Marvin Bagley reportedly looking to reclassify to Class of 2017

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Marvin Bagley III
Photo by: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA Today Sports

A few days ago, we broke down the dynamics of Zion Williamson and  Marvin Bagley III, as they battle it out for the top two positions of the Class of 2018. It looks like Marvin has his sights set on bigger dreams than a senior year of high school basketball.

A source close to CBS reporter Gary Parrish confirmed that Bagley III has thought about forgoing his senior year of high school to reclassify to the Class of 2017.

Many scouts say that if Bagley were to reclassify that he would be the #1 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. There is no question that the kid is talented. Can you blame a 6’11” 220-lbs 17-year-old kid who exemplifies the word versatility down to its core on the court? I certainly can’t, especially with how big these NBA contracts are getting and are going to be even larger in the next couple of years.

This isn’t the first time we have seen top prospects reclassify to shave a year off of the ultimate goal, getting to the NBA. In the Summer of 2011, Andre Drummond, the top prospect in the Class of 2012, reclassified to the Class of 2011. Nerlens Noel reclassified from the Class of 2013 to the Class of 2012. Teammates of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Andrew Wiggins, and Karl Anthony-Towns, also reclassified to get to college a year earlier.

Anywhere Bagley III goes, he dominates. Why not shave off a year that could lead to an injury or any sort of bump in the road to the NBA? This trend isn’t new, and don’t expect it to slow down. As the salary caps only continue to grow for NBA teams, I expect a correlation of more elite level players such as Marvin Bagley III to reclassify to get their hands on all of that guaranteed money. His athleticism and skill level both match each other in elite status, so I don’t mind him doing it.

With Michael Porter Jr. being the no. 1 player in the Class of 2017, would this change? In my opinion, absolutely. Bagley III would take over the no. 1 player overall position without a doubt in my mind. Bagley has a better feel on the perimeter than Porter Jr. I like Bagley III as a better ball handler and defensive player as well. The next question is who would land the hybrid 6’11” forward? Reports are that Duke and USC would be the last two standing in a decision for Bagley III. It will be interesting to see what Marvin decides. Here at Basketball Society, we will keep you updated.

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