As we launch our brand-new ESPN 100 for the Class of 2020, it is noteworthy that this class makes a jump in the total number of prospects who hit the board. It's an exciting time as we evaluate and rank a new group of recruits. As the player rankings expand from 60 prospects to 100, there will be much more shifting and sorting out.
Here are five prospects who are definitely worth watching.
No. 27 (was 35th in the ESPN 60): Caleb Love
Love is a combination guard and one of the better two-way performers in the class. At 6-foot-3, his wingspan is almost 6-8. Love shows grit and explosive bounce as he attacks the rim with bullet speed in the transition game. He is the type of guard who beats you with his jumper, drive game or from the free throw line. Evolving as a playmaker, Love demonstrates a good feel for the offensive flow of the game. As he continues to make progress, he has a chance for a breakthrough summer.
No. 39 (new) Marcus Bagley
New to the board is Bagley, the younger brother of the Sacramento Kings' Marvin Bagley III. Marcus Bagley is emerging as small forward who plays with skill and strength. Bagley is developing versatility as he makes open looks behind the arc, and is aggressive and timely with his drive game. The closer he gets to the basket, the better his scoring production becomes. Over the past year, he has made noticeable improvement in his all-around skills and rebounds with ambition. He is no longer living in the shadow of big brother; he is creating a niche in the game and name of his own.
No. 46 (was 45th in the ESPN 60) Reece Beekman
Making his way as a dependable point guard with scoring talent, Beekman is still developing the knack between looking to score and looking to set up his teammates. His ball-screen IQ is solid as he makes good decisions about when to find the screener, score or simply move the ball. He passes very well to get his team running and does a great job on the defensive glass to get a stop and start a fast break.
No. 49 (was 48th in the ESPN 60) Corey Walker
Committed to Tennessee
Walker's body and talent make him a new-school forward. He is big enough and very athletic to play and defend college power forwards. His skill allows him to shoot it with regularity to 17 feet, plus mix in his drive game. If he plays small forward, he will need to develop his open 3-point shot and more of a handle without taking away from his productivity. Right now, he can move in any direction and influence the game. Under the tutelage of Rick Barnes at Tennessee, expect him to flourish.
No. 55 (new) Jalen Cone
Explosive, powerful and passionate, Cone brings the fire to every game. He's a blur of speed in the open floor and a playmaker who runs the offense and creates for others. His stocky build takes on contact when he approaches the painted area. Once at the rim, he can rise up and punch it home or float around defenders with body control to finish the play. He is considering reclassifying into the Class of 2019. Schools such as Boston College, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest have offered for September. Whenever he decides to attend college, he will electrify the crowd and help a team win with his play and leadership.