NCAA Basketball: 10 under-the-radar 2018 recruiting classes

Saint Louis Billikens

National Rank: No. 56 overall

After suffering three straight losing seasons, Saint Louis seemingly got back on track a bit this past season while posting a 17-16 record. While it might not have been a superb year, head coach Travis Ford definitely has the program trending in the right direction. Taking into account returning talent, incoming transfers, and a potentially impactful 2018 recruiting class, it is easy to see why the Billikens project as one of the preseason contenders to win the Atlantic 10 this season.

If, though, Saint Louis is to live up to these expectations, top-rated recruit Carte’Are Gordon has to be a stud from Day 1. Ranked as the No. 73 recruit in the class, the 6-foot-8 forward has the potential to be one of the best newcomers in the Atlantic 10. He is an incredibly physically imposing big and quite versatile as a two-way player when on the court. Saint Louis has seemingly completely transformed its roster heading into this season and Gordon can be the anchor in the paint.

Additionally, Coach Ford added to his backcourt depth with the commitment of two shooting guards. Fred Thatch (No. 323) and Demarius Jacobs (No. 364) both project as potential bench options at the 2-guard position right away thanks to solid size and polished skill sets.

On the whole, this recruiting class ranks second in the Atlantic 10 behind Rhode Island (more on the Rams soon) and could help carry the program to a conference title. After notching a top-2 class in the conference in each of the past two seasons, it is clear that Coach Ford is building something quickly.