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

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Class ranking: No. 15 nationally

Speaking of SEC teams on the rise, Mississippi State could be tremendous in 2018-19. For starters, the team returns a ton of talent from their 25-12 campaign this past season. There are no major departures from that team and they also bring in a top recruiting class. It is possible that Ben Howland’s biggest problem heading into this upcoming season is having too much talent to find a consistent rotation.

The program is bringing in three top-150 recruits in addition to one of the best JUCO players in the country (Jethro Tshisumpa). While minutes may be scarce for the team next season, you can count on freshman forward Reggie Perry (No. 29) finding quality playing time. A McDonald’s All-American, Perry brings excellent size to the frontcourt at 6’9″ and 200 pounds. He is the son of former Mississippi State standout, Al Perry, who played in the mid-1970s.

On the wing, Robert Woodard (No. 58) and D.J. Stewart (No. 110) join the roster. Both players have been fast risers up recruiting rankings over the past season as they have made massive improvements to their game. Considering the rest of the talent on the roster, all three of these recruits will be able to slowly be integrated into the rotation throughout the season.

By the end of the year, you can expect that at least two freshmen will be playing major minutes for the Bulldogs. Coach Howland is yet to reach the NCAA Tournament after three seasons with the program and this will be a major litmus test of his coaching skills.