When we look back at the class of 2020, we'll be reflecting on one of the better classes of the decade. While it's natural to first look at the top of the class to see its star power, there are additional prospects who made substantial progress and contributed to the exciting nature of the class. Here are six prospects who made notable moves inside the ESPN 100 for our final ranking of this group:
Cade Cunningham (PG, 6-7, 215, Montverde Academy (Florida)/Arlington, Texas) - committed to Oklahoma State) -- rises from No. 3 to No. 2
To make a move inside the top five of an extremely talented 2020 class is both significant and difficult, but Cunningham is a proven prospect with star talent and winning traits to earn the jump. Cunningham had a sensational senior season, leading Montverde to an undefeated campaign. The future Oklahoma State Cowboy is special because he has a commanding presence not only on the floor, but also in the huddle -- he leads with a mature approach to the game and a high basketball IQ.
Cunningham makes others better and can be "the man" when needed. He is developing as a future point guard, but there is no doubt he is the most well-rounded player in the class. Cunningham displays true versatility to play anywhere on the perimeter and to defend at a high level. Expect him to put Oklahoma State in position to compete for the Big 12 regular-season title, a conference tournament crown, and a run in the NCAA tournament before becoming a potential No. 1 NBA draft pick in 2021.
Andre Jackson (SF, 6-5, 175, The Albany Academy/Albany, New York - committed to UConn) -- rises from No. 51 to No. 32
The more you watch Jackson, the more you can see his potential to grow into a one-and-done prospect. His frame is long, with high-end athleticism and emerging perimeter skills that enhance his ability to affect the game. Jackson will be one of the more exciting freshmen in the country next season, as he excels in transition and finishes plays with regularity. Not only an open-floor player, Jackson has a drive game combined with a rebounding presence, and has a huge upside as a defender because of his wingspan. Jackson has an aggressive, attacking style, and combining his current résumé with his future promise makes him move up the board. Jackson shows similarities to a young P.J. Tucker, as everything is in place to flourish once the outside shot comes.
Andre Curbelo (PG, 6-0, 155, Long Island Lutheran/Brookville, New York - committed to Illinois) -- rises from No. 48 to No. 41
Curbelo had a tremendous senior season. Always steady and solid with a winning mindset, Curbelo refuses to lose and makes his teammates better. He controls the tempo of the game, handles the ball versus pressure with minimal turnover, and has the balance between scoring and facilitating down to a science. You cannot speed him up, and his array of floaters sprinkled in with jumpers makes him advanced. Curbelo influences the game with his vision -- offensively he can see and read the floor to make strong decisions, while defensively his eyes read the passer to pick up key steals, as well as read the out-of-control driver to step in and take a charge. He simply makes the right play, defends and wins. Curbelo's stellar play and leadership in a win against Sierra Canyon were impressive. He will be entrusted as the floor general on day one for Brad Underwood at Illinois.
Kenyon Martin Jr., (PF, 6-6, 210, IMG Academy/Bradenton, Florida) - rises from No. 100 to No. 54
Martin is the poster child for hard work and improvement. He became was a high-major prospect as a senior because of his tenacity, work on the glass, defense and ability to play harder than his peers. Martin went to IMG for a postgraduate year, stepped up his skill level and overall offensive production, and never forfeited his strengths. Martin has big bounce and is not afraid to use his body to finish -- or to sacrifice it on defense. Since he is one year removed from his graduating class, he has declared for the NBA draft, where he is viewed a possible second-round pick.
Mwani Wilkinson (SF, 6-6, 190, Bishop Gorman/Las Vegas - committed to LSU) - rises from No. 86 to No. 70
You could previously see Wilkinson making small breakthroughs and incremental development, but this past season he put it all together to not only enter the rankings but to move up. He has a blend of powerful athletic ability and paint and perimeter productivity. You can count on rebounding, blocked shots and strong defense if Wilkinson is not scoring, which makes him extremely productive and valuable. He is the type of prospect you buy stock in as he heads to LSU. Wilkinson averaged a double-double at Bishop Gorman while owning a 45-inch vertical leap. He doesn't turn 18 until August, but when his time is done in Baton Rouge, do not be surprised to see Wilkinson on an NBA roster due to his persistence and ability to trust the process.
