Five underrated recruiting classes that could outperform their ranking
The early signing period for the 2023 cycle ended yesterday. Many of the storylines surround the top ten recruiting classes and the five-star talents. However, so much with recruiting can be fit. Here are five recruiting classes ranked outside of the 2023 On3 team rankings top 25 that could be central figures in building blocks for future program success.
Colorado (Pac 12)
The Class:
Five-star SF Cody Williams (No. 20)
Four-star C Assane Diop (No. 102)
Three-star SG Courtney Anderson (No. 173)
The Notes: Courtney Anderson is a smooth off-guard, able to score at multiple levels. Assane Diop has great length, and he moves very fluidly. There is an interesting upside as a mismatch big with his skill. Cody Williams is the younger brother of 2022 lottery pick, Jalen Williams. He is a late-blooming wing who, in time, could be a versatile two-way wing.
Tad Boyle brings in a class with the upside to develop into top-half of the league talent. This group fits together, and they have the opportunity to grow together.
Ole Miss (SEC)
The Class:
Four-star C Rashaud Marshall
Four-star G Josh Hubbard
Three-star SF Jordan Burks
The Notes: Rashaud Marshall is a bruising post player with huge hands and a go-to move over his shoulder. He enjoys the gritty and the tough guy stuff around the basket. Josh Hubbard is a high-scoring guard who plays with explosion and confidence. Jordan Burks is an upside play. At 6-foot-8, he has perimeter skills with fluidity, pop, and a smooth stroke.
This class stacks on top of a 2022 four-man class for Kermit Davis and the Rebels. These two classes give Ole Miss an infuse of high school talent (four top 100 players) who can grow together.
Kansas State (Big 12)
The Class:
Four-star SG RJ Jones (No. 68)
Four-star PG Dai Dai Ames (No. 72)
Three-star F Macaleab Rich (No. 164)
The Notes: RJ Jones is a shooter, a confident scorer who does not mind taking the big shot. Dai Dai Ames is a tough-minded point guard who has played in many big games. Macaleab Rich is an under-the-radar prospect, but has a strong frame, is explosive, and can handle the ball in the half-court.
Jerome Tang addressed a lot of needs in his first full-cycle recruiting class. He has a point guard, a go-to scorer, and a versatile, tough guy that he can grow with.
NC State (ACC)
The Class:
Four-star SF Dennis Parker, Jr (No. 95)
Three-star CG Trey Parker (No. 149)
The Notes: This class is all about system fit. A look back at Kevin Keatts most successful teams and they have a guard like Trey Parker and a wing forward like Dennis Parker. Trey is pure electricity with his deep shooting range, crafty handle, and explosion at the rim. Dennis is someone who can defend multiple positions and push the break in transition.
While things seem to have gotten away from the Wolfpack over the last couple of years, this year’s high school class stacked on top of their work in the 2022 transfer portal could be exactly what gets them back on track.
College of Charleston (Colonial)
The Class:
Four-star SG Isaiah Coleman (No. 65)
Three-star PF Mayar Wol (No. 204)
The Notes: Isaiah Coleman is a wing with size who has the upside to be a difference-maker on defense and a go-to scorer on offense. Mayar Wol is an upside play as he moves very well and can shoot for a player who is 6-foot-8.
This is the type of class that can change the course of a program and a coaching career. Pat Kelsey beat out SEC programs for Coleman, a play that could pay dividends early. Wol, as he develops, has a nice upside in the Colonial.