When it comes to college basketball recruiting, the class rankings are a hot topic. Tons of schools want their recruiters on ESPN with the latest information every day. Teams like Kentucky and Duke also have big budgets and use this as another way to lure recruits away from other programs. The truth is that no one really knows how these rankings will be accurate in two years when they’re released again for 2022’s class but we can all speculate about what might happen during that time until then enjoy guessing which teams could rise up or fall down this list next year!
The “2023 basketball recruiting team rankings” is a list of the top 20 teams in the nation for the 2022 class.
There was a rush of action around the conclusion of the men’s college basketball season and in the first two weeks of the offseason after a lethargic winter that saw just three ESPN 100 talents commit from the end of the early signing period and our most recent rankings update in January.
It was primarily due to the coaching carousel, as usual. More than a dozen players decommitted as a result of coaching changes, however two of them, Skyy Clark (Kentucky to Illinois) and Dillon Mitchell (initially committed to Baylor), were not as a result of the carousel.
While the top ranks didn’t alter much, there were plenty of headlines with the most recent — but not final — class rankings update, which we’ll get to soon.
Eric Musselman has established himself as one of the greatest transfer recruiters in the nation, but Musselman and the Razorbacks were outstanding on the high school trail in the 2022 class. In the autumn, they had committed Nick Smith (No. 3) and Jordan Walsh (No. 11), then in the spring, they recruited Anthony Black, a third five-star talent. Landing Black, for whom Arkansas beat over Gonzaga and others, put Arkansas in second place in the rankings, behind only Duke.
Coach Mike Woodson continues to face criticism about his recruiting skills as Indiana climbs into the top ten. Following the addition of Tamar Bates to the 2021 class, Woodson added two more top-25 players to the 2022 class, including former Florida pledge Malik Reneau earlier this week. Reneau and Jalen Hood-Schifino should have a big effect, while ESPN 100 forward Kaleb Banks has a lot of potential.
LSU and Florida had the highest drops: Both SEC teams have experienced coaching changes, and their whole classes have vanished. The Tigers were the ones that felt the brunt of it. Following Will Wade’s departure, ESPN 100 prospects Julian Phillips (a five-star wing), Yohan Traore, and Devin Ree were let go, and the Tigers plummeted out of the rankings. Coach Matt McMahon of LSU, on the other hand, has done well in the transfer portal thus far. The Gators moved from Mike White to Todd Golden in Gainesville, and five-star Reneau and ESPN 100 frontcourt prospect Jalen Reed were both gone. Golden, on the other hand, has already snagged many transfers and is in the running for former Xavier commit Tyrell Ward.
Who’s still standing in the ESPN 100? There aren’t many ESPN 100 prospects remaining, but the number has risen significantly in recent weeks. Julian Phillips, a former LSU five-star prospect, is the most valuable player remaining on the market; Tennessee and Auburn seem to be the front-runners. Tyrell Ward has Virginia Tech, LSU, Florida, and other schools on his list. Adrame Diongue, a seven-footer, is contemplating UNLV, Washington State, and other schools, while Riley Kugel, a former Mississippi State recruit, is also on the radar. Devin Ree (LSU) and Jalen Reed (Arizona) are two more recent decommits who are still available (Florida). Reed decommitted on Monday night, while Ree went to Louisville.
What comes next? As the summer progresses, there will undoubtedly be more twists and turns. For starters, there will very certainly be reclassifications. Emoni Bates and Jalen Duren both reclassified and committed to Memphis last year, causing a seismic upheaval in the class rankings — and preseason college basketball rankings. Two, there will be some late foreign pledges, with Canadian-born Leonard Miller being the most coveted prize. Kentucky, Arizona, and the G League are all on his radar. Will the G League, or Overtime Elite, try to sign any of the presently signed 2022 prospects? Finally, would any transfer commitments have a domino effect, resulting in more decommitments?
