NCAA Basketball: Top ranked recruits from recent years still playing

NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Top ranked recruits from recent years still playing

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 06: Udoka Azubuike #35 of the Kansas Jayhawks positons himself for a rebound against the Michigan State Spartans during the State Farm Champions Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MARCH 30: Mamadi Diakite #25 of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts against the Purdue Boilermakers during overtime of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at KFC YUM! Center on March 30, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Not all top-rank recruits go pro after one season. Here’s a look from recent past high school stars that are still playing NCAA Basketball.

The popularity of recruiting rankings (particularly in NCAA Basketball) has skyrocketed over the years, as everyone wants to know will be the next star in their program. Top ten lists eventually became top 100, stars were added next to names, and coaches across the country are still trying to figure out how much to rely on these external opinions.

Let’s take a look at the top-5 highest-ranked recruits (according to 247 Sports) from 2015, 2016, and 2017 that are still playing NCAA Basketball. Were these players ranked too high to begin with? Did off the court issues, injuries, or coaching changes impact their ability to realize their potential? I’ll let you be the judge of that. Regardless, here are 15 players that have an opportunity this season to justify their lofty rankings out of high school.

Class of 2015

#12: Derryck Thornton: Boston College

Thornton is at his third school (Duke/USC) and will take the reins for Coach, Jim Christian’s team at Boston College. Thornton has averaged 6.4 ppg and 2.8 assists over the course of a transfer-ridden college career.

#24: Carlton Bragg, New Mexico

Bragg had a promising start to his career at Kansas but off the court issues eventually spelled his demise. Now, a senior at New Mexico, Bragg will look to improve on his 10 ppg/8rpg effort from last season.

#32: Mamadi Diakite, Virginia

The 6’9” power forward was a key part of Virginia’s 2019 national championship run and returns for his senior season, where he should be a go-to threat for Tony Bennett’s Cavaliers.

#37: Jalen Coleman-Lands, Depaul

Coleman-Lands started his career at Illinois before transferring to DePaul. A leg injury has limited him through the fall. If healthy, he should start at shooting guard for the Blue Demons.

#40 JaQuan Lyle, New Mexico

The Ohio State transfer could always score. Despite missing all of last season with an Achilles injury, Lyle is back for his senior season and should play a significant role for coach Paul Weir.

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