Kentucky Basketball: Historic recruiting class being brought into Lexington

Kentucky Basketball: Headlined by several of the nation’s top seniors, a historic recruiting class enters Lexington. What can we expect the young Wildcats to produce next fall?

Kentucky coach John Calipari has already established himself as a recruiting legend, but this year’s Senior Class that he has compiled is almost inconceivable.

Including newly acquired Kevin Knox, five five-star seniors will join Kentucky next season. Meaning, five of the top 25 players in the nation are Kentucky pledges. Four-star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is arguably a five-star prospect as well, but 247Sports ranks him at No. 28 nationwide.

With that being said, there’s a strong possibility that John Calipari has recruited perhaps the best recruiting class in the history of 247Sports’ rankings, which launched in 2003.

While Kentucky’s remarkable recruiting class is certainly noteworthy, we cannot ignore the recent failures of young college basketball teams, especially those from last year. Duke, who had the No. 1 recruiting class in 2016, commenced this past season at No.

Duke, who had the No. 1 recruiting class in 2016, commenced this past season at No. 1 and were heavy national championship favorites. Though injury-plagued initially, many of Duke’s freshmen, namely Harry Giles, struggled greatly at the next level. The Blue Devils fell to as low as No. 21 in the AP Poll at one point during the season.

Additionally, two of the top-five 2016 recruiting classes, both of which relied heavily on their young core, missed the NCAA Tournament. Texas, who was led by freshman big man Jarrett Allen, began the year at No. 21, while NC State, highlighted by freshman sensation and potential top-5 pick Dennis Smith Jr, earned 25 preseason votes. That pair of schools undoubtedly failed to live up to preseason expectations, as neither played in any postseason tournament.

Michigan State, who earned the No. 3 2016 recruiting class, also faced tremendous adversity throughout its season. Starting as the nation’s No. 12 team, Tom Izzo’s group were Big Ten championship contenders. However, within the first month of basketball, the Spartans dropped outside the AP Top 25. Finishing at 19-16, Michigan State earned a rather disappointing No. 9 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

In 2015, Kentucky had the top recruiting class in the nation. With a highly-touted trio of freshmen in Jamal Murray, Skal Labissiere, and Isaiah Briscoe, the Wildcats commenced the year at No. 2 in the nation. However, Kentucky nearly dropped outside the top 25 in late January after a rough beginning to conference play. In the NCAA Tournament, Kentucky was a quick out, falling to Indiana in the Round of 32.

Next: Kevin Knox commits to Kentucky

Kentucky’s recruiting class is virtually decennial and indisputably the best 2017 recruiting class. But, is it possible that this young group faces hardship initially? Recent patters say there’s a chance. Or, is this unparalleled recruiting class too outstanding to doubt? Both sides have arguments, and next year’s Kentucky team will provide answers.