The NBA’s new “three-and-outs” rule for 2017, which bans three-pointers, will likely continue to force players to make timely three-point shots.
That may be why there’s not a lot of college hoops recruiting.
Here are some of the best four-star recruits who are currently at the forefront of the sport’s new era of power forward.
1.
Isaiah Whitehead, Iowa, 6-foot-11, 245 pounds (via CBS Sports)The Iowa Power has been trending upward ever since the team took home the Big Ten tournament title and will enter its next season ranked No. 3 in the AP Top 25 rankings.
The Iowa product is a key cog in the program’s success, and the 6-11 point guard could be a major asset for the program moving forward.
Whitehead is a strong three-and, in some cases, a three-out scorer.
He’s a great athlete with a knack for getting to the basket.
2.
Josh Jackson, Gonzaga, 6.6-10, 210 (via Scout)Gonzaga has been rebuilding since losing the Pac-12 tournament to the eventual national champion Arizona Wildcats, but Jackson will continue to be one of the top recruits in the country heading into the 2017-18 season.
Jackson is a great rebounder, passer, and scorer who can also finish at the rim.
3.
Trey Burke, Michigan State, 6 -9, 175 (via ESPN)The Spartans have been an elite team for years, but Burke could be the next great player to emerge on the court.
Burke has become a force on both ends of the floor, and he is capable of playing both guard positions.
The 6-9 forward can also hit a lot more shots than he used to, and his quickness on both sides of the court should be a plus.
4.
Trevon Bluiett, North Carolina, 6ft-8, 215 (via 247Sports)Bluiett is another big-bodied athlete who is versatile.
He has a high basketball IQ and can score from outside or from the corner.
Bluietth is a terrific passer and a threat to score in traffic.
He should be able to contribute in the post, as well as score in the paint.
5.
Jaylen Brown, Texas, 6’11, 180 (via Rivals)Brown is a versatile scorer with a great handle for the game.
He will be able play the post or guard at some point this season, and if he is able to develop a great jumper and a strong mid-range game, he could be one heck of a scoring threat in the NBA.
6.
D.J. Green, Kentucky, 6 ft-6, 190 (via NBA.com)Green has been a hot commodity in recruiting circles for a long time, and after signing with Kentucky this past summer, he should continue to get attention from NBA teams.
He was ranked No 1 in the 247Sports Composite and the No. 4 player in the class of 2017.
He is a very good athlete, who can score in transition, defend multiple positions, and finish at either the rim or in the corner on both wings.
7.
Devin Williams, Florida State, 5-11-2, 185 (via Adidas)Williams is a player who has been getting some attention for a while now.
The 5-9 guard is an outstanding rebounder and passer.
He can also score and create his own shot.
Williams could be able contribute at both guard spots in the NCAA tournament and should continue his upward trajectory at Florida State.
8.
Myles Turner, Arizona, 6”7, 180 pounds ( via Scout)Turner is one of college basketball’s most exciting prospects heading into 2017-20.
The senior is a dynamic scorer and rebounder who can shoot the three.
Turner can also make plays on the defensive end.
9.
Deon Gresham, Florida, 6′-4, 175 pounds (Via ESPN)Gresham was ranked the No 3 player in 2017 according to ESPN, but he’s not going anywhere.
He’ll be a big part of the Gators’ resurgence heading into next season.
The Florida native has a big frame and can defend the rim, but the 6’4 guard can also get to the rim and create for his teammates.
10.
Tre’Javon Adams, Louisville, 6 (via AP)Adams is a 6-7 wing who can make plays off the dribble and attack from the perimeter.
He also is an excellent passer who is good at reading the defense and finding teammates.
Adams has the ability to shoot and make plays at both positions.
11.
Isaiah Hicks, Duke, 6/10, 200 pounds (Photo via 247Sports.com via ESPN)Hicks is an athletic guard who can defend multiple position positions.
Hicks can create his shot, but his weaknesses on the offensive end of the