The Big-12 conference had several talented freshmen in the 2020-21 season, like Cade Cunningham and Greg Brown. For the 2021-22 season, several Big-12 teams have incoming freshmen that could be instant impacts. Teams like Kansas, Iowa State, Texas and Baylor have the highest-ranked incoming recruits from the 2021 class. Who are the five highest recruits that will play in Big-12 during the 2021-22 college basketball season?
First off, Zach Clemence is a four-star power forward ranked 39th nationally in 247 Sports’ composite rankings. Standing at 6-foot-9, Clemence ranks as the 10th power forward nationally. In the 2021-22 college basketball season, Clemence will play for the Kansas Jayhawks.
Clemence could need developed before contributing at Kansas. He has a rather slim frame and must bulk-up for the college level. However, Clemence has the potential to be a great post-scorer. He showed plenty of touch from the block in his high school career. Also, the lengthy forward at times showed the ability to shoot from the perimeter and even drive off-dribble. Clemence is a raw prospect, but could have a huge presence at Kansas.
After a 2-22 season, Iowa State needs any contribution possible for next season. Tyrese Hunter was a huge commitment for Iowa State ranked 36th nationally. He is 6-foot-1 ranked as the fifth-best point guard in the country.
Hunter is very athletic allowing him to drive at will. Alongside his slashing ability, Hunter has the potential to develop a nice jump shot. On top of this, he is good ball-handler. Iowa State has some history sending guards to the NBA, such as Monte Morris and Tyrese Haliburton. Hunter could be the next super star guard at Iowa State.
Jaylon Tyson is a 6-foot-6 small forward ranked as the eighth-best small forward nationally. In addition, he is 35th in 247 Sports’ composite national rankings. Tyson previously was committed to Texas Tech, but followed Chris Beard to Texas.
Without a doubt, Tyson is a very gifted shooter. He has shown the ability to shoot off-dribble or to catch and shoot. Off-dribble, Tyson can create separation by utilizing a step-back or snatch move. Basketball is slowly becoming more and more reliant on three-point shooting. The shooting ability of Andrew Jones alongside Tyson could be a deadly combination for Texas.
With the likely departure of Jared Butler and Davion Mitchell, Baylor will need new production in their backcourt. The Baylor commit Langston Love is ranked as the seventh shooting guard nationally. Also, Love is a high four-star recruit ranked 34th nationally.
Love is from the elite program Montverde Academy. Due to a high-level of competition, recruits coming from an elite program are more likely to be an instant impact. Love should fit into the Baylor program very nicely. He can score at all three levels, and excels at playing a fast pace. Love could develop into a nice replacement for Butler or Mitchell.
The best incoming recruit who will play in the Big-12 is Kendall Brown. Brown is a five-star small forward standing at 6-foot-8. He is ranked 15th overall and is the fifth-best small forward in the 2021 class.
As the only incoming five-star in the Big-12, Brown could have the biggest impact among freshman in the Big-12. He has one of the highest verticals in the entire 2021 class. Due to his athleticism, Brown is a good driving forward. He could be a highlight reel at Baylor, making him one of the more exciting freshman in the country.
In conclusion, the Big-12 should have some instant impact freshmen during the 2021-22 season. Several recruits like Hunter, Tyson and Love should fit nicely into their programs. It will be interesting to see how good Hunter can be at Iowa State. Also, Texas could be very solid in Beard’s first year with Tyson and returning weapons like Jones. Baylor could be the preseason Big-12 favorite if Matthew Mayer decides to return. Love, Brown, Mayer and Adam Flagler could be very exciting to watch.
All stats courtesy of 247 Sports.
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