C Dereck Lively was the top commit in the previous ranking (No. 1)
After announcing Jon Scheyer as Mike Krzyzewski’s successor for the 2022-23 season, it was critical that the Blue Devils have a head start in recruiting. Scheyer and his staff have established the Duke brand by getting three five-star recruits in Lively, Dariq Whitehead, and Kyle Filipowski, despite Coach K’s absence on the recruiting trail this summer. Lively’s dedication is the one that has the Blue Devils in contention for the best class in the country. He’s a world-class shot-blocker with offensive range out to the rim. Whitehead is a top-tier defender and competitor who has exceptional leadership qualities and a wealth of intangibles. He’s been a high-profile prospect since he was a kid, yet he’s kept his humble demeanor and improved with each passing year. Filipowski, on the other hand, has made a significant improvement during the last two years. Filipowski’s game has exploded alongside a new commitment to conditioning and consequent gains in mobility and quickness off his feet around the rim. As a playmaking big man who stands just under 7 feet but can still attack off the dribble and facilitate for others, Filipowski’s game has exploded alongside a new commitment to conditioning and consequent gains in mobility and quickness off his feet around the rim. The Blue Devils did not take over the No. 1 class until they received a commitment from top-30 forward Mark Mitchell. Mitchell is a powerful, slicing lefty with excellent passing ability. Jaden Schutt, a top-50 guard and one of the greatest shooters in the 2022 class, and Christian Reeves, a 7-foot-1 center from Oak Hill Academy, were both added to Duke’s recruiting class (Virginia).
Prior to this, he was ranked 3rd. His top commit was SG. Nick Smith is a writer and a musician (No. 3)
Arkansas, which had risen to the top of the class rankings earlier in the autumn, secured the country’s top two uncommitted prospects in October. Smith is a gifted guard who can play both on and off the court, but excels when he has the ball in his hands. He’s a prolific scorer who can also shoot from the wing. Jordan Walsh had a breakthrough summer, excelling in terms of athletic abilities and motor skills. He’s great in transition and competes hard. The Razorbacks previously had three ESPN 100 prospects in Derrian Ford, Barry Dunning, and Joseph Pinion before those two elected to play for Eric Musselman. Ford and Pinion, along with Smith, are helping Arkansas maintain its grasp on in-state talent, while Dunning had a solid June before committing. The Razorbacks got a third five-star talent in Anthony Black in the spring, possibly the greatest stock climber of the spring and summer. Black, particularly with his 6-foot-7 stature, is an excellent playmaker and distributor.
SF is the top commit. Previous ranking: 5 Brandon Miller is a young man who has a (No. 9)
Remember when Nate Oats was transferring from Buffalo to Alabama and folks wondered whether he’d be able to recruit in the SEC? Although it was just a few years ago, it feels like a long time ago. On a yearly basis, Oats and his team continue to demonstrate their ability to attract top national talent. This year’s class has five pledges, four of which are ESPN 100 high school talents, including two five-star prospects. It all started with Jaden Bradley, one of the best point guards in the nation who should be ready to contribute right away. Miller is a top long-term prospect with a wide range of skills and lots of untapped potential. At the center position, Noah Clowney has a comparable high potential, while Rylan Griffen is a long wing with a fast first step, strong lift at the rim, and other two-way skills. Nick Pringle, a 6-foot-9 power forward regarded one of the greatest junior college prospects in the nation, completes the class.
Previous ranking: 6 SG Amari Bailey is the top commit (No. 5)
Coach Mick Cronin sees the Bruins set to reclaim their place among college basketball’s top after their performance in the 2021 Final Four. He continued his winning streak from last March by delivering a star-studded early recruiting class that included some of the best prospects on the West Coast. Bailey isn’t only one of the top high school basketball players; he’s also one of the most recognizable, so his promise, which was made in February 2020, will inspire other youngsters to do the same. Dylan Andrews, a dynamic big guard with an attacking style who excels in the open floor while also being able to defend the way Cronin demands, is one such player. Five-star center Adem Bona chose UCLA over Kentucky, propelling the Bruins into the top ten of the class rankings. Bona is a dominant defensive big guy with incredible athleticism.
