MBB recruiting The top takeaways from the final 2024 player rank

Meet the five-stars top QBs and best player at each position in the 2026 ESPN Junior 300

The class of 2024 provided us with amazing prospects and moments throughout the season. Cooper Flagg's decision to reclassify up made the group extremely appealing and added immediate star power.

Flagg, along with others, raised the bar for this class and pushed it into the conversation for best ever. The 2024 group is strong and, more importantly, competitive. While the class of 2023 had its strengths, the 2024 group is far more talented at the top, and players on this list could make a significant difference for their respective programs next year.

"Everyone that I've seen or played against is competitive, it's a group that loves to win and hates to lose," said Boogie Fland, the No. 15 player in the ESPN Top 100 who won both a New York city and state championship at Archbishop Stepinac this season.

There are still a number of difference-makers on the board following massive coaching changes this offseason at some of the nation's biggest programs. 

Keep in mind not all five-stars are built the same, however. They won't all reach the NBA, or even the NBA draft. Each develops at their own pace with some destined to impact college basketball as elite players and become one-and-dones while others will need multiple years to improve and produce before their chance to get drafted. 

Kentucky's Reed Sheppard is a great example of the unexpected one-and-done prospect. He ranked No. 23 in his class as a high four-star at this time last year, but his improvement accelerated. All of these prospects must adjust to the physicality, speed, pace and IQ of the college game. With the prevalence of name, image and likeness, we will hopefully see more of these great players remain in school to fully develop, enjoy their college experience and have a long career in the game.

Below, find our latest updates, risers and new faces.

Meet the new top five

From Newport, Maine, and Montverde Academy in Florida, Flagg is the most anticipated Duke recruit since Zion Williamson and the most discussed prospect in high school basketball this season.

He reclassified to the 2024 class in late August following a stellar summer and immediately moved to the No. 1 spot. He never let go of the top ranking, despite challenges from the likes of Rutgers-bound Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, as well as Baylor recruit V.J. Edgecombe, who all could have been No. 1 in most classes.

Flagg is a different type of No. 1 prospect. He's committed to winning first -- not his stats -- and is coachable, unselfish and cares about his teammates. His approach and reputation has the chance to influence the next generation of players during his time at Duke.

He led Montverde Academy to a 33-0 record and a Chipotle Nationals championship while his East Team won the McDonald's Game; he was also on the Team USA squad that won the Hoop Summit. He was the EYBL Scholastic Conference MVP and Gatorade National Player of the Year and will be under the microscope as the Blue Devils' focal point.

He'll bring extreme versatility to coach John Scheyer's roster, including off-ball anticipation, shot-blocking ability and the aptitude to make the right play on offense. He is also an ambitious rebounder at 6-foot-9.

Flagg has dealt with the pressure, scrutiny and media attention that comes with being the game's biggest target. It forced him to adjust over the past year, and he's done so with humility and strong work habits. He'll make an enormous impact at Duke both on and off the floor. Flagg is the projected No. 1 NBA draft pick in 2025.

Rounding out the top five: Bailey (No. 2) came on strong this season and plays with joy. He has an eye-opening ability to transition into his jumper  and  fast-twitch frame, which were on display in his fantastic McDonald's practices against the nation's top prospects. His shooting, rebounding and switching on defense will be a major factor at Rutgers. His high school, McEachern (Georgia), went 26-6 and finished as the 7A state runner-up. There's no doubt Bailey's best basketball is down the road, and he's heavily in the conversation with Flagg for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.

Edgecombe (No. 3) came to the United States from the Bahamas at 14 years old, and after four years in the country, he's the best athlete in the class when combining speed, explosiveness and power. His 40-inch-plus vertical makes him play bigger and finish with authority at the rim. With his dynamic athletic ability, rapidly improving ball skills and playmaking talent, he shined as a senior for No. 4 Long Island Lutheran (New York). Baylor coach Scott Drew has had enormous success with guards.

Harper (No. 4) finished his high school career on an exceptionally strong note, winning a non-public state championship for Don Bosco (29-3) in New Jersey. He was the MVP of the McDonald's Game East team, the Morgan Wootten Player of the Year and a winner at the Hoop Summit. The complete nature of his game is impressive as he's strong, smart and driven to play both ends of the floor. He's a Jalen Brunson type player, yet bigger and stronger at the same age. Harper, Bailey and the rest of Rutgers' 2024 class will make an impact.

"They are into basketball and in-the-gym guys," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said about Harper and Bailey. "They embrace the work and want to win. We're all excited to have them."

Texas recruit Tre Johnson (No. 5) has a 6-10 wingspan and displayed high-major scoring and shooting ability with proper footwork and touch, both inside and behind the arc. His scoring mentality and emerging passing skills were evident as a senior as well. Johnson ranked No. 1 in the country as a sophomore and never relinquished his position among the elite players in the class. Link Academy (Missouri) finished top-five in the nation, and he shot 45% overall, 38% from 3-point range and 88% on free throws.

