Big 12 Basketball: Breaking down every 2017 recruiting class
By Bryan Mauro
Kansas State Wildcats
Bruce Weber’s Wildcats have a feisty team who believe they are never out of a game. Kansas State made a run to the NCAA Tournament last year, receiving one of the last four at large bids and beating a strong Wake Forest team. Kansas State loses star Wesely Iwundu, but hope to still have the pieces to make another run to the NCAA Tournament. Even if they do not make a tournament run, don’t take the Wildcats lightly as they are one of the toughest teams to beat in this league because of the way they play.
Nigel Shadd: Nigel had a nice high school career in which he scored over 1,000 points and had almost 900 rebounds. Nigel is an old school center who looks comfortable playing with his back to the basket. He prides himself on scoring down in the low block and rebounding. He is also a very good rim protector. If Nigel is able to adjust to the college game quickly he could potentially be a force for a team who loves to use their big men. Nigel is not a threat to shoot many jump shots and needs to improve on his free throw shooting if he truly wants to be a star in the Big 12.
Oklahoma Sooners
Lon Kruger and the Sooners had a rebuilding year last year after losing their backcourt led by sharpshooter Buddy Hield. Kruger has a nice returning core of players, who contributed last year, as well as some really nice incoming freshmen. Before last year, Oklahoma was a contender for second place in the Big 12 every year and were talented enough to beat anyone in the country.
Trae Young: The five-star top 25 recruit hails from Norman and is an exciting player. Trae can shoot and pass and is most comfortable with the ball in his hands. Trae spent most of his senior season playing in showcases and shining at the McDonald’s All-America game. In that game, he was able to showcase his talents and stake his claim as the best point guard in this class, as he played against Collin Sexton and Trevon Duval. Trae should step right in a play right away and most likely start. He could be the catalyst for another deep NCAA Tournament run.