Josh Christopher – SG, Arizona State
Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 205 LBS
High School: Mayfair
Five star recruit Josh Christopher is a versatile player who should fit well into the offensive scheme at Arizona State. Currently ranked #11 on ESPN’s recruiting database, Christopher is a scoring wing with a reliable long range jumper, and the potential to improve that part of his game. He is best when driving through the lane. Arizona State is currently ranked #2 in the Pac-12 Preseason Poll so with Christopher at the wing and leading scorer Remy Martin back at guard for another year, Arizona State has the potential to be real contenders for the championship this season.
Cade Cunningham – PG, Oklahoma State
Height/Weight: 6-foot-7, 215 LBS
High School: Montverde Academy
Oklahoma State had an amazing recruiting year in 2020 and #2 ranked by ESPN, Cade Cunningham, was the cherry on top. Cunningham is an elite player who can play guard or forward, both with incredible athleticism and versatility. His game revolves around his natural ability to score the ball. Cunningham’s size allows him to be tough on the boards, yet quick running down the court. His brother, Cannen Cunningham, is an assistant coach at Oklahoma State, which was part of the reason he chose to play for the Cowboys over Kentucky, North Carolina, and others.
Jaden Springer – SG, Tennessee
Height/Weight: 6-foot-5, 210
High School: IMG Academy
Jaden Springer is known for his ability to attack the rim and his lethal pull-up jumper. A consensus five star player, Springer is currently ranked the #17 player in the class of 2020. With another five star guard, Keon Johnson, at his side on the court at Tennessee, he is the chance to take the basketball program to a whole new level for the Volunteers. Springer’s combination of playmaking and intensity on the defensive end has made him a standout player. While Coach Rick Barnes has a quite fiery coaching style, Springer will have to adjust from his high school days. However, I believe with Springer’s natural athleticism and ball handling ability, he will fit nicely into Barnes’ aggressive offensive scheme.
Isaiah Jackson – PF, Kentucky
Height/Weight: 6-foot-8, 185 LBS
High School: Waterford Mott
Known to be an incredible athlete, Isaiah Jackson is ranked #34 in ESPN’s 2020 Recruiting Database and the #1 player out of the state of Michigan. He is a quick and long power forward who, while being a bit skinny for a forward, can still compete at the rim and is a capable scorer from three. However, he still has a chance to develop the rest of his offensive game. He is a three-time All-State selection and four-time defensive player of the year in his conference in high school. Jackson has the instincts, speed, and court IQ to make great defensive plays and should come off the bench, for Kentucky already has three other five star freshman in Terrence Clark, BJ Boston, and Devin Askew. Jackson should fit in nicely with Coach John Calipari’s aggressive and consistent defensive scheme.
Hunter Dickinson – C, Michigan
Height/Weight: 7-foot-1, 260 LBS
High School: DeMatha Catholic
As you can see, Hunter Dickinson’s size has gotten him noticed by scouts. He was recruited by Duke, Florida State, Notre Dame, and Michigan. Dickinson is a talented post player who has the size and skill to compete with some of the top post players. He has been known for his reliable hook and soft touch. However, he also has a consistent presence at the rim and makes it tough for any player to drive down the lane. Currently, he is ranked #41 in ESPN’s 2020 Recruiting Database but will continue to improve his game this season. His teammates and coaches have been pleased with his performance in practice thus far. Michigan is willing to run the offense through a big man, as we saw with Jon Teske last year, and Dickinson has a very similar game. Dickinson will be a solid and reliable rebounder and a weapon on both sides of the court for the Wolverines this season.
Photo: Catalina Fragoso / USA TODAY Sports
