10 Class of 2020 Prospects Ready to Blow Up
The AAU travel season kicks off on Friday. Here are 10 class of 2020 prospects who are ready to see their stock and recruitment rise going into the spring evaluation period.
Dalton Banks – 2020 – PG – D1 Minnesota
Banks had a breakout year over at Eau Claire North. Playing on a very talented D1 Minnesota team, Banks should start to get more attention this season. A guard that does a little bit of everything well, Banks can fill a variety of roles as a scorer, rebounder, and facilitator. A kid that looks like he’s added a few inches and may develop into a nice combo guard at the next level, Banks has some sniper mentality in him. We don’t get to see enough of Banks because of his location (Eau Claire) and that he plays his AAU ball with a Minnesota club, but most indications are that he’ll end up at the Division 1 level.
Johnny Davis – 2020 – SG – Playground Warriors
We knew Davis could defend and would be one of the elite players on that end of the floor nationally. After averaging about 26 points per game as a sophomore, Davis might be on his way to being a top 100 prospect and maybe the second ranked player in the state of Wisconsin. When it comes to intensity, nobody matches Davis’ level defensively. A kid that wants to get after people and cause havoc, Davis is one of the more disruptive players on that end of the floor. Also a strong slasher, Davis is fearless going to the rim and is much stronger than his frame looks. Starting to become a three-level scorer, we’ll see if Davis can continue where he left off offensively during the high school season as he made some significant gains there. UNLV, UW-Green Bay, and Wisconsin have offered thus far.
Lucas Finnessy – 2020 – F – Wisconsin Shooters
Thought Finnessy grew up a lot during his sophomore season. A slashing forward, Finnessy plays bigger than his 6-foot-4 frame. He’s a strong kid that has some nice footwork once he gets to the block or in the paint. Finnessy is also a terrific passer, particularly in the high-low game or as a drive and dish presence. Probably a strong Division 2 prospect, but his recruitment could take a turn for the better considering it’s tough to tell what he is just yet. One thing is for certain, this is a blue-collar, workhorse that changes games with intensity and hustle.
Isaac Lindsey – 2020 – SG – Phenom University
If he can improve his athleticism and strength, Lindsey should end up at the high major level. Lindsey has the tools to be a power-five shooting guard and compares a little bit to Kentucky commit Tyler Herro in terms of his skills set. A 6-foot-4 sniper with deep range, Lindsey is a threat to score no matter where he is on the floor. He’s also improved his ability to take the ball to the rack or hit contested mid-range jumpers since last season. Lindsey holds three offers from UNLV, UW-Green Bay, and South Dakota State. He’s also hearing from Iowa, Wisconsin, Purdue, and others.
Desmond Polk – 2020 – PG – Phenom University
UW-Green Bay is the lone offer on the table. That probably won’t be the case after the spring evaluation period. Coming off a breakout campaign, Polk was a dynamic scorer for New Berlin West. A lengthy, 6-foot-3 guard, Polk just filled it up from 3-point range this past season. Also a high-upside prospect, Polk is a terrific on-ball defender and slasher. Cincinnati, Nebraska, and a host of mid-majors are expressing interest. Expect the in-state schools, Marquette and Wisconsin to give a hard look here as well.
Abe Scruggs – 2020 – PG – World Hoops Elite
Scruggs showed some Division 1 potential last summer. Like his ability to carry a team from the point guard position. A deceptively, athletic guard, Scruggs can play above the rim and just blow by people in the open floor. He’s a strong spot up shooter and comfortable on the ball if he has space. Scruggs definitely shouldn’t fall past the Division 2 level. Right now, Western Illinois, UW-Milwaukee, Montana State, Wright State, UW-Green Bay, and Wisconsin are involved with the 6-foot-1 guard.
Jamari Sibley – 2020 – F – Phenom Univeristy
Sibley played really well down the stretch of the travel season last year, particularly in Milwaukee and Las Vegas. A mismatch problem, the 6-foot-7 forward is already a difficult cover, yet still scratching the surface of his potential. Sibley can face up from mid-range, pull bigs out of the paint and take them off the bounce, and knock down some fade away jumpers. He’s really exciting in transition. Sibley can grab a rebound and go coast-to-coast for some eye-opening dunks. UNLV, UW-Milwaukee, and UW-Green Bay have already offered. Schools like Marquette, Ohio State, Iowa, Xavier, Wisconsin, and Purdue have been in contact.
Kaleim Taylor – 2020 – PG – Kevon Looney Elite
Taylor was a well kept secret last travel season as guys like Jalen Johnson stole most of the headlines. Meanwhile, Taylor produced at a high level with not a lot of eyes watching him. That won’t be the case this spring. A strong, athletic guard, Taylor had a big sophomore campaign at the Milwaukee Academy of Science. He’s a terrific scorer on the ball with a deadly pull-up jumper that has almost no range. A prospect that tests your defensive principles, Taylor is so difficult to keep out of the lane with his speed and frame. In constant attack mode, Taylor can play a variety of styles — thriving in the pick n’ roll game or in transition. UNLV has offered. Wisconsin, Iowa, and others will be monitoring him shortly.
Karter Thomas – 2020 – PG – Ray Allen Select
Thomas had a strong sophomore campaign with Oshkosh West. A high-IQ floor general, Thomas is an efficient, team-oriented prospect that makes people better. Built like a truck, Thomas has a nice blend of strength and athleticism. He can play bully ball, but also has the finesse and tools to beat people from the outside. A strong decision maker, Thomas is one of those point guards that can have a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio even during the travel season. Thomas was relatively unknown last summer, but should draw a lot of Division 2 looks beginning in April.
Terrance Thompson – 2020 – PF – Playground Warriors
Thompson continues to add to his game and is steadily growing as a player. This spring, coaches will start seeing a new and improved jumper. Thompson can now step out and shoot the basketball from mid and 3-point range. Although he’s a top 10 prospect in the state of Wisconsin, Thompson has been underrated for the past two seasons. The 6-foot-7 junior has high major potential when you consider he’s young for his grade and has a seven-foot wingspan. A junkyard dog inside, Thompson is terrific on the glass and protecting the rim. Now that he’s rounding out his skillset, Thompson could be in store for a breakout travel season. He has an offer from UW-Green Bay. Wisconsin, Virginia, Xavier, Iowa, Iowa State, Miami (OH), Milwaukee, and South Dakota State are also showing interest.