2020 Chosen 25 Basketball Rankings

Jalen Green holding off on decision, talks Fresno State official

Prolific Prep combo guard Jalen Green said he won’t decide until his season is over.

Initially, Prolific Prep (Napa, California) combo guard Jalen Green said he was going to make his decision on Christmas but pushed it back to “after the season” in order to gather more information about schools.

RELATED: Chosen 25 Basketball Rankings

“I want to watch the games and see everything this season,” Green said. “I want to talk to them more and see what they’re views are and everything like that.”

Green, who checks in at No. 3 overall in USA Today Sport’s Chosen 25, has taken officials to Memphis, Oregon, Auburn, USC and most recently to Fresno State.

“It went good,” Green said of the visit to Fresno State. “I’m already close with Coach (Justin) Hutson and them out there. I’ve known them for a minute now. It was fun just catching up with them and talking to them and seeing what their plan was for me.”

Still, even with the officials in the books, Green was adamant that those schools were not his top five.

“I don’t even have a top five,” Green said. “I’m just watching everything and getting all of the information from different schools. I’m not rushing through anything because it’s a big decision.”

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Hoopfest: Cade Cunningham happy be back home as a Cowboy

Cade Cunningham said he knows he made the right decision picking Oklahoma State.

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DALLAS – Cade Cunningham knew the question was coming at some point and, while he’ll concede that “it’s a fair question,” he’s not ready to give an answer.

HOOPFEST: Harrison Ingram earns respect

Earlier this month when Cunningham committed to Oklahoma State he released a video and said, “To be honest, I was this close to picking a different school, but blood is always thicker than water,” eluding to his brother Cannen being on staff at Oklahoma State as the reason the Cowboys ultimately won out.

“I’m not gonna say which school it was,” said Cunningham, the No. 1 overall player in USA Today Sports’ Chosen 25. “But the small space between my two fingers was how close I came to going to another school. Things changed though and I’m happy where I’m at. I wouldn’t want to be at any other school; I can honestly say that. It feels good to know you made the right decision.”

HOOPFEST: Bryce Thompson thrives after committing to Kansas

On Friday at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest, Cunningham channeled that positive energy into a big win, scoring 15 points and handing out eight assists to lead the No. 1 Eagles past No. 22 Duncanville (Texas) 84-51. It was Cunningham’s first high school game in his home state since transferring to Montverde from Bowie (Arlington, Texas) the summer before his junior year.

“it was great to be back home,” Cunningham said. “It’s been a minute for me, but it just felt great to get the chance to play in front of everybody. Now, I’m just focused on winning a GEICO Nationals title with my guys.”

Last year in the GEICO Nationals semifinals, Montverde blew a 16-point second half lead and fell to eventual champion IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida), who currently checks in at No. 2.

HOOPFEST: Elite sophomore Arterio Morris stars at the Hoopfest

“We’re No. 1, but we’re the hunters,” Cunningham said. “We’re trying to beat the brakes off every team we play like they’re No. 1. We’re just hungrier this year than we’ve ever been. We’re coming for everybody.”

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Hoopfest: Nimari Burnett gets social media boost after viral halfcourt shot

Nimari Burnett’s viral halfcourt buzzer beater earned him a social media boost in followers.

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DALLAS – Coming off the shot of the season thus far, a halfcourt buzzer beater to knockoff Dream City Christian (Glendale, Arizona) 66-63 in the Duel in the Desert championship game on November 23, Prolific Prep (Napa, California) point guard Nimari Burnett was “even more excited” to play his first game as a Texas Tech signee in the Lonestar State.

“This is where I’ll be, so it feels good to be able to play in front of the fans,” said Burnett, who is ranked No. 15 in USA Today Sports’ Chosen 25. “These are the people that will be supporting me next year, so I wanted to give them a good show.”

HOOPFEST: Bryce Thompson thrives after committing to Kansas

In two wins at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest, Burnett averaged 15 points for the No. 5 Crew.

“First, I’m just happy to win,” Burnett said. “I just want to set the tone for winning here in Texas because my plan is to do a lot of that next season. That halfcourt shot got a lot of the fans excited.”

Since the halfcourt heave went viral, Burnett said he’s added “over 3,000 followers” on social media.

