NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing 2020 F Taj Thweatt's final 8 teams

NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing 2020 F Taj Thweatt’s final 8 teams

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - MARCH 21: Members of the Seton Hall Pirates bench react in the second half against the Wofford Terriers during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on March 21, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

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GAINESVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 22: Head Coach Mike White, hired Armon Gates to be his new Assistant a month ago. It did not work out and now Gates is headed to Nebraska (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

Florida Gators

The Gators have had one of the best offseasons in terms of bringing in new players. They have the No. 7 overall recruiting class that includes a pair of five-star prospects in Tre Mann and small forward Scottie Lewis. Not only that, there are three incoming transfers the bolster the roster. One of them is Anthony Duruji, a 6’7 forward who came from Louisiana Tech after averaging 12.2 ppg and 6.2 rpg last season. After sitting out next season, he’ll have two years left of eligibility.

Even with no 2020 commits and the assumption that Scottie will have gone pro before Thweatt would hypothetically arrive, the projected roster for the 2020-21 season will be filled with wings. Not only does Duruji have the inside track, Deaundrae Ballard and Keyontae Johnson very well could still be around. Thweatt wouldn’t get much immediate playing time in the first couple of seasons and could easily get passed up by potential future top-50 wing prospects.

Illinois Illini

While the Gators are loaded on the wings, Illinois is the complete opposite. In fact, they went with a three-guard lineup most of the time last season. Aaron Jordan primarily took the three-spot but has since graduated. With top-50 center Kofi Cockburn coming in, look for rising senior Kipper Nichols to take that position for the most part. If he’s not capable, sophomores Tevian Jones and Da’Monte Williams will share the load.

Jones, a former four-star recruit is the key here. He only played nine minutes a game last season and struggled for playing time. The 6’7 forward has potential but will have to shoot the ball better for Illinois to play him more. If he doesn’t improve, Thweatt could have an easy pathway not only for immediate playing time but possibly to even start at the wing.

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