NCAA Basketball: Which 2018 recruiting classes could be most influential?

Vanderbilt Commodores

Class ranking: No. 12 nationally

I know that Romeo Langford committed to Indiana over Vanderbilt. Regardless, though, this recruiting class for the Commodores could be special. With two top-15 recruits in tow as well as another top-100 player, the program has some elite talent coming in. Head coach Bryce Drew might be entering just his third season with the program but his recruiting at the very least has fans in Nashville excited.

After reaching the NCAA Tournament in just two of the last six seasons and first-round exits in both of these appearances, the Commodores need to return to relevancy. Leading the way in this incoming recruiting class will be Simisola Shittu (No. 10) and Darius Garland (No. 13). Both of these players rank extremely well in the class and will make up a dangerous guard-forward duo in their first season on campus.

These two will immediately alleviate the pain of losing Matthew Fisher-Davis, Riley LaChance, and Jeff Roberson to graduation this offseason. In fact, they will be expected to be upgrades at both positions regardless of their lack of experience. Sophomore Saben Lee and Garland will make for an excellent backcourt in the SEC next season. Meanwhile, Shittu will slide into an immediate starring role on the team as the primary frontcourt option.

In addition, shooting guard Aaron Nesmith (No. 50) can provide a scoring punch. The 6’5″ guard from South Carolina has excellent size with a ridiculous wingspan that is nearly 7’0″. He is aggressive in attacking the basket and projects well as a slashing scorer and lanky defender.