HOOPFEST: Caleb Love has emotional connection to future school UNC

“It was pretty crazy all of the attention that came,” Burnett said. “We had fun with it in practice the next week and all of that, but now we’re moving on from it. Our goal is to go undefeated this season, and the way we’ll do that is to focus on every game in front of us. We have to because we have one of the toughest schedules in the country, but we have the team the depth to get it done.”

Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY

Hoopfest: Bryce Thompson thriving without stress of recruiting

Without the pressure of the recruitment process, Bryce Thompson is thriving.

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DALLAS – Booker T. Washington (Tulsa, Oklahoma) combo guard Bryce Thompson had heard about the stress relief that accompanies a college commitment but didn’t fully understand the extent of it until he committed to Kansas earlier this month.

“I know people say this all the time, but it’s true; it’s really a weight lifted off of your shoulders,” Thompson said. “Just in practice and training I feel so much more relaxed and calmer.”

He used that newfound tranquility to score 27 points in the Hornets’ 79-72 loss to Christian Brothers College (St. Louis, Missouri) Saturday at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest.

Thompson said he developed a more dominant mindset this summer after leading the Under Armour Association in scoring, averaging 25.3 points per game on the Oklahoma Run PWP.

“I just proved to myself what I could do on one of the biggest stages against some of the best players,” Thompson said. “I just hold myself with a higher standard when it comes to scoring.”

To that end, Thompson said he’s “already preparing” for Kansas in everything he does now, from training to mentality.

“College is the next level for me so preparing for a higher level only helps me in high school,” said Thompson, who added more than 5,000 followers on social media after committing to Kansas. “I have big goals and I want to be as prepared as possible for next year. I’m continuing to work on my ball handling and my jumping and my body; just anything that will put me in a better position to help Kansas, I’m in.”

Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY

Hoopfest: UNC’s Thanksgiving loss to Michigan ruined Caleb Love’s holiday

Caleb Love said when his North Carolina Tar Heels lose he’s as mad as if he were on the team this year.

DUNCANVILLE, Texas – Caleb Love is the last guy on the planet you want to watch a college basketball game with on TV, specifically when his North Carolina Tar Heels are playing.

Love, a point guard at Christian Brothers College (St. Louis, Missouri), committed to North Carolina in October, which immediately transformed him from fan to family.

ALL-USA: 19-20 ALL-USA Preseason Boys Basketball Team

“It just went to another level when I committed,” said Love, who is ranked No 24 in USA Today Sports’ Chosen 25. “It’s a family in Chapel Hill so when I’m watching now I feel like I’m on the court with them.”

That made for a dismal Thanksgiving, according to Love, who as watched North Carolina fell 73-64 to Michigan in the Battle for Atlantis.

“That messed up my Thanksgiving to be honest,” Love said. “I just wanted to be to myself for a little bit; I hate when we lose. I might as well have been on the floor with them. It affects me like that.”

Things didn’t get any easier Friday at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest, Love and the Cadets fell to Kimball (Dallas) 75-67 in their season opener.

“Seeing Carolina lose just makes me want to get out there and take it out on the next team,” said Love, who scored 31 points in the loss. “Those are my brothers so of course it bothers me. I go all out with my high school team since I can’t help them on the court until next year.”

RELATED: Chosen 25 Basketball Rankings

Love is, however, helping the Tar Heels with their recruitment of Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, California) wing Ziaire Williams, ranked No. 8 in the Chosen 25.

“I hit him every week, just seeing where he’s at with everything,” Love said. “I don’t pressure him or anything, I just checking in mostly, but he knows I want him with us. He’s here now so I’m definitely gonna talk to him this weekend. I feel like we’ve got a 50 percent chance to get him. Those are good odds.”

Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY

Oak Hill (Va.) four-star point guard K.K. Robinson still torn between Kansas and Arkansas

Four-star point guard K.K. Robinson will decide between Kansas and Arkansas on Thanksgiving Day.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia) point guard K.K. Robinson will have a great reason to be thankful this Thanksgiving, and not just for the cliché reasons.

“I’ll be announcing my college decision on Thanksgiving,” said Robinson, a four-star senior who helped the No. 14 Warriors to two wins at the Phenom Hoops National High School Showcase last weekend. “I’m looking forward to that day.”

RELATED: Chosen 25 Basketball Rankings

To that end, Robinson has cut his list to Kansas and Arkansas and broke down what he likes about each school.

