Top battles heading into signing day
Months before elite college basketball programs duel on the hardwood, they duke-it-out in high school gyms and in the living rooms of the top high school basketball players trying to lure them to their school.
From Duke’s and Clemson’s 11th-hour battle for Zion Williamson to North Carolina’s fight with Oregon and others to land Cole Anthony, the recruiting trail has seen tumultuous battles over recent years.
Here’s a look at the top down-to-thewire battles in college basketball recruiting for the 2020 class:
JALEN GREEN
School: Prolific Prep (Napa, California) Position: Combo guard
Height/weight: 6-5/180 Considering: Auburn, Memphis, Oregon, Fresno State, Southern California
The buzz: Green originally said he would make his announcement on Christmas Day, but now he’s reportedly planning to hold off until after his season ends. Green, ranked No. 3 in the USA TODAY Network’s Chosen 25, has already taken visits to each of his five schools and is receiving the full-court press not just from the coaches but committed recruits at each school. Sharife Cooper, an Auburn commit who is ranked No. 2 in the Chosen 25, told USA TODAY Sports he “is coming hard” after Green.
ISAIAH JACKSON
School: Waterford Mott (Waterford Township, Michigan)
Position: Power forward Height/weight: 6-9/200
Considering: Kentucky, Syracuse, Alabama
The buzz: Jackson, ranked No. 22 in the Chosen 25, is officially on the clock and will make his decision Saturday. As of Monday he was undecided, and Alabama got the coveted last official visit Oct. 25, but Kentucky is formidable here after missing out on their last Chosen 25 prospect in Cade Cunningham.
JALEN SUGGS
School: Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis)
Position: Point guard
Height/weight: 6-5/200 Considering: Gonzaga, Florida, Minnesota,
Florida State
The buzz: Just when the Zags, Gators, Gophers and Seminoles thought they would have to duke it out among each other to land the No. 17 player in the Chosen 25, a fifth opponent emerged – and it’s one that’s bringing its checkbooks. Suggs is reportedly considering going the prep-to-pro route overseas. Still, the Zags are strong with Suggs and there’s a long way to go in his recruitment.
JOSH CHRISTOPHER
School: Mayfair (Lakewood, California) Position: Shooting guard Height/weight: 6-5/215 Considering: Howard, Michigan, Missouri,
Arizona State, UCLA
The buzz: Christopher, ranked No. 16 in the Chosen 25, shocked the country when he took his first official visit to famed HBCU Howard, whom Christopher told USA TODAY Sports is “a very real contender.” Still, the word is that it will be near impossible to lure Christopher away from the West Coast, but with his decision not likely coming until the spring it leaves the door open for Michigan, Missouri and Howard.
ZIAIRE WILLIAMS
School: Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, California)
Position: Small forward
Height/weight: 6-7/175
Considering: North Carolina, Stanford, Southern California, Oregon, Arizona The buzz: Williams, ranked No. 9 in the Chosen 25, has been rumored to be a Tar Heels lean and a Cardinal lean, but with his decision likely not coming until the spring it opens the door for Oregon and Arizona to make up ground. Williams is considering taking visits to the Ducks and the Wildcats soon.
GREG BROWN
School: Vandegrift (Austin, Texas) Position: Power forward
Height/weight: 6-9/195 Considering: Kentucky, Texas, Memphis, Auburn, North Carolina
The buzz: Even though he’s visited all five schools, Brown’s only official visit was to Texas. He plans to take all of his officials and wait until the spring to decide once players go pro and fellow recruits have made their decisions. Brown, ranked No. 7 in the Chosen 25, expressed interest in playing with other elite players, which could suggest that the Tar Heels and the Wildcats have the upper hand.