New coaches have to hit the ground running in recruiting, especially when they’re trying to keep up with rivals who have set the standard of conference excellence for more than a decade.
Such is the case with Shaka Smart at Texas, as the Longhorns’ new coach has shown that he can successfully recruit against the likes of Kansas and head coach Bill Self.
1.) Texas Longhorns
With the addition of Tevin Mack to the fold, Shaka Smart will be bringing in three four-stars on the perimeter. Kerwin Roach and Eric Davis have been on board since the fall, and should give UT an instant boost of depth.
2.) Kansas Jayhawks
Cheick Diallo and Carlton Bragg certainly give the Jayhawks plenty to be excited about on the interior next season, but the real question will be whether or not LaGerald Vick (2016 commit) reclassifies to 2015. If so, KU would have the top class in the conference.
3.) West Virginia Mountaineers
Bob Huggins is bringing in a versatile four man class, highlighted by top 100 recruit Esa Ahmad, a skilled swing forward. Teyvon Myers should give WVU instant offense at SG, and James Bolden will bolster PG depth.
4.) Baylor Bears
Scott Drew loaded up on the perimeter in 2015, bringing in three different shooting guards. King McClure highlights the class, but watch out for 7’0 JUCO transfer Joseph Acuil, who could be the latest in a line of talented bigs to play under Drew.
5.) Oklahoma State Cowboys
The Pokes will welcome two more four-stars to campus, filling needs at point guard and power forward. Jawun Evans was a major recruiting coup for Travis Ford, who showed that he still has pull in Texas.
6.) Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners needed help inside with the graduation of Tashawn Thomas, and they got it in four-star Indian Hills transfer Akolda Manyang, one of the best JUCO recruits in the country. They also welcome two shooting guards who will bolster depth, and have a chance to develop under the mentorship of Buddy Hield.
7.) TCU Horned Frogs
Bringing in four quality, three-star wings should help Trent Johnson’s program continue to mature and get back to being competitive in the Big 12.
8.) Texas Tech Red Raiders
This class doesn’t have a headliner, but power forward Shawntrez Davis looks like a promising long-term prospect.
9.) Kansas State Wildcats
Bruce Weber has struggled to gain the recruiting traction of his predecessors, as he failed to reel in any four-star recruits this cycle.
10.) Iowa State Cyclones
It shouldn’t be shocking that the Cyclones lack star power from the high school ranks, as they do just fine for themselves in the transfer market.