Kansas: “What stands out most with Kansas is the exposure that I’d get there, the fan support and the coaches. They have a lot of experience with smaller guards and getting them to the next level, which is big for me. Then they’re style of play is how I want to play. I know that I’d be really effective in that style of play.”

Arkansas: “I really like the new staff there. They haven’t really been on the national stage in a while and they’re committed to turning that all around. They want me to be a part of that turnaround and that’s big for me. Then that’s the hometown school so I like that part of it too.”

Robinson was quick to point out that, while he’s set his decision date, he’ still mulling the actual decision.

“I go back and forth a lot,” Robinson said. “Those are two great options for me, and I feel like both would be a good fit. That’s what makes it hard.”

Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY

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Phenom Hoops Showcase: Chosen 25 shooting guard Cam Thomas focused on two

Cam Thomas said he’s focused on LSU and UCLA and could decide at any time.

RALEIGH, N.C. – It’s not that Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia) shooting guard Cam Thomas is devoid of passion for the game or an excitement about his propensity to score loads of point night in and night out; it’s just that when you’ve been the leading scorer not just on your team, but in every league you’ve ever played from the age of 7, you tend to get used to the swish of the nets on your jump shots.

“Scoring isn’t hard for me,” said Thomas, who is ranked No. 11 overall in USA Today Sports’ Chosen 25. “I feel like I was born to do it. I just look at it as me doing my job for my team to win. I don’t see it as anything special.”

Hard sell for a guy pumping in 35 points a game on the No. 14 team in USA Today’s Super 25.

On Friday, Thomas’ scoring barrage continued, dropping 22 points in Oak Hill’s 89-45 win over Crestwood Prep College (Toronto) at the Phenom Hoops National High School Showcase.

“I just try to do my job, but I’m most happy with the win,” Thomas said. “I know that people think we’re down this year, but I use it as motivation.”

As for his recruitment, Thomas said LSU and UCLA “are standing out,” but Auburn is still in the mix.

As for when he’ll decide, Thomas said he wasn’t sure but didn’t rule out the possibility of committing during the NCAA’s Early Signing Period which kicked off on Nov. 13 and runs through Nov. 20.

PRESEASON BASKETBALL COVERAGE:

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“I don’t really know when it’ll happen,” Thomas said. “I feel like I’ll know when I’m ready. I want to go to a school that’s gonna let me play my game, a school that will get me better and a school with a family-like atmosphere. I feel like all three of the schools will give me that so it will be a hard decision for sure.”

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Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY

Phenom Hoops Showcase: Five-star point guard Jaden Bradley living up to the hype

Jaden Bradley is widely regarded as the No. 1 point guard in the 2022 class and he’s living up to that hype.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Last season as a freshman, Cannon School (Concord, North Carolina) point guard Jaden Bradley didn’t mind wearing the “young” label as he navigated his way through high-level competition while wearing “the next big thing” label.

“I learned a lot last season,” said Bradley, widely regarded as the top point guard in the 2022 class. “This season I am trying to take my gym to the next level.”

That much was evident in his season-opening win over North Carolina powerhouse Carmel Christian (Matthews), posting 21 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals. He kept that dominance going Friday at the Phenom Hoops National High School Showcase, posting 27 points in a 79-75 win over Greenfield School (Wilson, North Carolina).

“I just have a different mindset this season,” said Bradley, who added that he’s getting most of his interest from SEC and ACC schools. “I just want to be more of a leader and improve in every area of my game basically. I just have to keep working.”

PRESEASON BASKETBALL COVERAGE:

Super 25 Boys Rankings | ALL-USA Boys | ALL-USA Girls

That’s how Bradley combats the pressure of living up to the hype of being the top point guard in the class. He held firm in that regard this summer averaging 15 points and five assists for B. Maze Elite in the Under Armour Association.

“I don’t feel like there’s pressure because I just keep working,” Bradley said. “I’m not one of those players that thinks he’s already made it. I know I have to get better on both ends of the court. As long as I keep that mindset of always wanting to improve I’ll be fine.”

Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY

The Isaiah Jackson Blog: This is why I chose Kentucky…

Kentucky’s newest commit Isaiah Jackson did an exclusive blog with USA Today Sports breaking down why he chose the Wildcats.

Waterford Mott (Waterford Township, Michigan) forward Isaiah Jackson is ranked No. 22 overall in USA Today Sports’ Chosen 25 for 2020 and just committed to Kentucky. He did an exclusive blog with USA Today Sports about the reasons behind his decision.

