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10 college basketball recruits we’re excited to see next season

By Nathaniel Reeves

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 15: West Team MVP Malik Monk (L) (Bentonville, AR) in action during the 15th iteration of the Jordan Brand Classic at Barclays Center on April 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Jordan Brand )
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 15: West Team MVP Malik Monk (L) (Bentonville, AR) in action during the 15th iteration of the Jordan Brand Classic at Barclays Center on April 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Jordan Brand ) /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 15: West Team MVP Malik Monk (L) (Bentonville, AR) in action during the 15th iteration of the Jordan Brand Classic at Barclays Center on April 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Jordan Brand )
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 15: West Team MVP Malik Monk (L) (Bentonville, AR) in action during the 15th iteration of the Jordan Brand Classic at Barclays Center on April 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Jordan Brand ) /

10. Malik Monk, G, Kentucky Wildcats

Once again, John Calipari is bringing in a loaded freshman class to Kentucky that will be must-watch TV at the very least. Although he isn’t even the most heralded recruit on his own team, Monk stands out as one of the most exciting incoming recruits in the nation.

Monk, a five-star 6-3, 185 pound shooting guard out of Arkansas, committed to Calipari and Kentucky over his hometown Razorbacks last November. While the Wildcats always have a roster filled with five stars, Monk could help this class stand out in particular, especially after some members disappointed in 2014-15.

The reason Monk was quickly labeled as a five-star recruit is his tremendous athleticism. Monk has the leaping ability to play well above the rim, and will be fun to watch in transition due to his great speed.

With great three-point range, Monk projects as a strong all-around player on offense, and many believe he could become a plus defender as well. Playing next to five-star guard De’Aaron Fox will complement Monk’s skill set, and the Wildcats will also feature two of the nation’s top big men down low.

Monk won’t be the last Wildcat to appear in this ranking, but is still worth watching in 2016.

Next: 9. Marques Bolden, C, Undecided