Arkansas guard Archie Goodwin is part of another top-rated recruiting class at Kentucky.
Photo by Nick Koza
College basketball's spring signing period comes to a close Wednesday, closing the book on the Class of 2012 recruiting cycle – sort of.
There will still be unsigned stars and unresolved issues heading into the summer. Five-star prospect
Devonta Pollard is still on the board and not offering a whole lot of clues about his destination or timeline.
Chris Obekpa, a 6-foot-8 shot blocker from
Our Savior New American (Centereach, N.Y.), is also on the market, but signs point to him making a decision in the coming days.
Other prospects are still shuffling around – or attempting to – in the wake of the coaching carousel.
Montrezl Harrell, a 6-7 forward who played last season at
Hargrave Military Academy (Chatham, Va.), is the most notable example. Harrell signed with Virginia Tech but is attempting to move on after the firing of Seth Greenberg. The Hokies have not granted the North Carolina native his release.
What is certain at this point is Kentucky's recruiting dominance. The Wildcats will finish No. 1 in our final recruiting rankings for the fourth year in a row and John Calipari has signed the nation's top prospect in
Nerlens Noel for the second year in a row.
Five star talents
Archie Goodwin and
Alex Poythress along with athletic 7-footer
Willie Cauley join Noel in Big Blue's latest haul.
TOP 25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL RECRUITING CLASSES1. KentuckySignees/Commitments: No. 1
Nerlens Noel (6-10, 215, C), No. 7
Archie Goodwin (6-5, 185, SG), No. 12
Alex Poythress (6-7, 220, PF/SF), No. 34
Willie Cauley (6-11, 225, C)
What to expect: Another special recruiting class for Calipari and Kentucky, but special enough to help challenge for a national title? Transfer guards Ryan Harrow and Julius Mayes along with holdover Kyle Wiltjer will ensure the Wildcats pile up a lot of wins but not sure it's enough to finish on top again.
2. UCLASignees/Commitments: No. 2
Shabazz Muhammad (6-6, 215, SG), No. 3
Kyle Anderson (6-7, 215, PG/SF), No. 21
Tony Parker (6-9, 265, C), No. 57
Jordan Adams (6-5, 230, SF)
What to expect: The Bruins get the nod over Arizona in terms of 2012-13 impact, but the Wildcats' class may have more long-term value. Muhammad will be the favorite to win Pac-12 Conference Player of the Year honors and give the Bruins a badly-needed shot in the arm as they move in to a renovated Pauley Pavilion.
3. ArizonaSignees/Commitments: No. 10
Kaleb Tarczewski (7-0, 235, C), No. 14
Grant Jerrett (6-10, 220, PF), No. 17
Brandon Ashley (6-8, 220, PF), No. 27
Gabe York (6-2, 180, PG/SG), JC Matt Korcheck (6-9, 240, PF)
What to expect: Along with Xavier transfer Mark Lyons, this quintet will give Arizona a completely new look next season. It will be fascinating to see if Tarczewski, Jerrett and Ashley can be effective on the floor together.
4. North CarolinaSignees/Commitments: No. 32
Marcus Paige (6-1, 160, PG), No. 35
Brice Johnson (6-8, 190, PF), No. 53
Joel James (6-10, 280, C), No. 58
Jean-Pierre Tokoto (6-6, 190, SF)
What to expect: Despite massive departures, Roy Williams should have the luxury of bringing this group along slowly.
5. BaylorSignees/Commitments: No. 5
Isaiah Austin (7-0, 210, C/PF), No. 42
Ricardo Gathers (6-7, 240, PF), No. 70
L.J. Rose (6-3, 180, PG),
Chad Rykhoek (6-10, 215, C)
What to expect: Austin is a tantalizing prospect, but don't be surprised if Gathers uses his bullish physique and hustle to be the more consistent contributor next season.
