Indiana Basketball: Ranking the top backcourt priorities in the 2020 class
By Alec Lasley
The Indiana basketball program is heavily involved with multiple guards in the 2020 class so we rank them in how the Hoosiers should prioritize them.
There is no question the 2020 recruiting class is an important one for the future success of the Indiana basketball program and the coaching staff seems to know it as they are heavily involved with many prospects.
With just Al Durham, Rob Phinisee, and Armaan Franklin in the backcourt, there is not a lot of depth to go around. Losing Devonte Green and not replacing him is not what Indiana wants to roll into the season with, and it puts a large amount of pressure on Archie Miller to deliver some big time guards for 2020.
Involved with point guards, combo guards and shooting guards, their list is nearly 10 deep of possible signees.
Each prospect has a different game and different style, but all would be excellent additions to the 2020 recruiting class for Indiana.
With Hassan Diarra receiving an offer late this week, their involvement in his recruitment is still early on, but here are three names that didn’t make the cut for my top priorities:
Mike Saunders Jr (Wasatch Academy, UT)
Though he has been a rising prospect, he still trails everyone on this list when it comes to overall skill and match for Indiana. He lacks a shooting ability from deep and needs to add a lot of muscle to be a factor in the Big Ten. Nice athleticism, he wouldn’t be a starter or huge impact player off the bat.
Nijel Pack (Lawrence Central, IN)
Bursting onto the scene on the Nike EYBL circuit this spring, Pack is an intriguing prospect that is starting to get a lot of attention. A shifty guard, he is just 6-feet and joining Phinisee in the backcourt would make an extremely small duo. Pack is someone to keep an eye on as things develop and if the Hoosier miss on a high priority.
Nimari Burnett (Prolific Prep)
A combo guard, Burnett is a terrific scorer. His recruitment is very wide open as of now and although he would be a very nice piece for Indiana, there are a lot bigger needs and possibilities that fit better with what Indiana wants to do.