Much has been written and said about Long Beach State men’s basketball’s incredible class of freshman/first year players last season—and it looks like next season could be even better.  ESPN and Scouts Inc.’s Antonio Williams has ranked The Beach’s recruiting class 10th among all mid-major programs.

The website lists the top 10 in the country in the following order:  1)George Mason, 2)Massachusetts, 3)Rice, 4)San Diego State, 5)UNLV, 6)Gonzaga, 7)Central Florida, 8)BYU, 9)Miami and 10)Long Beach State.  The standing of Long Beach State when compared to the relative funding and size of some of the other universities make this an even more impressive accomplishment.

Here is what ESPN.com had to say about LBSU’s recruiting class.

“Coach Dan Monson has a nice group of players at his disposal, one that will help in the rebuilding efforts at Long Beach State. Kyle Richardson (Lakewood, Calif./Mayfair) is a 6-7 SF who scores around the hoop using his devastating combination of length and athleticism. At 6-9, PF Jules Montgomery (West Hills, Calif./Chaminade) has great length and leaping ability that he uses to score in the paint, but he excels as a perimeter shooter. Two juco transfers, 6-9 C Lin Chang and 6-5 Tristan Wilson, will help the 49ers. Chang will excel as a big who can shoot the ball and Wilson should provide scoring from the wing.”

After the early signing period in November, when LBSU signed Chang, Montgomery, Richardson and Wilson, hoopscoooponline.com ranked the 49ers’ class in a tie for 42nd in the country.  

From LBSU reports