Alford and assistant coach Duane Broussard.”

Capable of playing multiple positions, Wilkes is a slashing wing who rebounds, has tremendous size and also wields one of the most dangerous mid range jumpers in the class of 2017. The opportunity to make an instant impact was of great importance.

"He was very methodical and looked at the style of play and wanted to be sure that he could get some early time and be an immediate impact player," said the elder Wilkes. "He also wanted to have great rapport with the staff, which he does."

Another huge part in Wilkes decision was his belief that the Bruins current roster and incoming recruiting class has them positioned to make big noise in 2017-18.

“He believes he brings toughness, tenacity and the versatility to play multiple positions," said Wilkes father of how his son fits at UCLA. "He doesn’t have a problem playing the four but they see him more as a three and only at the four if they have to do so and they have the guys to play the four.

“They really like his versatility and ability to adapt to and buy into the system.”

Wilkes joins a class that already includes five-star power point guard Jaylen Hands, four-star power forwards Cody Riley and Jalen Hill and three-star wing LiAngelo Ball.