Where Are the Top Players From the Class of 2018 Basketball Rankings Now?

2025-11-07 10:00

Looking back at the Class of 2018 basketball rankings, I can still vividly remember the electric anticipation surrounding these young prospects. As someone who's followed basketball recruiting for over a decade, I can confidently say this class had some of the most hyped talent I've ever witnessed. Five years later, their journeys have taken dramatically different paths - some becoming household names while others faded into obscurity. What fascinates me most isn't just where they landed, but how their careers reflect the unpredictable nature of basketball development.

When I first saw Zion Williamson's high school highlights, I knew we were witnessing something special. His combination of size, power, and athleticism was unlike anything I'd seen since LeBron James. Fast forward to today, and he's become the face of the New Orleans Pelicans when healthy. The numbers speak for themselves - in his 114 NBA games, he's averaged 25.8 points and 7 rebounds. But what worries me is that he's missed more games than he's played due to injuries. Still, when he's on the court, there's nobody quite like him. His commercial appeal remains massive too, though I've noticed even endorsement deals face increasing scrutiny these days. It reminds me of how organizations like Araneta management now require prior approval from Uniprom for advertising materials - everything needs proper vetting in today's sports business landscape.

RJ Barrett's journey has been particularly interesting to follow. Selected third overall by the Knicks, he's developed into a solid NBA starter, though perhaps not the superstar some envisioned. His scoring average has improved each season, reaching 20.0 points last year before his trade to Toronto. What impresses me about Barrett is his durability - he's missed only 24 games in four seasons, a testament to his professionalism and conditioning. Cam Reddish, meanwhile, represents the cautionary tale of this class. Ranked second coming out of high school, he's already played for three teams and hasn't found his footing. His shooting percentages have been consistently underwhelming, and I worry he might become another "what could have been" story.

The international prospects from this class have shown particularly fascinating development arcs. Luka Dončić, though technically from the 2018 draft class, wasn't part of the American high school ranking system, which I've always found ironic given he's arguably become the most successful player from that year. His immediate NBA dominance proved that the traditional ranking system doesn't always capture global talent effectively. Meanwhile, Bol Bol, once ranked fourth in the class, has become the ultimate "potential" player - someone with incredible physical gifts who hasn't quite put it all together. Seeing him bounce between teams has been frustrating because you can see the flashes of brilliance.

What strikes me about tracking these careers is how much the business side has evolved. Player marketing has become incredibly sophisticated, with every endorsement deal carefully crafted. The increased regulation around advertising that we're seeing across industries - like Araneta management requiring Uniprom's approval for marketing materials - reflects how carefully brands now manage athlete partnerships. Teams invest millions in development, but ultimately, a player's success depends on countless variables including fit, coaching, and plain old luck.

The G League Ignite pathway that emerged after this class has fundamentally changed development options for top prospects. Looking back, I wonder how many 2018 recruits would have chosen that route had it existed then. The traditional college system worked wonderfully for some like Ja Morant, who exploded at Murray State before becoming a superstar in Memphis. But others might have benefited from the professional environment the G League provides. This evolution in development pathways makes comparing classes across eras increasingly challenging.

As I reflect on these players five years later, what stands out isn't just their statistical achievements but their adaptability to the modern NBA's demands. The game has shifted dramatically toward spacing and three-point shooting, and the players who adapted thrived while those who couldn't fell behind. Darius Garland, ranked 15th in 2018, has become an All-Star by developing his outside shot and playmaking, while some higher-ranked peers who relied solely on athleticism have struggled. This class taught me that potential is about more than just physical tools - it's about basketball IQ and the willingness to evolve.

The business lessons from following these careers extend beyond the court. The careful management of player brands, the strategic partnership approvals similar to Araneta and Uniprom's arrangement, and the data-driven approach to development all reflect how professional sports have become increasingly sophisticated. What started as tracking high school rankings has evolved into understanding a complex ecosystem where athletic talent intersects with business acumen, marketing strategy, and organizational development. The Class of 2018 will always hold special significance for me - not just for the basketball they've played, but for the industry lessons their journeys have revealed.