[h1]Poll: Most coveted recruits in the country
[/h1]
July, 22, 2014
JUL 22
11:47
AM ET
By
Jeff Goodman | ESPN.com
Kelly Kline/Under ArmourThon Maker & Ben Simmons could light up the college game soon -- and the NBA not long after.
The all-important July recruiting period concludes this weekend. For the last two weeks, college coaches have been flying all over the country to evaluate -- and meet -- recruits.
During this time two summers ago,
Jabari Parker was out due to a foot injury, and so
Andrew Wiggins solidified his spot as the No. 1 player in the country. Last year, skilled big man
Jahlil Okafor cemented his hold on the top spot.
This year, the top spot was wide open heading into July. But that has changed. We reached out to more than 40 high-major head coaches and assistants and asked them this question:
"Who would you want if you could have one recruit, regardless of class and age?"
These are their answers, ranked 1-7 by number of votes:
1. Ben Simmons, 6-foot-8, 220 pounds, F, Sr., Montverde Academy (Florida) -- 16 votes
The Aussie can do just about everything on the court -- and now he's added more assertiveness to his game. He's a skilled forward who committed to LSU, where his godfather, David Patrick, is an assistant coach.
A sampling of reviews, from various sources:
"He's the best player in the country and can impact a college game right now. He could start on a Final Four team today."
"He's so versatile. He can dominate the game in so many ways. Could get 30 points, 20 rebounds and 15 assists in a game at any time."
"He's one of the best high school players that I've ever seen."
"He may not overwhelm you, but he knows how to play -- and can do whatever you need him to do. He's athletic, skilled and can impact the game in so many ways."
2. Malik Monk, 6-4, 180, SG, Jr., Bentonville (Arkansas) -- 12 votes
The younger brother of former Arkansas football player Marcus Monk is a big-time scoring wing. He's very quick and can get to the rim just about whenever he wants. Monk can also shoot it from deep, and has the court vision to set up his teammates.
A sampling of reviews:
"The guy can flat-out score. He gets his own shot and can also pass it."
"He's phenomenal. He's a freak on pogo sticks."
"Relentless and exciting. He scores and guards multiple positions. He's an elite athlete."
"Great at his position, and still has upside to improve. Killer instinct."
3. Jayson Tatum, 6-8, 190, G-F, Jr., Chaminade Prep (Missouri) -- 9 votes
He's long and boasts an extremely high basketball IQ. If there's a weakness in his game, it's his perimeter shot, but Tatum has all the tools and will be recruited by everyone.
A sampling of reviews:
"He can do so many different things ... pass, score, compete. He does it all."
"He has an all-around game and loves to play. Great length with crazy skills. He will only get better with strength. He's the new and improved George Gervin."
"He's skilled, smart, can play multiple positions -- including point guard. He's got great vision and is a complete player with size."
4. Thon Maker, 7-foot, 200, PF, Jr., Carlisle School (Virginia) -- 3 votes
He was born in the Sudan, but has spent much of his childhood in Australia. Long and skilled, there's speculation that Maker could reclassify into the Class of 2015.
A sampling of reviews:
"Has an all-around game. Super-skilled, can drive, pass, shoot, rebound and block shots. He's a baby [
Kevin Garnett] and a lottery pick."
"He hasn't played as well this July, but his potential is ridiculous. He's so long and so talented -- and does so much."
5. Jaylen Brown, 6-7, 220, SF, Sr., Wheeler (Georgia) -- 1 vote
He's come on strong lately with an impressive showing the early part of July. He's physically imposing as a wing, and when his shot is falling, he's nearly impossible to defend. Teams in the mix for Brown include Kentucky, UCLA, Georgia and Kansas.
Just one review: "He's dominant physically. He scores at the rim, can shoot the 3 and can play anywhere from the 1 to the 4."
6. Harry Giles, 6-9, 210, PF, Jr., Wesleyan Christian (North Carolina) -- 1 vote
It's unfair to judge Giles right now since he's still not 100 percent back from a knee injury that wiped out his entire high school season last year. However, Giles is a versatile, skilled wing and remains in the mix for the No. 1 spot in the Class of 2016.
"Just wait until he shakes off the rust," one coach said. "This kid does everything. He's got some
Kevin Durant in him -- both on and off the court."
7. Donovan Mitchell, 6-3, 185, SG, Sr., Brewster Academy (New Hampshire) -- 1 vote
This one was surprising, especially given the fact that some recruiting analysts don't even have him in their top 100. However, I saw the New York native back in September -- and he's an athletic wing who can shoot it and also get to the basket.
Said one admirer: "He reminds me of
Eric Bledsoe."
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