The 2018 recruiting classes are all but solidified for Big 12 Basketball. Which prospects are most likely to make an impact for the 2018-19 season?
In a similar way to drafts for pro leagues, recruiting classes are the biggest rays of hope that fans have in the preseason. There’s no telling who the diamond in the roughs are, and each season in NCAA Basketball has examples of an under-the-radar prospect shattering expectations.
In the case of the Big 12, there were two cases of star freshmen coming out of nowhere. Zhaire Smith was a three-star recruit for Texas Tech that was simply figured to be part of the team’s rotation. Instead, he was a key piece in the Red Raiders making their first-ever Elite Eight appearance.
The other of course was Trae Young, who was a one of three five-star players to come to the Big 12. What wasn’t expected was how great he was on a historical level, becoming the first-ever to lead the nation in both points and assists for a whole season. The others were Mo Bamba of Texas who eventually became a top-10 pick, and Billy Preston, who never played for Kansas Basketball after having eligibility issues.
This piece will take a look at each incoming recruiting class for the Big 12. Because of the number of draft picks as well as graduations, there will be quite a few who’ll get opportunities for immediate playing time. Who becomes the next breakout star?