Caleb Murphy (SG, 6-3, 180, Grayson/Loganville, Georgia - committed to South Florida) - rises from No. 95 to No. 72
Murphy is a gifted scoring guard and one of the best guards in the class you never hear enough about. Murphy posted strong performances all season long, and he stands out during a contest because of his game instincts and how he navigates so well in the open floor. As a combination guard, he brings a quietly competitive demeanor with a focus on the task at hand. Murphy has quick hands on defense and excellent passing vision on offense. Expect him to elevate South Florida next season and be a difference-maker under the direction of Brian Gregory.
Along with our April 29 update of all three individual classes, we've also finalized our "regardless of class" rankings comprising the 2020, 2021 and 2022 classes. Emoni Bates remains on top, where he's likely to stay when our next version of these rankings -- including the 2021, 2022 and 2023 classes -- is revealed later this year.
1. Emoni Bates (2022 class; SF, 6-foot-8, 200 pounds, Lincoln/Ypsilanti, Michigan)
Previous: 1
2. Jalen Green (2020 class; SG, 6-5, 180, Prolific Prep (California)/Fresno, California)
Previous: 2
3. Cade Cunningham (2020 class; PG, 6-7, 215, Montverde Academy (Florida)/Arlington, Texas) -- committed to Oklahoma State
Previous: 4
4. Evan Mobley (2020 class; C, 7-0, 205, Rancho Christian School/Temecula, California) -- committed to USC
Previous: 3
5. Jonathan Kuminga (2021 class; SF, 6-7, 210, The Patrick School (New Jersey)/Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Previous: 5
6. Chet Holmgren (2021 class; C, 7-0, 175, Minnehaha Academy/Minneapolis)
Previous: 6
7. Scottie Barnes (2020 class; PF, 6-7, 210, Montverde Academy/West Palm Beach, Florida) -- committed to Florida State
Previous:: 7
8. Jalen Suggs (2020 class; PG, 6-4, 195, Minnehaha Academy/Minneapolis)
Previous: 9
9. B.J. Boston (2020 class; SF, 6-6, 175, Sierra Canyon/Chatsworth, California) -- committed to Kentucky
Previous: 8
10. Patrick Baldwin Jr. (2021 class; PF, 6-9, 200, Hamilton/Sussex, Wisconsin)
Previous: 10
11. Jalen Duren (2022 class; C, 6-9, 210, Roman Catholic/Philadelphia)
Previous: 17
12. Ziaire Williams (2020 class; SF, 6-8, 180, Sierra Canyon/Chatsworth, California) - committed to Stanford
Previous: 13
13. Greg Brown (2020 class; PF, 6-8, 205, Vandegrift/Austin, Texas) - committed to Texas
Previous: 16
14. Terrence Clarke (2020 class; SF, 6-7, 190, Brewster Academy/Wolfeboro, New Hampshire) -- committed to Kentucky
Previous: 15
15. Paolo Banchero (2021 class; PF, 6-8, 230, O'Dea/Seattle)
Previous: 11
16. Jaden Hardy (2021 class; SG, 6-4, 185, Coronado/Henderson, Nevada)
Previous: 12
17. Josh Christopher (2020 class; SG, 6-4, 205, Mayfair/Lakewood, California) - committed to Arizona State
Previous: 18
18. Jabari Smith (2021 class; PF, 6-8, 190, Sandy Creek/Tyrone, Georgia)
Previous: 14
19. Day'Ron Sharpe (2020 class; SG, 6-9, 225, Montverde Academy/Winterville, North Carolina) - committed to North Carolina
Previous: 19
20. Jalen Johnson (2020 class; SF, 6-8, 210, IMG Academy (Florida)/Glendale, Wisconsin) -- committed to Duke
Previous: unranked
21. Michael Foster (2021 class; PF, 6-8, 220, Hillcrest Prep/Milwaukee)
Previous: 20
22. Caleb Houstan (2022 class; PF, 6-8, 175, Montverde Academy/Montverde, Florida)
Previous: unranked
23. Walker Kessler (2020 class; C, 6-11, 220, Woodward Academy/Fairburn, Georgia) - committed to North Carolina
Previous: unranked
24. Isaiah Todd (2020 class; PF, 6-9, 215, Word of God Christian Academy (North Carolina)/Richmond, Virginia)
Previous: unranked
25. Moussa Cisse (2021 class; C, 6-11, 210, Lausanne Collegiate School/Memphis)
Previous: 23
Dropped out: Makur Maker (No. 21), Moussa Diabate (No. 22), Chris Livingston (No. 24), A.J. Griffin (No. 25)