Gradey Dick of the San Francisco 49ers is the top commit (No. 14)
Bill Self has the Jayhawks recruiting the high school market at an exceptional national level once again, after building this season’s national champions with veterans and a few crucial newcomers via the transfer portal. It all started with a pledge from Gradey Dick, a local Kansas product, last spring. Dick will offer them with a productive and dependable big winger who has proved himself against top competition and has a well-rounded floor game. M.J. Rice provides them with a powerful winger with increased talent. He’ll remind Jayhawk fans of Wayne Selden in certain ways, and he’ll be an excellent wing complement to Dick. In the current game, Zuby Ejiofor is a throwback-style power forward who might play some small-ball 5. He has a strong motor and is powerful, explosive, and ultra-aggressive. Another frontcourt addition, 6-foot-10 center Ernest Udeh, chose the Jayhawks as the last piece of the jigsaw. The top-50 prospect is a high-energy player who is strong on the boards and in transition.
Prior ranking: 2 Top commit: San Francisco Chris Livingston is a British actor (No. 12)
After point guard Cason Wallace committed to the Wildcats in early November, Kentucky surpassed Duke for the No. 1 ranking, which it maintained until Duke secured Mark Mitchell a month later. Wallace was one of the greatest point guards in the class, and he chose Kentucky over Tennessee and Texas. John Calipari already had three five-star recruits on his roster, albeit he’s now down to just one more. Shaedon Sharpe, the former No. 1 overall prospect, wasn’t rated at all in the summer of 2020, but he quickly established himself as the class’s best prospect. He is a finisher at the rim, with excellent size and strength. He also has exceptional physical tools. He attended to Kentucky after the first semester but did not play and was recently drafted into the NBA. Livingston has been a name to keep an eye on since his freshman year of high school, and he is still one of the top 15 prospects in 2022. He’s a dynamic weapon who excels in transition and on both sides of the floor. Skyy Clark, a 6-foot-3 point guard who missed the summer due to an ACL injury, was the class’s first member, however he decommitted in early March.
Previous ranking: 8 SF Dillon Mitchell is the top commit (No. 4)
In the class of 2022, Chris Beard will get a trio of instant impact players, a group that should help enhance — and balance out — the transfer-heavy squad. Mitchell, a five-star forward, provides him with the sort of smooth and explosive mover and leaper that Texas now lacks. He excels in transition and is a strong finisher as well as a flexible defender with some potential. Arterio Morris is a huge guard with one of the best upsides in the league. His stature is matched by his explosiveness and competitiveness, and he has the capacity to influence the game on both sides of the floor. The Longhorns’ third pledge is ESPN 100 guard Rowan Brumbaugh, who chose Texas after decommitting from Northwestern in late December. When Brumbaugh committed the first time, Texas finished second to the Wildcats, but the Longhorns got him the second time.
Previous ranking: 18 C Malik Reneau is the top commit (No. 22)
Mike Woodson and his staff continue to recruit aggressively, with a quartet of commitments in the 2022 class, including two top-25 recruits and three ESPN 100 prospects. Reneau and Jalen Hood-Schifino, high school teammates, are the main attractions. Reneau decommitted from Florida in mid-April and is a productive inside player who had a breakthrough summer on the EYBL circuit. Hood-Schifino is one of high school basketball’s most versatile players. He’s a big guard who can play multiple positions and defends well. He can also pass and attack off the dribble. Kaleb Banks is a super-long forward who has been on a tear since last spring and still has a lot of potential. C.J. Gunn, a rangy winger with excellent perimeter size and shot-making skills, has untapped potential of his own.
Previous ranking: 7 SF Brice Sensabaugh is the top pledge (No. 42)
Chris Holtmann and his staff at Ohio State put forth the most effort early in this recruiting class. They not only got five early commits, three of whom are ESPN 100 prospects, but they’re all strategic acquisitions who suit their system and ethos. The leader is Bruce Thornton. He’ll put his imprint on the program right away as an accomplished point guard and winner. Roddy Gayle is a talented winger who can score in large quantities while also integrating his own skills with those of other high-level players. Felix Okpara is a large, bouncy center with a very high long-term ceiling. Sensabaugh was once considered a sleeper, but he is now the class’s top prospect. On the perimeter, he’s a big-bodied mismatch playmaker with varied guard abilities. Bowen Hardman is a local product from Ohio who contributes perimeter shooting and floor-spacing skills to the offense. To date, no other class in the nation has as much depth as this one.
