How Does IU's 2010 Recruiting Class Stack Up

Okay, it’s time to crunch the numbers when it comes to basketball recruiting for the Class of 2010 and see who the studs are, both in the Big Ten and nationally.

Spoiler alert –- you’re not going to see Indiana on this list.

The No. 1 Big Ten class, according to MaxPreps.com, a national Internet recruiting service, is Ohio State. The Buckeyes have signed the nation’s No. 2 player in Jared Sullinger, the No. 12 player in Deshaun Thomas of Fort Wayne, No. 51 Jordan Sibert and No. 84 Aaron Craft.

Yes, all-everything guard Evan Turner gave up his final year of eligibility to enter the NBA draft (he’ll likely be drafted No. 2), but with this kind of newcomer talent, Ohio State could be scary good. It is listed as the nation’s third-best class behind Memphis (five top-65 players) and Kentucky.

Oh, yes, Ohio State coach Thad Matta has gotten a commitment from a Class of 2011 star in Georgia point guard Shannon Scott.

Does it ever end?

The same question could be asked of Michigan State. It’s coming off its second straight Final Four and sixth Final Four in the last 12 years. It is bringing in No. 22 Keith Appling, No. 27 Adreian Payne and No. 68 Alex Gauna, plus highly regarded Russell Byrd out of Fort Wayne. This class is rated seventh nationally.

Next is Illinois, which has the No. 13 class nationally. It is bringing in No. 21 Jereme Richmond and No. 49 Meyers Leonard, plus highly regarded Crandall Head.

Purdue is fourth with the nation’s No. 15 class. Guard Terone Johnson out of Indianapolis is rated No. 39 nationally. Then there’s No. 71 Travis Carroll and Chicago standout Anthony Johnson. Forward Donnie Hale is rated No. 79, but he’s headed to prep school for a year because Purdue doesn’t have any scholarships available.

Those are the only Big Ten schools rated in the top 25. Indiana’s class of 7-1 center Guy-Marc Michel and guards Victor Oladipo and Will Sheehey doesn’t rank with the big boys. Still, if Michel emerges as a shot-blocking, rebounding, score-a-little threat, this group might surprise some people.