NCAA Basketball: 25 biggest team winners from 2021 recruiting classes

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 04: Chet Holmgren #34 of Minnehaha Academy Red Hawks dribbles the ball against the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers during the first half of the game at Target Center on January 04, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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NCAA Basketball Michigan State Spartans center Mady Sissoko Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Georgetown Hoyas (No. 16 overall class)

Even before the magical Big East Tournament run, I could make the argument that this year’s recruiting class helped save head coach Patrick Ewing’s job. It’s an impressive incoming group, led by five-star shooting guard prospect Aminu Mohammed. He’s an outstanding offensive talent and could very well lead the Hoyas in scoring next season.

To be clear, this class is more than just Mohammed. Four-star big man Ryan Mutombo replaces Qudus Wahab at center, while top-150 guards Tyler Beard and Jordan Riley adds depth in the backcourt. Considering how much talent the program has lost in the past couple of years, there will be a lot of pressure for the 2021 Georgetown class to succeed, early and often.

11. Michigan State Spartans (No. 10 overall class)

It feels as if this class is a bit of a damper compared to what it could’ve been a couple of months ago, as Enoch Boakye and No. 1 class of 2022 recruit (and potential 2021 reclassifier) Emoni Bates departed from the program. However, this is still a highly-touted top-10 class, led by five-star shooting guard Max Christie. The top-20 overall recruit gives the Spartans a need offensive option in the backcourt now that Rocket Watts and Joshua Langford are gone.

The other two incoming freshmen also are going to have a future impact in top-50 point guard Jaden Akins and four-star wing Pierre Brooks. After the struggles from last year and the departures of key players, these three perimeter-oriented newcomers are going to help turn the Spartans back into contenders. Even without Bates being involved, Michigan State should be happy with this class.

10. Florida State Seminoles (No. 6 overall class)

Had Bryce McGowens stayed committed to the Seminoles, they may have ended up with the No. 1 overall incoming group. But even without him, this is an incredibly impressive group, led by 6’6 guard/wing and five-star prospect Matthew Cleveland. He’s the latest big-time name to join the team and could very well be another one-and-done NBA Draft prospect.

The other two top-60 recruits include big man John Butler and combo guard Jalen Warley, who could start some games at the point if Houston transfer Caleb Mills isn’t the guy to do it. Florida State and Leonard Hamilton have the program at an all-time high and things aren’t slowing down anytime soon.

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