Tre White of the San Francisco 49ers is the top commit (No. 28)
Andy Enfield has a greater rate of recruiting outstanding frontcourt talents than most coaches in the nation, and he continues to do so with the 2022 class. In five-star center Vincent Iwuchukwu and top-40 power forward Kijani Wright, the Trojans will have one of the best interior duos in the nation. In July, Iwuchukwu emerged as one of the most prolific big men on the Nike EYBL circuit, having gradually developed during his high school career. Wright is a classic big man who dominates in the paint and on the boards. He’s a physical rebounder who gets the job done. Oziyah Sellers, a four-star prospect, was the third member of the Trojans’ 2022 recruiting class; he’s a local kid who should contribute on offense. Top-30 talent White, an aggressive wing who can really score, rounded out the bunch and kept the Trojans at the top of the Pac-12 class rankings. He is a solid defender with excellent stature and playmaking abilities. He finished the year as the top prospect in USC’s class.
PG Skyy Clark is the top commit, with a previous rating of 22. (No. 25)
After Ty Rodgers chose Brad Underwood’s program on the final day of the early signing period, the Fighting Illini made a late charge into the fall rankings. They knocked out Michigan State, Memphis, and Alabama on the final list, albeit the conference-rival Spartans were putting in the most effort. Rodgers will flourish in the midrange and near the basket, and he’ll also be a force in transition. After securing former Kentucky pledge Clark a few weeks after reopening his recruitment, the Fighting Illini took another leap in the spring. Clark is one of the finest point guards in the 2022 class when healthy. Jayden Epps, a former Providence pledge who reopened his recruitment in May, is the other ESPN 100 talent in the class. Epps is a versatile backcourt player who can score in a number of ways. Sencire Harris, a four-star guard, completes the class; he’s a lefty who should contribute on the offensive end, particularly from the perimeter.
prior position: unranked SG is the most committed player. Caldwell, T.J. (No. 97)
Thanks to two guards joining the ESPN 100, Kermit Davis’ program makes the highest jump in the final rankings update. Caldwell is ranked No. 97, with Amaree Abram following closely after at No. 98. Caldwell had a strong senior season, displaying a more versatile offensive game alongside his open-court explosiveness. Abram, a very talented scorer who can also pass, committed in March. Malique Ewin, a four-star center who hails from Georgia, dipped out of the top 100, but the Georgia native is a solid addition for the Rebels, as is four-star shooting guard Robert Cowherd. Davis will need a good season in 2022-23, and the new foursome should be able to assist.
Previous ranking: 11 C Tarris Reed is the top commit (No. 31)
Coach Juwan Howard is back in the top 15 with three ESPN 100 pledges after capturing the country’s No. 1 recruiting class in 2021. Reed is the main attraction, and if Hunter Dickinson left for the NBA in 2022-23, he’ll be one of the guys who will step in to fill the void. He’s a powerful interior man who also has a great offensive rebounding ability. Dug McDaniel, a point guard, committed before the summer. The last two seasons, Howard has had to depend on a grad transfer point guard, but McDaniel may be able to change that. Jett Howard, a four-star power forward and ESPN 100 forward, was the Wolverines’ third pledge, and he is, of course, Juwan’s son. Howard, on the other hand, is a legitimate talent in his own right. He’s a confident player who can shoot from the outside. Gregg Glenn, a four-star forward, completes the group.
PF was the top commit in the previous ranking of 12. Traudt, Isaac (No. 47)
Virginia’s 2022 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the strongest the program has seen since the 2016 class, which led the Cavaliers to a national title. Isaac McKneely, like Ty Jerome for the Cavaliers, is a superb big guard who is tough, clever, and capable of playing both on and off the ball. Leon Bond is an offensive winger with a powerful frame, quickness in the open floor, and the potential to develop into a top-tier defense. Traudt is a 6-foot-8 forward with the ability to stretch the floor to the arc and operate from a variety of locations on the court within the offensive scheme. Coach Tony Bennett now has not just three ESPN 100 prospects, but three guys with complementary skill sets who should all fit into his system. Bennett then went out and signed fast-rising wing Ryan Dunn, who had had no Division I offers six months before. He possesses size and length at 6-6 and can make shots from the wing.
