Auburn Basketballs Highest Recruits Of All Time

Auburn basketball has a rich history of attracting top talent to the Plains. Over the years, the Tigers have landed some of the most highly touted recruits in the country, players who have gone on to achieve great success on and off the court. In this article, we'll take a look at the highest recruits in Auburn basketball history, examining their accomplishments, accolades, and lasting impact on the program.

The Importance of Recruiting in College Basketball

Before we dive into the list, it's essential to understand the significance of recruiting in college basketball. Recruiting is the lifeblood of any successful program, as it allows coaches to bring in fresh talent and build a competitive roster. The best recruits are often the ones who can make an immediate impact, providing a boost to their team's chances of winning conference championships and making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament.

Auburn's Recruiting Success

Auburn has had its fair share of recruiting successes over the years. From Charles Barkley to Isaac Okoro, the Tigers have landed some of the most talented players in the country. Here are some of the highest recruits in Auburn basketball history:

Charles Barkley (1981)

Regarded by many as the greatest player in Auburn basketball history, Charles Barkley was a dominant force on the court. A 6'6" power forward from Leeds, Alabama, Barkley was a consensus All-American and SEC Player of the Year in 1984. He led the Tigers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1984 and was drafted fifth overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1984.

The Top Recruits

Here are some of the highest recruits in Auburn basketball history:

1. Isaac Okoro (2019)

Isaac Okoro was a 5-star recruit from Powder Springs, Georgia, who chose Auburn over offers from Kentucky, North Carolina, and UCLA. The 6'6" small forward was a consensus top-10 recruit in the 2019 class and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2020.

2. Mustapha Heron (2016)

Mustapha Heron was a 4-star recruit from Waterbury, Connecticut, who chose Auburn over offers from UConn, Syracuse, and Villanova. The 6'5" shooting guard was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2017 and averaged 16.3 points per game in his two seasons with the Tigers.

3. Jared Harper (2017)

Jared Harper was a 4-star recruit from Mableton, Georgia, who chose Auburn over offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech, and UConn. The 5'11" point guard was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2017 and averaged 15.2 points per game in his three seasons with the Tigers.

4. Chuma Okeke (2017)

Chuma Okeke was a 4-star recruit from Fairburn, Georgia, who chose Auburn over offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech, and UConn. The 6'8" power forward was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2018 and averaged 12.0 points per game in his two seasons with the Tigers.

Impact on the Program

These highly touted recruits have had a significant impact on the Auburn basketball program. Charles Barkley, for example, led the Tigers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1984 and was a dominant force on the court. Isaac Okoro, meanwhile, was a key contributor to Auburn's 2019-2020 team that won 25 games and finished second in the SEC.

The success of these recruits has also helped to attract other top talent to the Plains. Mustapha Heron, Jared Harper, and Chuma Okeke, for example, were all part of Auburn's 2016-2017 recruiting class, which was ranked 11th nationally by ESPN.

Conclusion

Auburn basketball has a rich history of attracting top talent to the Plains. From Charles Barkley to Isaac Okoro, the Tigers have landed some of the most highly touted recruits in the country. These players have had a significant impact on the program, leading Auburn to conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, and individual accolades. As the Tigers continue to build a competitive roster, it will be exciting to see which recruits will make the next big splash on the Plains.

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on Auburn's highest recruits of all time in the comments below. Who do you think should be included on this list? Do you have a favorite Auburn basketball player? Let us know!

Who is the highest recruit in Auburn basketball history?

Isaac Okoro is widely considered the highest recruit in Auburn basketball history, with a 5-star rating and a top-10 ranking in the 2019 class.

What is the impact of recruiting on college basketball programs?

Recruiting is the lifeblood of any successful college basketball program, allowing coaches to bring in fresh talent and build a competitive roster.

Who are some other notable Auburn basketball recruits?

Other notable Auburn basketball recruits include Mustapha Heron, Jared Harper, and Chuma Okeke, all of whom were 4-star recruits and made significant contributions to the program.