Virginia Tech, Xavier, VCU; 3 classes that could outplay their ranking
There has been a lot of positive talk about Duke’s No. 1 class ranking for the 2022 class. Rightfully so, Jon Scheyer has been tearing up the trail, locking in five-star after five-star.
Some other coaches and programs have been locking up talent that fits their scheme. Perhaps not as highly touted recruits as what Duke is landing. However. many times in recruiting, beauty can be in the eye of the beholder.
Keep an eye on how the 2022 classes at Virginia Tech, VCU, and Xavier progress. They are filled with players who may not enter college with big reputations but could leave campus after significant careers.
On3 explores these three classes currently ranked outside On3 Sport’s top 25 team rankings, who could outplay that ranking once enrolled.
Xavier
Travis Steele has quietly put together a class that should give Xavier sustained success. Tyrell Ward, the On3 Consensus No. 42 player in 2022, is one of the fastest-rising players nationally. The wing has excellent length and explosion, but his confidence and ability as a shot-maker have grown significantly over the last year.
Kam Craft, the On3 Consensus No. 91 prospect, was the leading scorer for a Meanstreets team that made the Final Four of Nike’s Peach Jam. For lack of a better word, he is a crafty bucket-getter who can score at all three levels. Desmond Claude, the On3 Consensus No. 99 prospect, can be the straw that stirs the drink.
All three of these players have positional size, and they can all three create offense and shoot with range.
VCU
Mike Rhoades brings in a two-person class, but both players should see the floor early in their careers. Christian Fermin, a 6-foot-9 post, is an excellent rebounder. He has long arms and a relentless attitude on the boards. These attributes also translate to rim protection.
VCU beat out LSU, NC State, Pittsburgh, Oklahoma State, and Texas A&M for 6-foot-7 wing Alphonzo Billups. Billups’ versatility is what stands out with his game. He is comfortable initiating the offense, his jump shot has developed, and he is an instinctive defender. As Billups gains strength, there are a lot of roles he can play at a high level.
It is an older adage that rebounding and rim protection travels, and Fermin continues to get better. Billups fits the long, pressing, and positionless basketball that Rhoades plays. The A-10 is one of the top ten leagues in college basketball. Look for these two to be central figures in VCU, staying toward the top of their league in the future.
Virginia Tech
Rodney Rice, On3 Consensus No. 73 prospect, is the headliner of the class. Associate head coach Mike Jones used his prior relationship with Rice, his former high school coach, to get it done. Rice is comfortable on the ball, initiating the offense. He is also an excellent shooter, an ideal fit with a confident face-up game from the mid-range extended.
They also will bring in two upside prospects from North Carolina. The 2022 class was low on high major caliber big men; 7-foot Patrick Wessler was one of the best pure centers in his region. The lefty has touch over his right shoulder, is an excellent passer, and plays with a mean streak. 6-foot-4 shooting guard MJ Collins is a noted shot-maker with range. He has a strong frame and straight-line explosion.
Mike Young has made a career of taking guys who fit him and his system and getting the most out of them. Rodney Rice should be an instant contributor and do not be surprised if you look up three years from now and Wessler and Collins are playing roles.