Kristian Ferrell
The ranking of high school basketball players is a highly anticipated event for college basketball fans and recruiters alike. Rankings are based on a player's positioning, the state they play in, and the ranking of their team. While rankings are not always accurate, they are a good indicator of a player's potential and can help colleges find players that are a good fit for their team. The highest-ranked recruits are those with 5-star ratings by all four major recruiting media services. So, which colleges have the most 5-star basketball recruits?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Basis of basketball recruit rankings | A player's positioning, the state they play in, and the ranking of the basketball team they play for |
| Who ranks the players | Analysts across the country who look at the top players and analyze film and in-person plays |
| Who the rankings are useful for | College recruiters, to find players that are a good fit for their team and can handle the physicality and competitiveness on a larger stage |
| Players who were lowly ranked in high school but became wonderful college and professional players | Jimmy Butler (former "2-star" coming out of high school and ranked nearly 2000th in his recruiting class but became an NBA-all star and Olympian); Steph Curry (unranked by Rivals Rank and 3-star recruit according to 247 Sports Ranked) |
| Example of a top 2026 girls' basketball recruit on ESPN | Marist, G, Kate Harpring (5-star prospect on most recruiting sites, with a 97-overall grade and rated as the No. 2 prospect in the country) |
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What You'll Learn
College basketball recruiting rankings
The process of ranking involves analysts who scrutinize top players by analyzing game footage, in-person plays, and even "mixtapes" that players may create to showcase their skills. Rating services then use this information to rank players within specific subgroups, such as position and geographic location. This ranking system aids college recruiters in identifying players who can contribute to their team's success and handle the increased competition and physicality of the college game.
It's worth noting that recruiting rankings are not an exact science. There have been instances of highly ranked high school recruits underperforming in college, while some low-ranked players have gone on to become outstanding college and professional players. Examples include Jimmy Butler, who rose from a "2-star" ranking in high school to become an NBA All-Star and Olympian, and Steph Curry, who was unranked by Rivals Rank but still achieved immense success in the NBA.
The rankings are often categorized using a star system, with 5-star recruits considered the "best of the best" and elite players. These athletes are recognized as 5-stars by major recruiting media services and are highly sought-after by colleges. While there is no definitive list of how many 5-star recruits each school has, it is clear that these rankings play a significant role in shaping college basketball teams and the future of the sport.
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5-star recruits in 2024
The 247Sports Composite is a proprietary algorithm that compiles rankings and ratings of the nation's elite high school basketball recruits. The 2024 rankings are yet to be released. However, players can check their rankings on sites like ESPN or 247 Basketball. These sites also provide scouting reports with detailed observations and suggestions for improvement.
Basketball recruit rankings are based on a player's positioning, their state, and the ranking of the team they play for. Analysts across the country assess top players by analyzing film and in-person plays. Students may also post "mixtapes" showcasing their best plays and techniques.
While rankings can be helpful in understanding where a player stands in the college recruiting pool, they are not always accurate. Some highly-ranked high school recruits may underperform in college, while others with lower rankings can become successful college and professional players. An example is Jimmy Butler, who was a former "2-star" recruit and ranked nearly 2000th in his class but went on to become an NBA All-Star and Olympian.
Players can use these rankings to determine which type of schools to consider and whether to continue playing basketball in college. The rankings are also useful for college recruiters to find players who fit their team's needs and can handle the competitiveness of a larger stage.
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2025 top basketball recruits
The ranking of high school basketball players is often done using a "star" system, with the highest ranking being a 5-star recruit. These rankings are based on a player's positioning, their state, and the ranking of the team they play for. The rankings are determined by analysts who review film and in-person plays, as well as "mixtapes" that students may post themselves.
While the rankings for the 2025 recruiting class are still in flux, here are some of the top basketball recruits for that year, according to 247sports.com:
- Nigel Walls from St. Francis Episcopal School in Houston, Texas
- London Jemison from St. Thomas More in Oakdale, Connecticut
- Elzie Harrington from St. John Bosco in Bellflower, California
- Chance Mallory from St. Anne's-Belfield School in Charlottesville, Virginia
- Jermaine O'Neal Jr. from Dynamic Prep in Southlake, Texas
- Ricardo Greer Jr. from Archbishop Alter in Dayton, Ohio
- Curtis Stinson Jr. from Valley in West Des Moines, Iowa
It's important to note that these rankings are not an exact science and are subject to change. Additionally, some highly-ranked recruits may not live up to expectations in college, while some lowly-ranked players may become standout college and professional players.
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2026 girls basketball recruits
The UNC women's basketball program has been making waves in the 2026 recruiting cycle, attracting top talent. Autumn Fleary, a highly sought-after 5-star recruit, has included UNC in her list of 12 schools. The 5-foot-7 guard from Washington, DC, is a standout at Sidwell Friends School and is considered one of the top point guards in her class.
Another notable 5-star recruit, McKenna Woliczko, has also shown interest in UNC. Ranked as the No. 6 player in the ESPN HoopGurlz Class of 2026, Woliczko has narrowed her choices to 10 programs, including powerhouses like Ohio State, Stanford, and South Carolina.
Outside of the basketball court, the lacrosse field has its own set of 5-star recruits for the Class of 2026. ILWomen has identified 30 5-Star recruits, including Sophia Buffardi, a dynamic midfielder, and Hadley Booth, a goalie from St. Anne's Belfield in Virginia who has committed to Florida State.
Among the 30 5-star lacrosse recruits is Cece Powell, a native of Central New York, who has been a varsity basketball player for the Mustangs since the eighth grade, amassing over 1,200 points. Alexandra Gonnella, a defender from Connecticut, became the first 5-star recruit to commit to Columbia.
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Scholarships and basketball camps
Basketball recruit rankings are based on a player's positioning, their state, and the ranking of the team they play for. These rankings are used by college recruiters to find players that are a good fit for their team. While these rankings can be helpful, they are not always accurate.
College basketball recruiters consider several factors before offering a student-athlete a scholarship. They look for players who are tall enough for their position, whose bodies can handle the physicality of the game, and who have the skills to compete at a higher level. Recruiters use various methods to find potential scholarship recipients, including recruiting services, recommendations from coaches, social media, and attending AAU showcases and university-run camps.
Basketball camps are a great way to improve your skills and get exposure to college coaches. Camps geared towards skill development are ideal for younger players, while those approaching their senior year may benefit more from camps focused on college coach exposure. These camps, often run by colleges, provide an opportunity to learn from established coaches and showcase your skills.
There are also scholarship programs offered by organizations like Touchstone Energy, which provide educational and athletic opportunities for youth in their community.
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Frequently asked questions
5-star basketball recruits are elite players who are ranked highly by recruiting media services and analysts. These rankings are based on a player's positioning, their state, and the ranking of the basketball team they play for.
Basketball players can get ranked as 5-star recruits through analysts across the country who look at the top players and analyze film, in-person plays, and "mixtapes" that students may post themselves. Rating services then use this information to rank players based on subgroups like position and geographic location.
Some examples of 5-star basketball recruits include Kate Harpring, Nigel Walls, and London Jemison.
5-star basketball recruits often receive offers from many colleges. For example, Kate Harpring has offers from UCLA, Iowa, and South Carolina. Another recruit, Gabby Minus, has taken unofficial visits to Alabama, Clemson, Virginia, Florida, and several other colleges.
