Five Intriguing Prospects In The Class Of 2020
Throughout the next week, I’ll be taking a look at five prospects from each class that bring intrigue. There won’t be a set criteria for who I choose, but they will all be prospects who are still available on the…
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Continue ReadingThroughout the next week, I’ll be taking a look at five prospects from each class that bring intrigue. There won’t be a set criteria for who I choose, but they will all be prospects who are still available on the college market. The DMV is flooded with talent that could very well play this game for money some day, so there really is no right or wrong answer as to who shows or doesn’t show on this list.
Javonte Brown | 6’11 | Mount St. Joe/Canada Elite
Brown is technically a 2020 in Maryland due to the way his credits transferred. You may see on other sites him being listed as a 2021. That option is available for Brown if he opts to do a post-grad prep year, but many of the high major programs that offers the Canadian native are willing to take him for the 2020 class. Brown had an up and down season for the Gaels as he adjusted to the talent level of the MIAA A Conference, but he parlayed it into an extremely successful spring and summer. Now schools such as Kansas, Oklahoma, UConn, Marquette, Indiana, Stanford and Texas A&M are all courting his services aggressively. Brown will be one of the prospects I pay close attention to this season to see if he can carry over his productive summer into a strong showing with Mount St. Joe.
Brandon Murray | 6’5 | Poly/Team Melo
Murray is one of the most explosive athletes in the DMV. With brute size at 6-foot-5 to go with that athleticism, it makes him a human highlight reel in the open floor. His recruitment has been very limited after bursting back onto the scene last season as a junior (he spent his sophomore year up in New York). Since then, Murray has caught the attention of many local mid-major programs. Last time I caught up with him, Murray was enrolled in summer classes and per a source, it seems like a strong possibility he will qualify. I could very well see Murray going to a mid-major despite having talent to play at the high major level. Poly will chase its fourth-straight Class 3A title this season and Murray will be a big part of their success.
Isaac James | 6’8 | St. Frances
James has one of the most unique skill sets for his position. At 6-foot-8, he can fill the role of a wing or four-man effectively. He joined St. Frances late last season and made an immediate impact with his ability to score in the mid-range and rebound. His worth comes to the forefront while playing next to VCU commit Ace Baldwin. Not many froncourt players are ready for his passes squeezing through little windows, but James has the hands and awareness to catch and score quickly. With his combination of skill and size, it won’t be long before low and mid-majors start taking a look at James.
David N’Guessan | 6’9 | Mt. Zion Prep/Team BBC
N’Guessan is another prospect who enjoyed a productive spring and summer that resulted in scholarship offers. At 6-foot-9, N’Guessan plays with more of a perimeter-oriented mindset on the offensive end. He runs the floor extremely well, can shoot from three and use his length to finish over the rim. Defensively, he utilizes his length to be an elite shot blocker and an effective rebounding presence. If Mt. Zion allows him to play outside the paint more this season, we could see him carry over the production from spring and summer. N’Guessan has six offers in total, but St. Joseph’s and Towson seem to be the front runners at the moment.
Tomiwa Sulaiman | 6’6 | West Nottingham Academy/Team BBC
Last season was Sulaiman’s first playing in the United States. While there was adjustments to style of play from the UK, Sulaiman quickly realized that doing the little things can help stand out. The 6-foot-6 wing recently was ranked as the top prospect in this summer’s Deng Camp, and it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see that help pick up his recruitment. Sulaiman can score in a number of ways while being a versatile option defensively. He has good strength and size for a win and plays with great energy on both ends. Sulaiman holds one offer from Loyola (MD).
Tomiwa Sulaiman (@tomiwasulaiman) came in to Deng Camp (@DengCamp) as the highest ranked returner, and showed why on Day 1, doing a little bit of everything! 🇬🇧🏀#Hoopsfix #DengTop50 pic.twitter.com/UCeTleaK1w
— Hoopsfix (@Hoopsfix) August 22, 2019