Class of 2020 Top PGs
The point guard position is one of the strengths of the 2020 class especially at the top. There are 6 of the top 10 overall prospects at the point guard spot. Here we break down the best lead guards in the class.
Adam Miller (Morgan Park)
Overall Ranking: #1
Travel Team: Mac Irvin Fire
Miller has had to step up for Morgan Park with the Mustangs star Ayo being less than 100% for part of the season. His jump shot has definitely improved as he showed hitting nine in a row against Fenwick. The lefty at times can settle for it a bit too much, but he has definitely shown he can make them at a higher clip. Miller has explosive takes to the rim off the bounce where he finishes through traffic. The 6’4” lead guard presents great size and big time talent at the lead guard spot. Quality passer with flair. High-major prospect.
DJ Steward (Fenwick)
Overall Ranking: #2
Travel Team: Meanstreets
The long and rangy 6’2” point guard is so poised and mature for his age. Steward gets pretty much wherever he wants on the floor with his handles. So slick attacking off the bounce and getting to the rim with ease. Explosive burst on first step to blow past defenders. Finishes with runners/floaters as well as layups around defenders. Going to be a plus shooter at the next level from the point guard position. Shoots it well pulling up behind screens. Excellent passer that makes sound decisions with the ball. Active on ball defender that knows how to use his length. Five star caliber player nationally.
Tyler Beard (Whitney Young)
Overall Ranking: #5
Travel Team: Meanstreets
It has been of an up and down since the last ranking for Beard. He was absolutely dominant with his play at the Pangos Camp in the fall going against the best players in the state from 2020 and 2021. With the Dolphins this season he has been in street clothes all year and has yet to play. Very frustrating because we thought he was a breakout candidate. Beard gets to the hoop with his speed and burst off the bounce. Also uses that athleticism in the open floor where he is a tough cover. His jump shot is definitely a major weapon. He hits from three pulling up off the bounce at a nice clip. Passes it well and has proven he can be a point guard at the college level. Mid-major prospect.
Reggie Strong (Farragut)
Overall Ranking: #6
Travel Team: Young & Reckless
Strong is a lefty point guard that is long and wiry. He impacts the game with his tenacity on both ends. Defensively he uses his length and anticipation to get steals and get into his man causing havoc. Strong has the ability to get in the lane consistently with his crossover and quick first step. Jump shot continues to improve each time we see him especially from three. Excels playing in an up and down game where he can make plays in transition. Tracking as a mid-major player.
Elliot Sieger (Whitney Young)
Overall Ranking: #8
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
Sieger is starting to get more comfortable with his squad at Whitney Young after transferring from DePaul Prep. The sophomore guard passes it well getting his new teammates involved and scores in a variety of ways. Long release on jump shot, but can connect from three. Scoring point guard. Mid-major prospect with chance to elevate.
Ahron Ulis (Marian Catholic)
Overall Ranking: #10
Travel Team: Meanstreets
Ulis is a 6’1” point guard that is a maestro controlling the tempo and getting others involved. Makes outstanding passes in transition, but is especially impressive in the half court getting it to his teammates in position to succeed. Ulis is a very high IQ guard that has an advanced feel for the game. Seems to put passes on the money over and over with his electric vision. As a scorer he is best in the open floor using his speed to get to the rack. Also a capable three point shooter that works well shooting with the ball in his hands coming off screens. He is an active defender cutting passing lanes and putting pressure on the ball. Mid-major prospect.
PJ Edwards (Springfield Lanphier)
Overall Ranking: #13
Travel Team: All-In
Edwards is one of the best combo guard prospects in the state of Illinois in the 2020 class. He has great size at 6’3” with strength and projectability. Even when he doesn’t score he can impact the game. His defense is very good. Gets up into his man and uses his quick hands to get in passing lanes and swipe the ball from opposing guards. High risk/high reward passer. Excellent guard rebounder. As a scorer he is powerful attacking getting in the lane and to the charity stripe. Streaky three point shooter. D1 prospect.
Marcus Watson (Morgan Park)
Overall Ranking: #19
Travel Team: Mac Irvin Fire
Watson is a 5’10” lefty point guard that is quick and shifty with the ball. Gets penetration in the paint finding teammates in the drive and kick or with quick dishes inside. Sound passer that is improving as a decision maker showing more true point guard skills. He is probably best as a scorer getting to the rim off the dribble with straight line drives using his speed and burst. Struggles to consistently knock down jumpers. Watson is a D1 prospect.
Donovan Newby (Bloom)
Overall Ranking: #21
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
Newby is coming off a strong summer with the Illinois Wolves, but has been sidelined with an injury when we have evaluated Bloom this year. Newby is a quick and shifty guard that makes plays in the lane. Finds open teammates and creates for himself as well. For his size the lead guard is outstanding at finishing through traffic and contact at the rim. Makes a ton of tough layups. Has the ability to consistently win one on one off the bounce. Really gets after it on D with active hands and is pesky guarding opposing point guards.
Jack Kahoun (Oswego)
Overall Ranking: #36
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
Kahoun is a plus shooter from all over the floor. The combo guard drills them off the catch and can hit pull ups as well. This is the strength of his game. Has a chance to be a big time shot maker over the next three years. Makes crisp passes and moves well away from the ball playing the point guard position. Competes on D and moves well laterally.