Previous ranking: 15 C Kel’el Ware is the top commit (No. 8)
The Ducks continue to recruit at a high level year after year. They had one of the top entering frontcourts in college basketball last year, and this year they’ll get Ware, a high-ceiling big guy, and Dior Johnson, one of the most college-ready point guards. Ware, a very skilled big man with height, skill, agility, and jumping ability, but an inconsistent motor, is one of the most fascinating possibilities in the ESPN 100. We might be looking at one of the greatest incoming tandems in the nation if and when he works it out. Johnson is a real alpha who has grown up under the spotlight after establishing himself as an exceptional prospect at a young age, and he seemed destined for the professional ranks until Oregon gained his commitment. Tyrone Williams and Brennan Rigsby, both junior college transfers, round out the four.
Previous ranking: 10 C Jalen Washington is the top pledge (No. 37)
On the recruiting trail, Hubert Davis is making rapid progress. When it came to Seth Trimble, a large point guard from Wisconsin who committed to the Tar Heels in June, a few weeks before putting on a tremendous show during the July recruiting season, he was ahead of the game. Washington is a versatile big man who can stretch the floor, pick and pop, and play with another post if Davis decides to go with a larger group. Tyler Nickel has a clean release on his jumper, making him one of the best shooting forwards in the nation. Davis is adding depth to go along with one of the top returning units in the country after reaching the national championship game in Year 1.
prior position: unranked Yohan Traore (C) is the top commit (No. 27)
Bruce Pearl had one of the most talented teams in the country last season, and although he constructed the Tigers mostly via transfers, he’s bringing in a few of big recruits in 2021-22 — while also pushing hard on the transfer market, of course. Traore had a spectacular summer in 2021 as a former LSU pledge who reopened his recruitment and chose Auburn. He’s a dynamic player who can run the floor as well as score around the hoop. Another top-40 commit is Chance Westry. He has strong perimeter size and will be able to play various positions for Auburn. Tre Donaldson, a four-star point guard from Florida, is also in the mix, providing backcourt depth.
prior position: unranked SG is the most committed player. Mintz, Judah (No. 33)
The Orange needed to restock fast after falling below.500 for the first season in Jim Boeheim’s 46 years as coach. Although there is only one ESPN 100 prospect in this group, it is a six-man bunch that will provide Syracuse greater depth and variety than it had last season. Mintz, who decommitted from Pittsburgh in the offseason, is the group’s most immediate impact player. He can play both guard positions and score at various levels. He’s most effective when he gets to the hoop, but he can also hit jumpers from the outside. Four-star recruits Justin Taylor and Chris Bunch, as well as guard Quadir Copeland, were all signed by the Orange. Taylor can score at the basket or from the outside, Bunch has outstanding length and shooting skills, and Copeland is a big backcourt presence. Maliq Brown and Peter Carey have also pledged their support.
Previous ranking: 16 SG J.J. Starling is the top commit (No. 18)
Mike Brey wanted a class that would have an instant effect, and he and his team have delivered. They competed against Duke and others for the commitment of five-star guard Starling, a superb shooter with fast developing playmaking abilities. Ven-Allen Lubin provides the Irish with a mismatch forward capable of attacking and assisting in both the open floor and half-court. Brey has typically given his frontcourt a lot of leeway, so he should profit from it. Finally, Dom Campbell is a superb five-man who can stretch the floor, create space in the lane, and distribute the ball.
