Auburn Basketball Signs Nation's #2 Recruting Class

Today was signing day for Auburn basketball.  Auburn added five star commitment Austin Wiley and four stars Chuma Okeke and Davion Mitchell. Okeke is the lowest ranked recruit in the group at #55 nationally.  For perspective, remember the 2015 class we were so excited about with Danjel and Horace Spencer?  Spencer was the #65 recruit and Danjel #67.  Last year, only Mustapha Heron outranks any of this year's class.

RELEASE: Auburn signs nation's No. 2 ranked recruiting class #WarEagle https://t.co/hv5to6OU5D pic.twitter.com/YqGDkhvbVe

— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) November 9, 2016

We say this every year, but this is the most talented class in Auburn basketball history.  Here are Bruce Pearl's thoughts on the class:

The 2017 class started with The Wiley-Orr family. Born to be an Auburn Man Austin said Yes to us and No Thank You to the nations elite! WDE! https://t.co/ayXp81n42w

— Bruce Pearl (@coachbrucepearl) November 9, 2016

Austin Wiley is a 6'11" 250 lbs center.  He comes from a good Auburn family.  His mom, Vickie Orr, was an All American for Joe Ciampi and an Olympian.  Her number is retired at Auburn.  Wiley's dad was Aubrey Wiley, who was a solid center on the Wesley Person led Auburn teams in the mid-90s.  Wiley averaged 11.8 points and 9.3 rebounds in 1993-94.  Aubrey Wiley hailed from Brantley and is cousins with Chuck Person.

Austin Wiley is the #16 recruit in this class.  He is the highest rank recruit to ever sign with Auburn basketball, surpassing Mustapha Heron.  He was part of the U-17 Team USA that won the world championships this past summer.  Last year at Spain Park, he averaged 21 points and 12 rebounds.  His footwork is unreal for a guy his size.  Auburn has needed a true center for years and they may have found it in Wiley.

Here are some of his highlights:

One of the most physical players in the country! Fearless and Humble, Davion is a champion! He comes from a big loving family, joins another https://t.co/WfzpGrWs7W

— Bruce Pearl (@coachbrucepearl) November 9, 2016

Davion Mitchell--like Jared Harper--is a true point guard out of Georgia.  Mitchell is the #41 recruit in this year's class.  Davion was named the Savannah Morning News player of the year last year.  He averaged 24.2 points, 7.1 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 2.9 steals per game last year, leading Liberty County to the AAAA state championship.  He also shot 41% from 3 point land.  He's both a facilitator and a scoring threat.

Bruce Pearl describes him as one of the most physical defenders in the country, adding, "if I put him on you, you're not going to score that night."

Also, he can dunk a little bit.

Here's a good highlight package to show off his skills.

One of the most productive, hard working unselfish players in the country! He comes from a great family and he represents them well! https://t.co/eAJQpxU8qn

— Bruce Pearl (@coachbrucepearl) November 9, 2016

Last, but not least, we come to Chuma Okeke (pronounced Choo - muh Oh - key - key), the 6'7" small forward out of Atlanta.  Chuma is the 55th ranked player in this year's class. Okeke averaged 22.7 points and 7.5 rebounds as a sophomore.  Okeke is a long small forward who can also play shooting guard.  He's a high energy defender with a lot of offensive versatility.  He has nice touch on his shots and rebounds and drives well.  He could be a good replacement for the senior TJ Dunans.  Pearl compares him to Danjel Purifoy.

Here are his highlights:

The way Auburn keeps adding top talent, they can't stay bad forever.  We'll all stay at Walt's place when the 2018 Final Four comes to San Antonio.  Stay optimistic and War Eagle!