NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Top ranked recruits from recent years still playing
By John Willkom
Class of 2016
#19: Joshua Langford, Michigan State
Langford returns to a Spartans’ team that is arguably the best in the nation. He’s had an injury-plagued career in East Lansing. When healthy, Langford and running mate, Cassius Winston is incredibly tough to stop.
#22 Mustapha Heron, St. John’s
Heron has always been able to score, averaging a career 15.4 ppg as a collegian at Auburn and St. John’s. With LJ Figeroa next to him, St. John’s will have a sneaky good backcourt, despite the loss of Shamorie Ponds.
#29: Andrew Jones, Texas
Jones averaged double digits his first two years in Austin. His Leukemia diagnosis last year shook the college basketball world. Jones got the green light to return to basketball activities in August and is expected to compete for minutes this year for the Longhorns.
#31: Cassius Winston, Michigan State
Winston is most people’s preseason player of the year and for good reason. The Spartans return their core from last year’s Final Four team, and Winston is the catalyst. He is an excellent example of what patience and development can do for a player that many overlooked coming out of high school.
#33: Udoka Azubuike, Kansas
The senior big man has been plagued by injuries during his time in Lawrence. When’s on the floor, though, there aren’t many that can stop him. Look for a big year from the man in the middle.