With the travel season officially behind us and the high school season in view, it is time for us to refine our Alabama rankings for the Class of 2017. This class has received a lot of buzz over the years and rightfully so. Here is our post-travel season rankings for Alabama’s popular class.

CLICK HERE FOR THE CLASS OF 2017 ALABAMA RANKINGS

TOP-NOTCH PROSPECTS AT THE TOP

The top 5 in the rankings is as good as the state has ever seen. Alabama isn’t used to housing multiple high-major studs, but the 2017 class has at least five major prospects. Austin Wiley, a 6-foot-10 shot-blocker from Spain Park, holds steady with the No. 1 overall ranking. His presence and timing on the defensive end of the floor is a game-changer at any level. Wiley’s defense, rebounding, and developing offensive game gives him the slight edge for the top spot.

No. 2 in the updated rankings is J.O. Johnson wing John Petty. The 6-foot-5 scorer has supplanted himself as one of the top scorers in the country. His combination of skill, size, and athleticism have made him an intriguing prospect for college coaches, as Kentucky, Kansas, Alabama, Auburn, and other schools are hot on his trail.

Coming in at No. 3 is an intriguing power forward in Pelham’s Alex Reese. The 6-foot-8 big man is very skilled for his size and could be a perfect stretch 4 man at the next level. He hit the national radar after his play during Team USA tryouts in the spring. Expect a productive junior campaign from the rising Reese.

Jamal Johnson, a 6-foot-3 combo guard from Spain Park, falls in at No. 4. His versatility and ability to play both guard spots have the majority of the SEC involved in his recruitment. He could make a big leap into national rankings after a big high school season.

Rounding out the top 5 is Auburn big man Garrison Brooks. After Wiley went down with an injury in May, Brooks picked up the slack in the post on the AAU circuit with the Alabama Challenge. Playing out of position, Brooks was the most productive players on the team, as he became a better rebounder and added some toughness to his game.

PLENTY OF FORWARDS TO GO AROUND

The 2016 class has plenty of shooting guard prospects, but the 2017 class claims the forwards. There are several players that have the ability to play on the wing, as well as in the post. In fact, at least 15 small forwards and power forwards will sign Division-1 scholarships in a few years. The size and versatility of this class is impressive.

Keep an eye on Javan Johnson (Austin), Khalil Johnson (Cleveland), Myles Parker (Madison Academy), DeAndre Robinson (Monroe County), Jon Brown (Helena), Kobe McClain (Ramsay), and Brandon Mahan (Fultondale). These are forward prospects that will emerge this high school season.

SUMMER RISERS

Several guys used the summer travel season to propel themselves on college coaches’ radars. Who were they? Here’s my take:

I thought Pope John Paul II shooting guard Bradley Belt really enhanced his stock in July. The 6-foot-2 guard scored the ball in a variety of ways and showed he can be a guy that can put up points in a hurry. He has the chance to be a high-major guy at the next level.

Javan Johnson is a quiet kid and isn’t one to really embrace the hype. However, his play with Southeast Elite has his name at the top of some coaches’ lists. After landing his first offer from Middle Tennessee State following the summer, more schools are beginning to take notice of him. His long-term potential and high ceiling will make him a priority guy going forward.

There wasn’t a hotter prospect in the state this summer than Helena’s Jon Brown. Brown’s camp has been contacted frequently by many different schools at a variety of levels. His strength and toughness is appealing for coaches at the next level, and his recruitment will see a spike this year.