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The 2009 school year is starting and its time to start looking at the 2010 NCAA basketball recruiting classes. There is still a fair bit of variation between several of the ranking websites that you’ll read on-line in the top 10. I currently hold the top 10 NCAA basketball class recruits as: Brandon Knight, Harrison Barnes, Jared Sullinger, Jelan Kendrick, Fabricio de Melo, Josh Smith, Josh Selby, Reggie Bullock, Perry Jones, and Will Barton. Only 5 of the top 10 recruits have signed with programs so far, so it’ll be interesting to see how the team rankings being to shape up over the course of the year.

Top 10 2010 NCAA Basketball Recruits

#1 2010 NCAA Recruit – PG – Brandon Knight – Unsigned – Ft. Lauderdale – Pine Crest HS

Brandon Knight comes in at 6-6/206 lbs and has not chosen a college. He’s considered a well rounded player who could play either guard position or the wing. He’s got NBA size at 6-6 and is considered an excellent shooter and ball handler.

#2 2010 NCAA Recruit – SG – Harrison Barnes – Unsigned – Ames Senior

Harrison Barnes (6-7, 208 lbs) is a well rounded SG or SF prospect. He was very impressive at the Lebron Skills Academy this past summer on both sides of the court. He’s currently unsigned and has good NBA size for the guard position.

#3 2010 NCAA Recruit – PF – Jared Sullinger – Ohio State – Columbus – Northland

Jared Sullinger (6-8, 260lbs) is a big post player who is able to move like a wing. He takes knocks for not being as athletic as other players in the 2010 NCAA recruiting class, but he is already considered to have a high basketball IQ. Sometimes called the “Next Tyler Hansbrough”, he has signed with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

#4 2010 NCAA Recruit – SF – Jelan Kendrick – Unsigned – Atlanta – Westlake

Jelan Kendrick comes in at 6-6/180 lbs and can play the wing or two guard position. He still has a long list of major college programs that are under consideration to include: Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgetown, and Texas.

#5 2010 NCAA Recruit – C – Fabricio de Melo – Syracuse – Weston – Sagemont

Fabricio de Melo is huge! 7 feet tall, 270 lbs, and moves like he’s 6-9″. He’s committed to Syracuse and will be a great inside presence to the Orangemen for competing in Big East play!

#6-10 2010 NCAA Recruits

#6 2010 NCAA Recruit – C – Josh Smith – Unsigned – Covington – Kentwood

6-10/270lbs

#7 2010 NCAA Recruit – PG – Josh Selby – Unsigned – Baltimore – Lake Clifton

6-1/180lbs

 #8 2010 NCAA Recruit – SG – Reggie Bullock – North Carolina – Kinston

6-5/190lbs

#9 2010 NCAA Recruit – PF – Perry Jones – Baylor – Dallas – Duncanville

#10 2010 NCAA Recruit – SG – Will Barton – Memphis – Brewster Academy

6-6/170lbs

Greg Oden Leading Ohio State to the NCAA Finals

Even though the Buckeyes finished the 2008-09 basketball schedule with a respectable 22-11 overall record, no one will forget the heartbreaking double overtime loss to the Siena Saints in the NCAA Tournament. Thad Matta put all that behind him and headed to the off-season to assemble what many have called a “stacked” 2009 recruiting class. It seems as if Coach Matta has addressed each of the teams glaring needs with some of the top baskeball recruits in the country. Not too many fans will lament the loss of freshman center B.J Mullens turning pro, especially when Matta landed Jared Sullinger, a power forward who was rated #4 overall by ESPN.

 Fans once again should expect another trip to the NCAA Tourney just due to the fact that their leading score, Evan Turner, bypassed the NBA draft to return for another season. Couple this with returning veterans, the stellar recruits that Madda landed, and once again, hope springs anew for the Buckeye loyalists. 

2009 Ohio State Buckeye Recruits 

#1 Buckeye Recruit – PF – Jared Sullinger 
Ht: 6’8”

Wt: 250lbs

ESPN Ranking: 4 

There is nothing like securing home grown talent and Coach Thad Matta did just that in his 2009 Ohio State recruiting class by securing Jared Sullinger who many feel was the second best power forward available in the country. Voted Mr. Basketball in Ohio in 2009, Sullinger brings a physical style of play to the Buckeyes that many fans thought was lacking in the past season. Possessing good inside moves from the low post along with the ability to move out and play face up, Sullinger should be making an impact from day one. 

#2 Buckeye Recruit – SF – DeShaun Thomas 
Ht: 6’7”

Wt: 225lbs

ESPN Ranking: 7 

The Buckeyes instantly became more athletic when they recruited this long and extremely athletic small forward from Ft. Wayne, Indiana. DeShaun Thomas will instantly bring even more offense to the Buckeye attack. Not only does he have the ability to post smaller defenders inside, but he possesses the range to hit the jumper from any spot on the floor including the 3 pointer. Although long and lean, he can rebound with authority on both ends of the floor.  With even more improvement in his overall game, DeShaun Thomas is another recruit that should be able to contribute immediately. 

#3 Buckeye Recruit – SG – Jordan Sibert

Ht: 6’4”

Wt: 185lbs

ESPN Ranking: 49 

A slashing, athletic player who loves to attack the rim is what you get with Jordan Sibert. For his size he also has no fear of rebounding with the big boys. Sadly, Sibert broke his leg in the Boo Williams Invitational and may not be ready for the annual July evaluation period, although there is no doubt of the tremendous upside that this young man possesses. 

#4 Buckeye Recruit – SG – Lenzelle Smith, Jr.

Ht: 6’5”

Wt: 210lbs

ESPN Ranking: 66 

Although Lenzelle Smith, Jr. holds the title shooting guard, he also displays excellent ball handling skills and court awareness. His passing is precise both in the transition game and in the half court offense. With his size and quickness, he can also guard the smaller forwards if need be. Smith is also fearless when attacking the rim, a trait that should make him a match-up nightmare for opposing coaches. 

 #5 Buckeye Recruit – PG – Aaron Craft

Ht: 6”2”

Wt: 190lbs

ESPN Ranking: N/A 

Another home grown product, Craft is one of those tough, gritty type of players that will do what it takes to win although everything may not show up in the box score. He shows good ball handling skills and is quicker than what most people believe. Has the strength and passion to be a tenacious defender and keep the opposing guards out of the lane. His attitude and work ethic will ensure that he sees floor time come the start of the season.  
 

Refs:
http://bucknuts.com/basketball/recruiting/index.php?year=2010&filter=commits, http://bucknuts.com/basketball/recruiting/recruit-detail.php?recruit_id=391, http://bucknuts.com/basketball/recruiting/recruit-detail.php?recruit_id=247, http://ohiostate.scout.com/a.z?s=145&p=8&c=1&nid=3501174, http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=44091&season=2010,