What’s up world, it’s Isaiah Jackson and as you can see I just committed to the University of Kentucky!

This was a dream come true for me.

Once Coach Cal started recruiting me I feel like my passion for Kentucky just grew even more. Don’t get me wrong, it was a hard decision because all three of the schools recruiting me did a great job, but my heart was just with Kentucky.

I think the moment where it turned for Kentucky was after my visit to Alabama.

That’s when I sat down with my family and really talked about it and it was clear that I was going there. I just feel like it gives me the best chance to get better and the best chance to win.

The class we’re bringing in is gonna be crazy with myself, BJ, Terrence, Cam, Lance and Devin. I just feel like we have the right pieces to win a national title.

That’s what we all expect and we’re all already talking about it.

PRESEASON BASKETBALL COVERAGE:

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We’re not done either. I don’t know who I’ll go after right now, but I’m definitely gonna be recruiting guys hard to come to Kentucky.

The coaches at Kentucky are comparing me to Anthony Davis, just a guy who blocks shots, runs the floor, plays the pick-and-roll and shots the J. Obviously, Anthony Davis is one of the best players in the world so that’s big for me to hear, but it just motivates me to work harder.

When I told Coach Cal about my decision I could tell that he was really happy and excited; that made me even more excited.

I’m planning to sign my NLI today too so I’m gonna have it all over with and that’s a great feeling too.

Now, I can just focus on my season and my books.

Tonight I’ll probably go out to eat with my family to celebrate.

OK, guys I just wanted to explain my decision for you a little more in-depth, but I have to get going now.

Thanks again for reading and GO BBN!

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Seventeen Super 25 teams to be featured in the GEICO ESPN High School Showcase

GEICO ESPN High School Showcase will feature 17 Super 25 teams and multiple Chosen 25 stars this season.

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Seventeen of the 25 teams ranked in USA Today’s Super 25 Boys Basketball Rankings will be featured this season in the GEICO ESPN High School Showcase.

In all 34 games will be available across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and digitally on ESPN3.

“When you combine the abundance of nationally ranked teams and the nation’s most elite prospects, this year’s schedule is our biggest and best to date,” said Paul Biancardi, ESPN national recruiting director.

The TV games will kickoff on Dec. 5 when No. 5 Prolific Prep (Napa, California) takes on No. 3 Hillcrest Prep (Phoenix) on ESPN2.

The Crew features elite guard Nimari Burnett, a Texas Tech signee who is ranked No. 15 overall in USA Today Sports’ Chosen 25, and Jalen Green, who is ranked No. 3 overall, while the Bruins feature a handful of Chosen 25 players, including junior forward Michael Foster, who is ranked No. 6, and Keon Edwards, who is ranked No. 19.

PRESEASON BASKETBALL COVERAGE:

Super 25 Boys Rankings | ALL-USA Boys | ALL-USA Girls

Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, California), ranked No. 8, will make 15 appearances across the different platforms this season.

The Trailblazers boast Chosen 25 star shooting guard B.J. Boston, a Ketucky signee who is ranked No. 14 and Ziaire Williams, who is ranked No. 9. Also, Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, and Zaire Wade, son of retired NBA star Dwyane Wade, suit up for Sierra Canyon.

Checkout the full slate of games below.

