New five-star recruits in the class of 2022: several additions
On Monday, On3 released its final update for the class of 2022 player rankings and we saw significant movement within the top half of the rankings.
A total of five prospects graduated to five-star status.
Let’s dive in and identify which prospects earned their fifth star.
SF Cam Whitmore
Previous ranking: No. 28
Updated ranking: No. 7
Position: Small Forward
High school: Archbishop Spaulding (Md.)
Recruitment: Signed with Villanova
Not many prospects boosted their stock more than Cam Whitmore. The 6-foot-6 Villanova signee impressed when it matter most, matching up against the top talent in the McDonald’s All-American Game, Jordan Brand, and Iverson Classic. Whitmore saw the biggest increase in his ranking, rising a total of 21 spots.
Scouting Report: “Is strong and is explosive. One of the most explosive players in the country gets high above the rim. Is best in transition. The upside of his, the thought is as a switchable and high-motor defender. Needs to develop the jump shot both off the bounce and the catch. His skill set plays best when his motor runs hot, the motor can be up and down. Chases offensive rebounds. Needs to continue developing the handle. Good cutter. Is young for his class.” – Jamie Shaw, On3’s National Recruiting Analyst
CG Anthony Black
Previous ranking: No. 22
Updated ranking: No. 9
Position: Combo guard
High school: Duncanville (Texas)
Recruitment: Signed with Arkansas
Anthony Black first exploded onto the scene last summer, picking up offers from Duke, Kansas, Gonzaga, Arkansas, and others just in the span of a month. Prior to the start of his senior season, all eyes were on the 6-foot-6 combo guard as being a Consensus top-25 prospect. However, Black struggled to be consistently eligible at Duncanville (Texas) High and it was difficult to see viewings of him. Nonetheless, On3’s Gerry Hamilton, a Texas native, kept a watchful eye on Black throughout the high school season. Black also impressed On3’s Jamie Shaw in the McDonald’s All-American Game and Iverson Classic. When it was time to update the rankings, the two came together and placed Black within the top ten, bumping him over 10 spots.
Scouting Report: “Has a basketball player’s frame. Broad shoulders, very projectable once he gets into a college strength and conditioning program. Game can be very smooth. Is solid off the bounce, in short bursts, in the half-court. Can knock down shots extending out the three. Has confidence on the ball, as a secondary ball-handler. Needs to continue gaining strength, which may help him give more consistent performances. Dad played football at a high level. Plays above the rim in transition. Can see the floor.” – Jamie Shaw, On3’s National Recruiting Analyst
SF Julian Phillips
Previous ranking: No. 23
Updated ranking: No. 14
Position: Small forward
High school: Link Academy (Mo.)
Recruitment: Uncommitted
The third prospect to see a bump to five-star status is Julian Phillips. The 6-foot-8 small forward had a strong senior season on a loaded Link Year Academy squad and had an impressive showing in front of On3’s Jamie Shaw at Geico Nationals, earning him a nine-spot bump in the rankings.
Phillips decommitted from LSU in March, after the firing of former head coach Will Wade. He’s once again nearing a new decision, with it likely coming down to Auburn and Tennessee.
Scouting Report: “Has good positional size with natural length. A quick leaper with explosive pop. Very instinctive offensive rebounder has a nose for extra possessions. Needs to continue gaining strength, especially in his base and core. Attacks closeouts well in straight lines. Jump shot is becoming a reliable weapon off the catch. Like to see him get into his shot off the bounce a little quicker. Plays upright off the bounce. Good off-ball cutter. High IQ player, give great effort.” – Jamie Shaw, On3’s National Recruiting Analyst
SF Tyrell Ward
Previous ranking: No. 26
Updated ranking: No. 18
Position: Small forward
High school: DeMatha Catholic (Md.)
Recruitment: Committed to LSU
The second-to-last five star addition is Tyrell Ward. The 6-foot-7 small forward also had a strong senior season, playing at powerhouse DeMatha Catholic. Originally committed to Xavier, Ward decommitted after former head coach Travis Steele was relieved of his duties. Ward explored his options, ultimately deciding on LSU over the weekend. He chose the Tigers over Georgetown, the hometown program, and Virginia Tech, where his high school teammate, Rodney Rice is headed to play next year.
Scouting Report: “Explosive, downhill wing. He has good length and positional size. Over his last year, he has developed a lot as a shot creator. Good in the mid-range, has good footwork off the bounce. Confident. Has touch, especially in the mid-range. He will need to continue putting on strength. The jump shot from three can be streaky. Is a quiet person by nature, but he plays with a passion.” – Jamie Shaw, On3’s National Recruiting Analyst
CG JJ Starling
Previous ranking: No. 21
Updated ranking: No. 19
Position: Combo guard
High school: La Lumiere (Ind.)
Recruitment: Signed with Notre Dame
Last but not least is JJ Starling. The 6-foot-4 combo guard has always been on the cusp of five-star status and finally earns it in the final update. Starling has been impressive time and time again playing at La Lumiere and will play his college ball just 30 minutes down the street at Notre Dame.
Scouting Report: “Strong frame. Long arms. Broad shoulders. A paint touch wing in the half-court. At his best when aggressively attacking the basket. A good athlete. Jump shot from three can be inconsistent, but the form looks good. Sees the floor well. Can make passes off the bounce and on target. A good team defender uses length in passing lanes. Somewhat of a late bloomer. Can get team into sets, but is best served as a wing creator.” – Jamie Shaw, On3’s National Recruiting Analyst