Big 12 Basketball: Grading each team’s best recruiting class since realignment

Texas

Grade: B (No. 6, 2016 class)

Notable commits: PF Jarrett Allen (No. 5 PF, No. 17 overall), CG Andrew Jones (No. 5 CG, No. 29 overall), C James Banks (No. 9 C, No. 63 overall)

The Longhorns had consecutive classes finishing at six in the country, with the following class to this one being slightly below the average rating.

The Shaka Smart era in Texas was headlined on the recruiting trial by blue-chip centers, with shot-blocking ability at the rim. The highest-rated recruit from that era was Jarrett Allen. The No.17 overall player in the country was a true one-and-done for the Longhorns.

Allen lived up to expectations in his one season, with 13.4 points per game, to go with 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. However, team success did not duplicate his stats, as the Horns had their lowest win total since 1992-1993.

The four-stars in center James Banks and guard Jacob Young did not pan out, as Young spent his first two seasons in Texas, with limited playing time. He then transferred to Rutgers and broke out his senior season, ranking second on the Scarlet Knights in scoring.

Banks went the similar path as after two seasons average 1.5 points per game, he transferred to ACC and was 2x All-Defensive Team for Georgia Tech.

Andrew Jones is the lone remaining member of the class, and has by far, been the most successful with the Longhorns. Jones might go down as one of the most liked players of the decade for Texas, as he will return for his sixth and final season.

Overall, the class has its fair share of talent, with the top two players panning out and making an impact on the team. However, Texas has yet to make it past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament with the group.

TCU

Grade: Trending in the wrong direction (No. 30, 2019 class)

Notable commits: SG PJ Fuller (No.12 SG, No. 76 overall), PG Francisco Farabello (No. 13 PG, No.142 overall), SF Kevin Easley (Transfer from Chattanooga)

The Horned Frogs brought in nine players from the 2019 class with five recruits and four transfers. However, the quantity did not match the quality TCU fans were hopeful for.

Chattanooga transfer Kevin Easley sat out a season, before becoming a role player this past season. Jaedon LeDee spent one season with the program, before transferring out. PJ Fuller had a more expanded role last season, starting 18 games and averaging 5.8 points per game.

The class still has plenty of potential, with being two years old and more room for growth. However, with the amount of transfers TCU brought in this off-season, what does it do for the current guys in 2019 class.

None of the players have blossomed yet, but have had reserved roles from this class.

It’s hard to give a grade for this class. However, this 2019 class is trending in the wrong direction.