Five 2020s Ready For A Breakout Season
For young hoopers with dreams of playing college basketball, sophomore season is a big year. For many, it will be their first opportunity to step up and play a significant role on the varsity team. Even some of the best in the state, such as Beecher’s Jalen Terry, had to take a backseat to upperclassmen during their freshman campaign. Whether it be due to graduating seniors, transfers, growth or simply just improvement, many 2020s will have their first opportunities to play a major role. Here are five sophomores who I believe are ready to embrace the challenge and step up in a big way:
Lorne Bowman (Orchard Lake St. Mary’s) – Bowman is one of the top prospects in the 2020 class and has received regional recognition for high potential. With his combination of size, length, athleticism and skill, Bowman has all the tools necessary to be a complete player. He’s already an elite on-ball defender. This AAU season, he gained valuable experience running with REACH 16u, which is an age group above his. This year will be his first at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and is shaping up to be the season where he proves he’s deserving of the recognition.
Isaiah Jackson (Old Redford) – There is no questioning Jackson’s ability to be a top high school player, regardless of class. The 6’8″ forward is one of the more versatile players in the state and has received national recognition. He’s already received multiple D1 offers, including a Pac-12 offer from USC. His transfer to Old Redford immediately makes them one of the top teams in Class B, as he will team up with top-5 2019 Rocket Watts to form one of the most talented duos in the state. Jackson will have high expectations but will surely live up to them barring injury. Look for him to have a huge year.
Noah Pruitt (Okemos) – Pruitt impressed me big time this summer running an age group up with Elite Nation 16u. He’s a true point guard, as he seemingly always makes the right play and gets his teammates involved, as well as being solid on the defensive end. That’s not to say Pruitt can’t score the ball – in fact, he is actually one of the more complete scorers in the 2020 class, despite not looking for his own shot as much as others. With all this being said, what’s most impressive about Pruitt’s game is the mental side – he does a great job keeping his composure, which is rare for a player so young. Look for Pruitt to put up some solid numbers for Okemos this year.
Ernie Sanders (Flint Beecher) – While Sanders did get minutes on varsity as a freshman, his role was mostly that of an energy player off the bench. This year, however, Beecher will be without the majority of their core from last season due to graduation. While it appears as though Jalen Terry will be the primary option, Sanders will be relied upon heavily. This year will be his opportunity to step up and play a huge role for his team. Throughout the AAU season, Sanders was one of the top players on what was widely considered the best 15u AAU team in the country. He’s certainly capable of making a huge impact as the number three or four option – this season he can prove he’s reliable as the first or second.
Billy Roberts (Muskegon) – The 6’6″ big man got some valuable experience on varsity last year, most notably in a district loss to Grand Rapids Christian in which he had to matchup with current Michigan State big Xavier Tillman. Roberts is a force physically – his size and strength allow him to bully people down low. With Muskegon graduating nearly all of their main pieces from last year, Roberts will have a great opportunity to step up and prove himself. Look for him to do just that this season.
Sleeper Pick
Emcee Williams (Muskegon Reeths-Puffer) – Williams may be perhaps the least known player on this list, but that is not to say he’s not talented. The guard impressed me playing for Impact Elite this AAU season, proving he can be effective as a scorer, pass-first point guard, as well as defender. He’s also a good shooter – he possesses that explosive ability to catch fire and start knocking down shot after shot. Williams has the ability to take a big step up this season and make his name known as a legitimate player in the class of 2020.