No. 9 Baylor Bears
Tounde Yessoufou – 5 star - #14 nationally
Andre Iguodala II – 3 star - # 203 nationally
Maikcol Perez – 4 star – Italy
Ramon Soyoye – Unranked
Scott Drew is on an impressive run of securing commitments from top-ranked recruits who will ultimately develop and impress NBA scouts, potentially turning into lottery picks. Drew is at it again. There is another year of a 5-star recruit who is going to get a look as a potential lottery pick in the 2026 NBA draft. Bears fans also hope that this recruiting class will help them finish near the top of the Big 12 this year.
Yessoufou is a physically gifted player who can get after it on defense and shows some exceptional bounce on the offensive end. He is at his best when driving to the lane where he usually finishes. Perez is from Italy and is a fantastic player in the post. Perez isn't a great shooter but is a tremendous point forward who will stuff a stat sheet. The others are development pieces.
No. 8 Louisville Cardinals
Mikel Brown Jr. – 5 star - # 7 nationally
Sananda Fru – 3 star - # 101 nationally
Mouhamed Camara – 3 star - # 221 nationally
It is refreshing to see Louisville near the top of the ACC again and to see them securing impact recruits once more. Head Coach Kenny Payne was securing quality recruits, at least according to his rankings, but the wins were elusive. Current head coach Pat Kelsey is attracting talented players who fit his style and will make an impact from day one.
Brown is a slick handling point guard who plays with a ton of confidence. He knows what he wants to do with the ball and makes the right plays. He is also a fantastic shooter from range and will run the offense perfectly. Fru will be 22 years old when the season starts and is an excellent finisher in the post. Camara has the potential to be a great defender and rebounder, but his offensive game is raw and needs refinement. All fit well in the Kelsey system.