Previous ranking: 19 PF A.J. Casey is the top commit (No. 55)
After two commitments in one day in mid-October, the Hurricanes made a late push into the standings. Danilo Jovanovich, a four-star forward from Wisconsin, was the first player off the board. During the spring and summer, he improved his stock, and Miami got into the mix after a great July on the Nike EYBL tour. Casey, the top recruit in the class, was recruited out of the Midwest by the Hurricanes, with DePaul among his finalists. Casey is a guy that can make an instant impact and can play in a variety of situations. Christian Watson, an ESPN 100 winger who had a strong July, is the third member of the class. He has strong physical abilities and is capable of making shots. During the early signing period, the Hurricanes recruited four-star center Favour Aire. For a few years, Aire has been a highly hyped name, and he still has a high potential up front.
Previous ranking: 20 PF De’Ante Green is the top commit (No. 60)
While there’s no Scottie Barnes in this class, the Seminoles have produced a lot of first-round choices who weren’t well regarded coming out of high school, so keep a watch on this bunch. The five-man class is headlined by a pair of ESPN 100 prospects. Green is a versatile frontcourt player with size and finishing abilities near the basket, as well as the ability to step out and hit face-up jumpers. Cameron Corhen, a gifted big man who can stretch defenses, is another frontcourt acquisition. Chandler Jackson, a four-star guard who had a number of high-major teams following him in the fall, will give backcourt depth. Tom House and Jeremiah Bembry, all three-star wings, complete out the group.
Previous position: 21 PF is the top contributor. Cameron Whitmore is a character in the film Cameron Whitmore (No. 21)
Unlike practically every other coach in the nation, Jay Wright has focused largely on player development and recruiting high schoolers to match his system rather than using the transfer portal. In the 2022 cycle, he’s doing it again, with a strong three-man class thus far. Whitmore is a natural fit for Villanova. He’s a fast-paced forward with a strong work ethic in transition and on the glass. He doesn’t need plays to be run for him; he’s already productive. Mark Armstrong, another ESPN 100 talent, is a force to be reckoned with when he has the ball in his hands, and his ability to alter speeds and directions makes him impossible to keep out of the lane. Brendan Hausen, a four-star shooter from the perimeter who knows his position, rounds out the bunch.
Previous ranking: 14 PF Jarace Walker is the top commit (No. 10)
Kelvin Sampson and his staff are riding high after a Final Four trip in 2021, an Elite Eight appearance this season — and preseason top-five excitement for 2022-23, owing in part to the Cougars’ incoming class. Walker, the top-ranked power forward in the 2022 class, is the big catch. Since Danuel House committed in 2012, Walker was the program’s highest-ranked commitment. He has one of the greatest low-post talents in the class and is a strong scorer around the basket. Emanuel Sharp is a big-bodied scoring guard with ball-handling skills and inventiveness. 100 wing on ESPN Terrance Arceneaux is a native of Houston who is a “head on the rim” sort of player who can have an impact on both ends of the floor and on the glass.
prior position: unranked Rodney Rice, SG, is the top commit (No. 45)
Mike Young continues to improve the skill level in Blacksburg, and the Hokies now have a top-25 recruiting class after winning the ACC championship and bringing them to their second consecutive NCAA tournament. Rice is the most well-known ingredient. Tech knocked out Louisville for the top-50 recruit’s signing after a strong summer. Rice’s offensive prowess is what draws attention to him. He has the ability to score at the rim, create for his teammates, and shoot from the wing. Rice will be the main point in Tech’s backcourt now that Nahiem Alleyne and Storm Murphy have left. M.J. Collins is a four-star guard who will play for Blacksburg, while Pat Wessler and Darren Buchanan offer depth in the frontcourt.
Prior to this, he was ranked 13th. His top commit was SG. George Keyonte (No. 6)
After winning the national title in 2021, what did Scott Drew do? In local product George, he beat over in-state rival Texas and a slew of others to get one of the greatest prospects in the country. George is one of the most skilled shot-makers in high school basketball, and he’s certain to make an early impact in college. Dillon Hunter, a versatile offensive threat in the backcourt, joined him, but Hunter decommitted in mid-April. Joshua Ojianwuna, a four-star center who committed in September, is expected to be one of the best overseas players entering college next season.
Florida (17), LSU (23), Penn State (24), and Michigan State have all dropped out (25)
The “rivals 2022 basketball rankings” is a list of the top 200 men’s college basketball recruiting class rankings for the 2022 season.
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