Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Must-snag commitments in the 2020 class

By Lukas Harkins

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 21: A detailed view of a Wilson college basketball during the third round of the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Consol Energy Center on March 21, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 21: A detailed view of a Wilson college basketball during the third round of the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Consol Energy Center on March 21, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – MARCH 15: Coach Larranaga reacts. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – MARCH 15: Coach Larranaga reacts. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Miami (FL) needs Scottie Barnes

SF | 6-foot-8 | 210 lbs | No. 9 overall

Miami (FL) has been one of the nation’s most underrated programs on the court over the past few seasons. Under the leadership of head coach Jim Larranaga, the Hurricanes have reached the NCAA Tournament in three of the last four seasons and have a bright future ahead of them. This would especially be the case if the coaching staff is able to secure a commitment from five-star wing Scottie Barnes.

Although Barnes is ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect in the class, his recruitment has been kept relatively quiet. There does not seem to be a clear favorite to land his commitment as a result. Barnes narrowed his list to eight schools a few months back and Miami (FL) made that list in addition to several other high-majors. Barnes is a native of the Miami area and the Hurricanes might have a hometown advantage in this recruiting battle.

Securing this commitment would be absolutely outstanding for Coach Larranaga. Miami (FL), despite their underrated level of success in recent years, is a middling program in the ACC. Barnes’ potential arrival on campus would change the outlook for the basketball team moving forward. He is a high-motor wing that finishes at an elite level in transition. You would be hard-pressed to find a better competitor in this 2020 recruiting class.

Barnes averaged 18.1 points (.512/.257/.637), 8.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game in 18 total contests on the Nike EYBL circuit this summer. He was a superb contributor for the Nightrydas Elite (FL) and will be a star at the collegiate level.

Miami (FL) might not be regarded as a clear favorite to land this commitment but they are the hometown program and could use that to their advantage. Barnes has taken/scheduled four official visits prior to the early signing period and his last stop will be to Miami (FL). He could change the trajectory of the Hurricanes. His other visits will be to Oregon, Florida State, and Ohio State.

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