Way-too-early predictions for 2018's top players
The Rivals150 for the class of 2018 was updated on Tuesday. As of today, only one of the top 11 prospects – Arizona-bound Emmanuel Akot at No. 9 – has made their college decision.
Today, Rivals.com team of Eric Bossi, Corey Evans, Dan McDonald and Krysten Peek take a look at the top 10 uncommitted players in the class of 2018 and offer up way-too-early predictions on where they could land.
In the mix: Arizona, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, UCLA, USC
Status: Bagley recently released a top six and he was a visitor to UCLA during the winter. It's important to remember that he's a native of Arizona but he doesn't appear to be too close to a decision.
Way-too-early prediction: Arizona (Bossi, Evans, Peek), Kentucky (McDonald)
In the mix: Clemson, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, others
Status: One of the most popular high school athletes in years, there will be immense pressure on Williamson to turn down the bluebloods and stay home. South Carolina is coming off of a Final Four and Williamson's stepfather played at Clemson.
Way-too-early prediction: Duke (McDonald), Kentucky (Bossi, Evans, Peek)
In the mix: Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Indiana
Status: Langford is a battle of the bluebloods that will take place at a high level. He lives across from Louisville, plays in the basketball crazy state of Indiana and has also been to all of the big schools on his list.
Way-too-early prediction: Indiana (McDonald), Louisville (Bossi, Evans, Peek)
In the mix: Arizona, California, Kansas, St. John's
Status: Brown may be running one of the quietest recruitments ever for a top five player. If distance plays a big part then Cal and UCLA are going to be tough to beat but he's got an elite combination of skill and athleticism that will have more programs turning up the heat.
Way-too-early prediction: California (Evans), Kansas (Bossi), UCLA (McDonald, Peek)
In the mix: Arizona, Connecticut, Duke, Kentucky, Syracuse, Villanova, others
Status: One of the truly elite talents on the East Coast, Reddish is a tall wing who can handle, pass and shoot. He's cut out of the Jimmy Butler mode and has already indicated he'll take his time to make sure he's making the right pick.
Way-too-early prediction: Duke (Bossi, Evans, McDonald, Peek)
In the mix: Arizona, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Rutgers, St. John's, others
Status: Brown emerged during his junior year as a big-time player. He has skill, athleticism and protects the rim. Maryland has been thought to be in good standing and he's seen some of the local programs.
Way-too-early prediction: Kentucky (Evans, McDonald, Peek), Maryland (Bossi)
In the mix: Arizona, Kansas, St. John's, UCLA, USC, others
Status: Bol grew up in Kansas but moved to California as a junior and by all accounts he really likes the West Coast. Also of note is that St. John's coach Chris Mullin was a close friend of Bol's father, Manute Bol.
Way-too-early prediction: Arizona (McDonald), St. John's (Evans, Peek), UCLA (Bossi)
In the mix: Duke, Indiana, Kansas, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, others
Status: Garland has been to Duke and Vanderbilt, and they've been considered by many to be the leaders. Keep an eye out for Indiana's Archie Miller possibly making a run here.
Way-too-early prediction: Duke (Evans, McDonald, Peek), Vanderbilt (Bossi)
In the mix: Alabama, Connecticut, Oregon, Syracuse, Texas, UCLA, others
Status: A native of Canada, Shittu is a tough and skilled insider who isn't afraid to do some dirty work. Keep an eye on the move of Raphael Chillious from Washington to UConn as it could ultimately have an impact on his recruitment.
Way-too-early prediction: Syracuse (McDonald), Oregon (Bossi, Peek), UConn (Evans)
In the mix: Alabama, Baylor, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, LSU, Oklahoma, others
Status: Smart hasn't said a lot about his recruitment. However, expect new LSU coach Will Wade to make him a priority and there's been some talk of late that Smart prefers Kentucky early.
Way-too-early prediction: Baylor (Peek), Kentucky (Bossi, Evans), LSU (McDonald)
