Published Apr 17, 2013
UK on top, although Kansas lands Wiggins
Eric Bossi
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Analyst
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Kansas landed the big fish in Andrew Wiggins, but the grip by John Calipari and the Kentucky on the top spot in the 2013 rankings remains strong.
This year, though, the Wildcats don't just have the best class in the country. They have what -- at least on paper -- is setting up to be one of the strongest recruiting classes of all time.
Power forward Julius Randle (No. 2), point guard Andrew Harrison (No. 5) and shooting guard Andrew Harrison (No. 7) are each the top prospect for their position in the class of 2013.
Additionally, center Dakari Johnson (No. 9), small forward James Young (No. 11) and power forward Marcus Lee (No. 19) join Randle and the Harrisons to give the Wildcats an unprecedented six McDonald's All-Americans and five-star prospects.
On top of that, they have a pair of in-state talents
in three-stars Derek Willis (No. 115) and Dominique Hawkins (NR), who will add depth.
Holding on tight at No. 2 is Kansas under the direction of Bill Self.
No. 1 prospect Andrew Wiggins, shooting guard Wayne Selden and center Joel Embiid are five-star prospects while shooters Brannen Greene and Conner Frankamp sit just outside of five-star range. Four-star point guard Frank Mason rounds out the class.
Memphis has the third-ranked group, thanks in large part to the local trio of Austin Nichols, Nick King and Markel Crawford, who rank Nos. 17, 46 and 59 nationally, respectively.
Thanks to the additions of top-five players, both Arizona and Duke come from outside of the national top 10 to land the fourth- and fifth-ranked classes.
No. 3 overall Aaron Gordon joins fellow McDonald's All-American Rondae Jefferson to headline a strong three-man class.
Over in Durham, the Blue Devils are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the nation's fourth-ranked player, Jabari Parker.
Another notable entrant in the rankings is national champion Louisville.
Rick Pitino and staff hauled in the nation's seventh-ranked class.
Making the highest debut in the new team rankings is a familiar face. Legendary coach Larry Brown has overseen a talent overhaul at SMU and by keeping at home top 20 prospect Keith Frazier, the Mustangs enter the team rankings at No. 14 overall.
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