Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early takeaways from 2021 recruiting classes

By Tristan Freeman

ANN ARBOR, MI - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on in the first half of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on in the first half of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – MARCH 04: Devin Vassell #24 and Trent Forrest #3 of the Florida State Seminoles (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – MARCH 04: Devin Vassell #24 and Trent Forrest #3 of the Florida State Seminoles (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Seminoles at the top… for now

In the ACC, it’s usually either Duke or North Carolina who is at the top in terms of recruiting, featuring top-5 overall classes. As for the rest, they take turns being in the top-15 or 20, including programs such as Louisville, Syracuse, and a Miami or NC State.

But one program that has flown under the radar is Florida State. In the past five years, the program has landed at least one five-star prospect in their classes, including Dwayne Bacon, Johnathan Isaac, and Patrick Williams. For the upcoming season, the Seminoles have point/forward Scottie Barnes, the highest-ever rated player to join them.

Usually, this program lands one five-star recruit. However, based on the latest rankings, Florida State is going to make history in a big way, thanks to its offseason of star pickups. It started with four-star guard Bryce McGowens committing in February, joined by top-60 big John Butler, top-tier JUCO center Naheem McLeod.

Then the big splash of Matthew Cleveland, a five-star shooting guard prospect. He was joined shortly after by top-30 combo guard Jalen Warley before 247sportsComposite updated its rankings. Once that happened, both Warley and McGowens (who rose over 30 spots since February) became five-stars themselves, giving Florida State a whopping three players of that ranking. Duke, UNC, or even Kentucky can’t say that right now.

Head coach Leonard Hamilton may be in his 70s, but neither he nor the Seminoles are slowing things down. After winning the ACC regular-season title and likely having two 1st round 2020 NBA Draft picks, this is a program that is planning on being a national contender. The early decision-making by recruits has benefitted Florida State more than anyone else this offseason.

Who knows if having official visits would’ve changed things, but the Seminoles are now the heavy favorite to have the No. 1 overall recruiting class for 2021. Looks like the Blue Devils and Tar Heels have real competition in the ACC on the trail.

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