Some of the best basketball players on the planet have participated in past editions of the Chick-fil-A Classic, and if you think that's an overstatement then check some of the ballers who've been here before: NBA lottery pick Mo Bamba, new Memphis Grizzlies stud Jaren Jackson Jr., and dunking machine Miles Bridges. 

The 2018 version is no different: The nation's No. 1 recruit James Wiseman, who's heading to Memphis next year, headlines the event. Wiseman alone warrants watching this event, but we'll give you a couple other reasons as a post-Christmas gift.

 Watch the 2018 Chick-fil-A Classic!

Here are three reasons to watch the 2018 Chick-fil-A Classic, which starts today in Columbia, South Carolina.

1. James Wiseman — Enough Said

The nation's No. 1 recruit is an absolute machine, and not just on the offensive end.

“Wiseman dominates at both ends of the floor,” said Paul Biancardi, ESPN national recruiting director. “The combination of his physical measurables, finishing ability and shot block talent make him the No. 1 recruit in the country. Not only will he bring a tremendous amount of talent to the school he chooses but also a consistent effort and an extremely coachable attitude."

Wiseman surprised some by sticking with his hometown Memphis Tigers, a huge win for Penny Hardaway's tenure at the club.

2. Big Men On Display Outside Of Wiseman

Two of the nation's better big men outside of Wiseman will also be wreaking havoc in Columbia, as Precious Achiuwa of Montverde Academy and Chandler Lawson — Wiseman's teammate at Memphis East — look to make statements of their own. 

3. Class Of 2020 Beast N'Faly Dante

Dante is a true big man, almost in the same strand as No. 1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton. Dante has broad shoulders, hungers for the ball in the post, and is a ridiculously smooth athlete and finisher. The star from Sunrise Christian in Kansas is certainly going to be fielding a lot of calls from Bill Self and the hometown Jayhawks, but you'll have a chance to see why the center is maybe the top get in next year's class.