The Updated Scout Top 100 Includes Two UCLA Basketball Commits
Last week, Scout.com released their updated 2016 rankings of the Top 100 basketball prospects in the country and two UCLA basketball commits where not just in the Top 100, but among the 40 best players in the class.
UCLA Bruins
Though it has taken some time, head coach Steve Alford is starting to reel in some top prospects that look to be game changers for UCLA basketball. Early last week, the Bruins landed a commitment from 5-star center Jalen Hill for the 2017 class, but there will be plenty of time to discuss that later, so back to 2016.
With the updated rankings, UCLA has both #15 PG Lonzo Ball and #38 C Ike Anigbogu listed in the Scout Top 100.
UCLA has had a commitment from Ball since January of 2014. Though it was over a year ago and it will be more than a year before he plays in a UCLA basketball jersey, the Chino Hills product has not wavered from his commitment. In fact, the solidity of his pledge was confirmed when his brother DiAngelo Ball committed to UCLA this past April as part of the 2017 class.
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Lonzo Ball is now the #4 overall point guard in the country and still retains the #1 label in the state of California. He is long, athletic and has a strong basketball IQ. Not only that, but he looks to be a player that will blow you away! Think of a shorter
Kyle Anderson(he is 6’5″, KA is 6’9″), but without the “Slowmo” moniker. If anything, Ball is “Fastmo”.
Ike Anigbogu was a recent get for the Bruins as he committed at the end of April. Coming in at 6’9″, 225 lbs. out of Corona Centennial High School, Anigbogu is a big, tough, dominant big man that does not mind sending home a few monster dunks. On top of that, he blocks like a volleyball player spikes… with ferocity and power. If he develops properly, he could be one of the better big men UCLA has had in recent years.
With Tony Parker gone after next season, Anigbogu will be a reliable replacement, though most likely back-up current 7’0″ Bruin Thomas Welsh who will be expected to take over as the #1 center next season. Regardless, with Anigbogu committed, the Bruins should have a solid front court for the next few years.
To complete the 2016 recruiting class, even though he did not make the Top 100 (or rank in the state), shooting guard Kobe Paras, who has a knack for dunking, will join Ball and Anigbogu next year. Though Alford has said that he is done recruiting for 2016, this class looks to be one of the better ones in the country. Now if Alford can develop that talent, UCLA Basketball could be a dangerous team sooner than later.