NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Top 2020 classes after early signing period

Total Commits: 3 | Average Rating: 94.06

Houston has quickly emerged as a powerhouse in the American Athletic Conference under the leadership of head coach Kelvin Sampson. The Cougars have played exceptional basketball over the past few seasons thanks to strong defense and a couple of elite scorers. Looking ahead to the future, there is no reason to believe that Houston will take a step back. Coach Sampson showcased his tremendous recruiting abilities prior to the early signing period this season by landing three commits for the No. 23 overall class in the nation.

Tramon Mark (No. 68) and Jamal Shead (No. 130) are the two highest-rated players in the class and are both guards from the Lone Star State. With their combined skillsets, it appears that these two in-state prospects will make up the backcourt of the future for Houston. Mark, 6-foot-4, is a smooth lefty with plenty of length and the ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor. He can fill it up at all three levels and lock down multiple positions on the other end. Shead, 6-foot-1, does not bring as much size but still should be a strong contributor in the backcourt. Shead averaged 13.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 2.2 steals per game on the EYBL circuit.

Those two might be the headliners but watch for Kiyron Powell (No. 163), the last recruit in the class, to emerge as a serious star for the Cougars. The 6-foot-9 Hoosier State native oozes potential that Coach Sampson should be able to tap into. He runs the floor exceptionally well, finishes above the rim, and can be a dynamic defender as a rim-protector as well as switching candidate on the perimeter. Powell fits the modern game very well and should be viewed as a steal for Houston. I love his game.