Pac-12 Basketball: Who is the top 2017 recruit for every team?
By Bryan Mauro
Utah
The Utes returned to the 2016 NCAA Tournament but failed to qualify last year. Coach Larry Krystkowiak has the Utes pointed in the right direction as they have had a talented team. Much like Colorado, Utah has exceeded the expectations of them once getting started in the Pac-12. This team went from a mediocre middle of the road team to a team on the rise who should be a perennial NCAA Tournament team.
Branden Carlson- Carlson is an old school post player who plays close to the rim, can rebound well, and protects the rim. Carlson is a homegrown kid out of Kingham High School in Utah, so he will be playing in front of the home crowd. The Utes have had a nice run of developing NBA level Big Men in Jakob Poetl and Kyle Kuzma. Could Carlson be the next one?
Washington
Despite having the overall No. 1 pick in Markelle Fultz, the Huskies really struggled so much so that Lorenzo Romar lost his job. Not only did Washington need to find a new coach they also lost Michael Porter Jr. as a recruit, as he decommited and went to Missouri. Washington looks to get back to glory with new head man Mike Hopkins, but he will have his work cut out for him and doesn’t have a player like Fultz in the cabinet.
Jaylen Nowell- Much like a lot of the other top recruits in this class, Jaylen is an explosive athlete and loves to dunk. Jaylen is unique in the fact that he is an elite passer and really good shooter. Nowell has quick hands and is able to get into the passing lanes as well which leads to easy baskets for him and his teammates. Jaylen should be a start for Washington, and he should get some quality minutes right away.
Washington State
The Cougars are the perennial cellar dweller in the Pac-12. They have a year here and there where they may make a tournament but those years are pretty infrequent these days. Washington State has had some nice talent for a few years now but, for whatever reason, it has not turned into wins. Winning in the Pac-12 is difficult though. Nonetheless, the folks in Pullman want a winner and, hopefully, one day soon Washington State can provide them one.
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Kwinton Hinson- Hinson is coming to Washington State via Tyler Junior College in Tyler, TX. Hinson is a really good three point shooter and great passer. He seems to be most comfortable with the ball in his hands as a true lead guard but can play some without the ball in his hands. Hinson should be a nice addition to a struggling team because of his ability to shoot. Washington State has him listed as a wing, but he looks most suited for a lead guard.