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NCAA Basketball’s Best No. 1 Recruits Since 2005

By Michael Whitlow

Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor (15) shoots during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers in the 2015 NCAA Men
Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor (15) shoots during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers in the 2015 NCAA Men /
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Byron Mullens, one of the more ... interesting No. 1 recruits in NCAA Basketball since 2005
Mar 19, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Byron Mullens (30) reacts to a call during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the Wells Fargo Center. The Bulls defeated the Sixers 102-94. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Byron Mullens — Ohio State

The fact that Byron Mullens is on this list to begin with is shocking, but the fact that he was pretty much forced to be this high is just as startling.

Still, Mullens was Rivals’ top overall recruit in the 2008 class for the Ohio State Buckeyes. The star power wasn’t as packed in the ’08 class, but did feature current stars DeMar DeRozan, Kemba Walker and Tyreke Evans.

Mullens did win the Big Ten’s Freshman of the Year Award, averaging 8.8 points in 33 games for the Buckeyes, who were eliminated by Siena in the Round of 64 in the 2009 NCAA Tournament.

After his one year at OSU, Mullens was selected 24th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, and was then traded to Oklahoma City. Mullens then bounced around to three other NBA teams, made a quick stop in China, and now resides in the NBA’s Developmental League for Sioux Falls.

Next: 7. Austin Rivers, 2011