"Tre is a three-level scorer and a guy who makes his teammates better," Texas coach Rodney Terry said. "He's a prototypical combination guard at the NBA level. He will leave his footprints on Texas basketball."

ESPN 100 risers

It's important to remember only 1% of all high school basketball players reach Division I, so for those who moved up or into this group, it's a testament to their high-end talent. 

Donavan Freeman, PF | Syracuse | ESPN 100 Rank: 6

The productive IMG Academy (Florida) recruit climbs the list because of his consistent approach and long, athletic frame. Freeman's footwork and shooting made great strides. He possesses a true inside-out scoring attack and rebounds on both ends of the floor. The forward can play inside or on the wing because of his excellent size and skill. Freeman will help Syracuse immediately, and NBA scouts were intrigued with his performance during McDonald's week.

Ian Jackson, SF | North Carolina | ESPN 100 Rank: 7

Jackson excites in the open court and finishes in spectacular fashion. He slowed his half-court game down and is now more alert reading and reacting to defenders, as well as on help-side defense. Jackson is comfortable either driving to score as a playmaker or with his outside shot. He showed speed, bounce, IQ, skill and desire down the stretch.

Darren Harris, SG | Duke | ESPN 100 Rank: 29

Harris' big year helped Paul VI High School (Virginia) finish No. 2 in the country. He was their main scoring threat and often delivered in big moments. Harris doesn't back down from a challenge; he scored 36 points in the opening round of the Chipotle Nationals on efficient 12-of-21 shooting, including 5-of-9 from 3. He was also 7-for-7 on free throws. Harris is tough, smart and a deadly outside rhythm shooter.

Curtis Givens, PG | LSU | ESPN 100 Rank: 39

Givens would've started on any other team but still played in an important role helping Montverde Academy to an undefeated season. He came up huge in the Chipotle Nationals championship game as he scored 24 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 6-of-9 from 3. He also tallied three assists and zero turnovers. Givens' team-first approach, daily work habits, defense and steady guard play stood out on a team of stars.

Isaiah Abraham, SF | UConn | ESPN 100 Rank: 58

Abraham was one of the more consistent performers all season. He blends attractive physical attributes -- explosive bounce, solid frame, long arms -- with his overall skill set. He's a good straight-line driver, steady shot-maker inside the arc and excellent from 3. Abraham competes with focus and toughness. Don't be surprised to see him as a 3-and-D player down the road.

Josiah Moseley, SF | Villanova | ESPN 100 Rank: 69

Moseley is a strong, physical player who drives hard and backs down defenders. He's tough to stop when he gets a head of steam -- defenders simply bounce off him. Moseley has great size, and his proven midrange shooting adds another dimension to his game. He stays engaged in the game and is seemingly involved in every possession. Opposing teams feel his presence.

New faces in the top 100

Joson Sanon, SG | Arizona | ESPN 100 Rank: 22

Sanon announced his commitment to Arizona and intention to reclassify into the 2024 class in late March. His outside shooting makes the 2024 class even stronger. Sanon finished as Vermont Academy's all-time leading scorer in a NEPSAC conference that plays with college rules and regulations. He made over 190 college-range 3-pointers over his three-year career, and scoring isn't the only area in which he makes an impact.

"He can be a mean, nasty defender who rebounds down," Vermont Academy coach John Zall said.

Mercy Miller, SG | Houston | ESPN 100 Rank: 68

Miller hovered right outside the top 100 all year. He plays with an edgy competitiveness and combines shooting toughness, driving and passing ability. His footwork is fundamentally sound and he's comfortable playing from a jump stop when he's not owning the paint. Miller is willing to make open plays as well as the gritty plays necessary for winning basketball. A humble, diligent player, Miller will be a strong defender for Kelvin Sampson.

Justin Pippen, PG | Michigan | ESPN 100 Rank: 73

It's hard not to be impressed by Pippen's improvement and perseverance. The son of NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, Justin is a diligent worker each offseason. He improved his shooting, ballhandling and ball-screen reads. He then grew to 6-4, helping unlock a breakout senior year at Sierra Canyon (California). He is balanced as a scorer, passer and driver and is comfortable playing with or without the ball in his hands. Pippen demonstrated great patience with his progress.

Andrew Crawford, SG | Colorado | ESPN 100: 85

Crawford displays size and length as both a scorer and playmaker. The left-handed prospect can be equally effective on and off the ball and his 3-point shot and pull up jumper are both solid. He can operate well in ball screens as a threat or a ball mover as well. With more overall strength, learned positioning and angles, he has the upside to turn into a versatile perimeter defender, especially as a rebounder.

Elijah Crawford, PG | Stanford | ESPN 100 Rank: 98

Crawford is a smart, steady point guard who scores when left open. He's unafraid of a challenge and worked his way onto the list late in the season. Crawford is dependable and defensive-minded, but his point guard mindset allows coaches to trust him as a team-first player.

"Elijah is a very complete player," Brewster Academy (New Hampshire) coach Jason Smith said. "He keeps others involved, but also can score and create for himself."