NCAA Basketball: 8 programs landing highest-ranked recruit in history

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: Cade Cunningham #1 of Montverde Academy is introduced prior to the game against Sanford School during the City of Palms Classic Day 2 at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on December 19, 2019 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 04: Ziaire Williams #1 of Sierra Canyon Trailblazers (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

Ziaire Williams – Stanford

"“The message was first: ‘We’re going to recruit really well, we’re going to play really hard and then we’re going to slowly win some games’.” – Jerod Haase, Stanford Head Coach"

It’s been a while since Stanford’s been a force on the basketball court, but that hasn’t stopped them from building something special under coach Haase. Their last postseason tournament appearance took place in 2018, yet they’ve produced three NBA players since 2015. After finishing a strong 20 win season they’ll likely add another in freshman Tyrell Terry, the program’s likely one and done candidate.

Lucky for Stanford, they’ll retool their roster with Ziaire Williams, a top 10 recruit and Stanford’s newest crown jewel. Before Williams, the school would only know two 5 star recruits, Brook and Robin Lopez.

Using his gifts, 6-8 size, elite athleticism, the California native could become a star for a team that saw 80% of its scoring come from freshmen. Along with Williams comes the Pac-12’s second-ranked recruiting and the nation’s 15th overall class. Ziaire’s fellow freshmen will include Nebraska’s top prospect, Max Murrell, and three-star recruits Noah Taitz and Brandon Angel.

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