NCAA basketball recruiting predictions for every 2021 5-star recruit
No. 6 – Jaden Hardy – Combo Guard – 6-foot-4, 190 pounds – Henderson, NV
The top guard in the class of 2021, Jaden Hardy has the physical tools and basketball skills to play either the point or the 2-guard position in college, and will likely be one of the more prolific scoring guards in his class. He has the ball skills and playmaking to lead an elite level college offense and also can score from all levels.
While Hardy’s recruitment is coming in strong from across the country, the clear leader in the clubhouse is Kentucky, as Hardy possesses the ability and playing style that coach John Calipari loves in a lead guard, in the mold of De’Aaron Fox, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Tyrese Maxey. The 247Sports Crystal Ball is heavily leaning towards Kentucky. Although it is still early in the 2021 recruiting process, the full-court press from Calipari and UK is often too good to pass up, and it appears Hardy is the WIldcats’ top target. They should get their man.
PREDICTION: Kentucky Wildcats
No. 5 – Jabari Smith – PF – 6-foot-10, 210 pounds – Tyrone, GA
Right behind Banchero in the power forward rankings of the 2021 class, Jabari Smith has increased his stock in the class as he has grown in size. Smith’s game is a mix of a traditional power forward face-up play with a developing outside shot.
Smith hails from just outside of Atlanta and there is a good chance he stays close to home for his college decision. So far, Smith has offers from many local schools including SEC schools Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Georgia, as well as from Georgia Tech in the ACC. Florida St. is known to have an interest, and some of the traditional blue bloods like Duke and Kentucky will likely give Smith a more in-depth look.
Smith has taken an official visit to Tennessee and Smith’s fit seems to be good in either Knoxville or in Tuscaloosa for Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide of Alabama.