No. 21 Penn State Nittany Lions
Kayden Mingo- 4 star- #34 nationally
Mason Blackwood- 4 star- #124 nationally
Justin Houser- 3 star- #223 nationally
Ivan Juric- 3 star- unranked
Reggie Grodin- 3 star-unranked
Penn State doesn't have one of the top 25 ranked recruiting classes, but this aimed to highlight the classes that would have the most significant impact on freshmen. Each of these players will contribute to Penn State and head coach Mike Rhoades. It has been a rough first two seasons for the Nittany Lions, and it may be a rough third, primarily relying on so many freshmen.
Mingo is the prize of the class and is poised to become one of the best freshmen in the country. The top-ranked recruit in Penn State history is an incredibly efficient scorer and, being from New York, plays a physical style, especially on the defensive end. Blackwood is an athletic kid who plays with a high level of confidence, which enables him to excel in all aspects of the game. The others are rotational pieces that will develop within the system.
No. 20 Syracuse Orangemen
Sadiq White- 4 star- #31 nationally
Kiyan Anthony- 4 star- # 31 nationally
Aaron Womack- 3 star- #215 nationally
Luke Fennell- 3 star- # 240 nationally
It has been some tough sledding for head coach Adrian Autry in his two years in Syracuse. Acquiring talent has never been the problem; developing and retaining it is another story. The Orangemen had their best class last year, but injuries to their top player derailed that. The Orange need this class to avoid injury and make the impact they appear capable of producing.
Defense is the game for White; he is already an excellent defender and shot blocker. If he gets out in transition, watch your heads. Anthony mirrors his game after his father Carmelo, and scoring at a high level is what he is going to bring to Syracuse this year. He will develop into the go-to scorer before his career is over. Womack is a sharpshooter who will excel in that role and is very streaky from beyond the arc. Fennell has an NBA ceiling and can develop into a great point guard.