Class of 2020 Rankings Update: Breaking Down the Top 10
Breaking down and backing up our latest rankings in Wisconsin’s 2020 class…
1. Jalen Johnson (Sun Prairie/Phenom University)
Hard to see Johnson ever giving up this spot. The five-star sophomore is a transcendent, positionless talent in the state of Wisconsin. Practically every time out, Johnson asserts himself as the alpha dog on the floor, even in high-level contests in the Nike EYBL. As a sophomore, Johnson led Sun Prairie to the Division 1 state semifinals. He averaged 18.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. He currently holds offers from the likes of Florida, USC, Wisconsin, LSU, Arizona State, Butler, Marquette, UCLA, and Purdue.
Previous Ranking: 1
2. Johnny Davis (La Crosse Central/Playground Warriors)
Davis probably won’t have the rating, the upside, or the offer list as some of his counterparts in this class, but he’s developed into a sure-thing at the next level. A tenacious on-ball defender, Davis will be a stopper in college. Now that his offense is catching up, Davis could be the top two-way player in the state. After averaging about 17 points per game during the first two sessions of the Under Armour Association, Davis turned heads with his consistent shooting ability. Fact of the matter is, Davis just plays harder than everybody else on the floor and doesn’t take a play off. Regardless of his upside at the next level, he’s the type of player teams win games with. Wisconsin, UNLV, UW-Milwaukee, and UW-Green Bay are Davis’ current list of offers.
Previous Ranking: 4
3. Jamari Sibley (Nicolet/Phenom University)
When you talk about Sibley’s length and how much he can still add to his game, the Nicolet standout may have the best upside in the 2020 class. Sibley averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds as a sophomore, leading the Knights one game shy of a state tournament berth. A combo forward that can shoot from mid-range, slash, and play with his back to the basket, Sibley has the tools to be an unstoppable offensive weapon if he can improve his 3-point consistency and ball handling skills. Also an excellent shot blocker, Sibley is an above the rim highlight waiting to happen. Arizona State, Minnesota, USC, Iowa, Kansas State, Marquette, and others have already extended offers.
Previous Ranking: 2
4. Kaleim Taylor (Milwaukee Academy of Science/Kevon Looney Elite)
Still adjusting to his new team, but when Taylor turns it on, he’s one of the top 2-3 players in this state. An explosive lead guard with exciting
handles and scoring ability, Taylor averaged 22 points, six rebounds, and five assists per game for MAS as a sophomore. Taylor is physically built and relishes contact at the rim. He makes strong decisions in the pick and roll and can break people down or connect on difficult shots. UNLV, UW-Milwaukee, and Grambling State have offered Taylor. If he cuts down on his turnovers and develops into more of a floor general, the measurables are there for high major offers.
Previous Ranking: 3
5. Terrance Thompson (La Crosse Central/Playground Warriors)
Probably in the minority here, but Thompson just holds his own in big games and against top front courts. He may not score a lot of points, but Thompson always dominates the glass and is an imposing shot blocking presence. Holding offers from UW-Green Bay and UW-Milwaukee, Thompson has some high major qualities. He runs the floor like a deer and is bouncy, able to finish with ease above the rim. He’s also really starting to shoot it well from 3-point range — something he didn’t even have in his arsenal for most of his sophomore season. Take into account that he’s young for his grade and is 6-foot-7 with a seven-foot wingspan, Thompson’s best days are likely ahead of him.
Previous Ranking: 5
6. Desmond Polk (New Berlin West/Phenom University)
Struggled where to put Polk and if you have him in you’re top five, I wouldn’t argue against it. Loved what I saw in the high school season and felt the high major offers were coming — which they have as DePaul, Kansas State, and Minnesota have all jumped in. Averaging 19 points, six rebounds, and three assists per game as a sophomore, Polk moved over to Phenom University AAU in the spring. Part of a loaded lineup,
Polk has been primarily a spot-up shooter next to Johnson, Sibley, and others. He’s also a defensive standout. The plus-length guard has excellent anticipation and can turn defense into offense in a hurry. If he can assume more of a creator’s role in the Nike EYBL, Polk will find his way into the top 4-5, maybe higher.
Previous Ranking: 6
7. Jordan Davis (La Crosse Central/Playground Warriors)
Moved Davis up a spot. Thought he was just Mr. Consistency in the Under Armour Association and didn’t see him have an off game. He may end up playing football in college, but Davis has hoops offers from UW-Milwaukee and UW-Green Bay thus far. An excellent mid-range shooter, Davis plays with an excellent rhythm off the dribble. He’s not the best athlete on the floor, but elevates quickly around the rim. Part of a La Crosse Central squad that reached the state tournament for the third-straight season, Davis averaged just over 10 points per game alongside his twin brother, Johnny Davis, and Terrance Thompson.
Previous Ranking: 8
8. Isaac Lindsey (Mineral Point/Phenom University)
Was pleasantly surprised at how well Lindsey did in the EYBL. He wasn’t a defensive liability, despite being tagged as a sharpshooter. In fact, he was held up very well against those athletes and was able to keep them out of the paint. A sniper with unlimited range, Lindsey now holds offers from DePaul, UNLV, and a few mid-majors. Leading Mineral Point to the sectional finals as a sophomore, Lindsey posted 19 points per game last season.
Previous Ranking: 7
9. Darius Hannah (Milwaukee Academy of Science/Kevon Looney Elite)
Hannah has some ridiculous upside. He’s 6-foot-6, but his length makes him look 6-foot-11. While he’s very raw physically, Hannah has
some exciting tools offensively. He can handle the basketball in transition and get coast-to-coast. Hannah is a strong mid-range shooter, comfortable playing in traffic. The lefty averaged over 15 points per game alongside Kaleim Taylor last season. UW-Milwaukee was the first to offer in April.
Previous Ranking: 9
10. Dalton Banks (Eau Claire North/D1 Minnesota)
Banks moves into the top 10 after showing good floor general skills across the border with D1 Minnesota. For Eau Claire North, Banks is counted on to score as he averaged nearly 20 points per game. Playing alongside the likes of Ben Carlson and Dawson Garcia, Banks gets a chance to be more of a facilitator. The 6-foot-1 sophomore has good quickness and handles. He gets into high percentage areas and makes things happen. When he does get all the way to the rim, Banks has excellent body control and can absorb contact. A handful of Midwest mid-major programs have been monitoring his progress this spring.
Previous Ranking: 11
Also considered: Abe Scruggs, Caden Boser, Alex Antetokounmpo, Carter Gilmore, Anthony Washington