HENRY ON FRONT PAGE - ESPN INSIDER
The Big East currently has three teams in the top 25 and could have as many as six teams in the NCAA tournament. This conference has six prospects in the ESPN 100 along with several four-stars who could develop into very good players.
Let's take a look and see what kind of help is on the way for next season as the conference's crop is highlighted by three top-40 classes.
Most impactful class: Marquette
Coach Steve Wojciechowski put together a blockbuster class after just six months on the job, securing commitments before he even coached a game. The class includes a top-five player and the No. 2 power forward in the country, Henry Ellenson. Ellenson brings size, skill, a wide body and a workman's approach to the court. He will be utilized as a versatile forward who will both face up and grind down low, and the offense will flow through him as he contributes and influences this program immediately. Filling out the class is fellow top-100 player Haanif Cheatham (No. 82), who will bring versatility, IQ and upside as he grows with the program. Center Matt Heldt brings skilled size and promise while Sacar Anim -- the No. 2 player in the state of Minnesota -- is a fierce worker and defender. Wojo's recruiting plan is to identify and land workers who are gym rats with the talent to strengthen Marquette. Mission accomplished.
Biggest difference-maker: Jalen Brunson, Villanova
This true point guard (No. 17) makes others better by leading the offense and looking to set up others. When he is not facilitating, Brunson is scoring by getting into the paint or making jumpers from deep and mid-range. He is a gamer, as he scored an Illinois state-tournament record 56 points in the 2014 state semifinals, where he displayed his shot-making ability. He always stays in control as a decision maker.
"Jalen is a winner, and he is the most mentality mature high school player I've ever recruited," Villanova coach Jay Wright said. "He approaches practice and games like a college senior. His parents have done an amazing job with him."
Best athlete: Brandon Sampson, St. John's
Sampson (No. 39) thrives in the transition game with his athletic measurables such as speed, vertical jump and quickness. He also has the swagger. A gifted athlete who covers ground defensively and makes straight-line drives with excellent speed, his lateral movement will allow him to defend, as well as the bounce to finish at the rim. Clearly his athleticism is his calling card, but he has a drive game and a developing jumper as he prepares to step in for D'Angelo Harrison.
Biggest sleeper: Kaleb Johnson, Georgetown
Johnson (No. 100) is a lefty wing who was a late-bloomer in his senior year as we have been monitoring his progress and entered him into the back end of the top 100. His long frame keeps the defense more than honest as he can make 3-point shots while using the dribble to get inside the arc and score. He can score by way of pull-up jumpers and drives, showing a soft touch on floaters. He also draws fouls and converts from the line. Johnson is not a high-level athlete overall and will need to get stronger to learn how to free himself up when defended, but he will bring much value to the Hoyas.
Under-the-radar prospect: Alex Owens, Providence
Owens was a top-100 player and a wide body who operates best in the paint scoring and rebounding. He catches everything with a secure pair of hands, and what most don't know is he has good passing skills and makes solid decisions when throwing it out of the paint. He's effective at the rim with a soft touch and shot fakes as he plays below the rim for the most part. He must continue to fight or jockey for position close to the basket, trying to get two feet in the post on the catch. He might surprise people with his ability to stretch the defense from the foul line area and has shown range to the 3-point line. The biggest area of growth will come in getting his body tightened up and toned so he can play with more energy.