Date	Time (ET)	Matchup	Network
Thu, Nov 21	11 p.m.	No. 8 Sierra Canyon (Calif.)at Montgomery HS (Calif.)	ESPN3
Fri, Nov 22	11 p.m.	No. 8 Sierra Canyon (Calif.) vs. Saint Augustine (Calif.)	ESPN3
Sat, Nov 23	11 p.m.	No. 8 Sierra Canyon (Calif.) vs. Cathedral Catholic (Calif.)	ESPN3
Thu, Dec 5	9 p.m.	No. 5 Prolific Prep (Calif.) vs. No. 3 Hillcrest Prep (Ariz.)	ESPN2
Sat, Dec 7	7 p.m.	No. 16 Mater Dei (Calif.) vs. Perry (Ariz.)	ESPN3
Sat, Dec 7	8:30 p.m.	Christ the King (N.Y.) vs. No. 18 Rancho Christian (Calif.)	ESPN3
Sat, Dec 7	10 p.m.	No. 8 Sierra Canyon (Calif.) at Millenium (Ariz.)	ESPN3
Sat, Dec 7	11:30 p.m.	Hamilton Heights (Tenn.) at No. 3 Hillcrest Prep (Ariz.)	ESPN3
Thu, Dec 12	8 p.m.	No. 10 DeMatha (Md.) at No. 1 Montverde Academy (Fla.)	ESPNU
Sat, Dec 14	8:30 p.m.	No. 8 Sierra Canyon (Calif.) vs. St. Vincent & St. Mary (Ohio)	ESPN3
Thu, Jan 3	7 p.m.	Park Center (Minn.) at Minnehaha Acadamy (Minn.)	ESPN3
Thu, Jan 3	9 p.m.	No. 4 The Patrick School (N.J.) at No. 8 Sierra Canyon (Calif.)	ESPN2
Fri, Jan 4	8 p.m.	No. 8 Sierra Canyon (Calif.) at No. 20 Minnehaha Academy (Minn.)	ESPN3
Thu, Jan 10	9 p.m.	No. 7 Huntington Prep (W.Va.) at No. 2 IMG Academy (Fla.)	ESPN2
Fri, Jan 11	TBD	No. 18 Rancho Christian (Calif.) at No. 8 Sierra Canyon (Calif.)	ESPN3
Fri, Jan 18	3 p.m.	La Lumiere (Ind.) vs. Gonzaga (D.C.)	ESPN3
Fri, Jan 18	4:30 p.m.	No. 18 Rancho Christian (Calif.) vs. Camden (N.J.)	ESPN3
Fri, Jan 18	6 p.m.	No. 2 IMG Academy (Fla.) vs. No. 4 The Patrick School (N.J.)	ESPN3
Fri, Jan 18	8 p.m.	No. 8 Sierra Canyon (Calif.) vs. Dominican (Wis.)	ESPN3
Sat, Jan 19	12:30 p.m.	Orangeville Prep (Canada) vs. Brewster Adcademy (N.H.)	ESPN3
Sat, Jan 19	2:15 p.m.	Whitney Young (Ill.) vs. No. 4 The Patrick School (N.J.)	ESPN3
Sat, Jan 19	4 p.m.	No. 3 Hillcrest Prep (Ariz.) vs. Sunrise Christian (Kan.)	ESPN3
Sat, Jan 19	5:30 p.m.	No. 6 Prolific Prep (Calif.) at vs. La Lumiere (Ind.)	ESPN3
Sat, Jan 19	7:30 p.m.	No. 2 IMG Academy (Fla.) vs. No. 1 Montverde Academy (Fla.)	ESPN
Sun, Jan 20	11 a.m.	No. 8 Sierra Canyon (Calif.) vs. No. 12 Paul VI (Va.)	ESPNU
Sun, Jan 20	1 p.m.	No. 18 Rancho Christian (Calif.) vs. No. 10 DeMatha (Md.)	ESPNU
Sun, Jan 20	3 p.m.	No. 17 Bishop Gorman (Nev.) vs. No. 11 Oak Hill Academy (Va.)	ESPNU
Sun, Jan 20	5 p.m.	No. 1 Montverde Academy (Fla.) vs. No. 6 McEachern (Ga.)	ESPNU
Thu, Jan 24	11 p.m.	Coronado (Nev.) at No. 17 Bishop Gorman (Nev.)	ESPNU
Mon, Jan 28	TBD	No. 8 Sierra Canyon (Calif.) at Campbell Hall (Calif.)	ESPN3
Thu, Jan 31	TBD	No. 8 Sierra Canyon (Calif.) at Brentwood School (Calif.)	ESPN3
Mon, Feb 4	TBD	No. 8 Sierra Canyon (Calif.) at Paraclete HS (Calif.)	ESPN3
Wed, Feb 6	5:30 p.m.	No. 25 Archbishop Stepinac (N.Y.) at Christ the King (N.Y.)	ESPNU
Wed, Feb 6	7:30 p.m.	Saint John Vianney (N.J.) vs. Christ the King (N.Y.) Girls	TBD
Thu, Feb 7	TBD	No. 8 Sierra Canyon (Calif.) vs. Gil St. Benard’s (N.J.)	ESPN3
Fri, Feb 8	TBD	No. 8 Sierra Canyon (Calif.) vs. No. 9 Long Island Lutheran (N.Y.)	ESPN3
Fri, Feb 8	TBD	Huntington Prep vs. The Patrick School	TBD