NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 2020 classes prior to spring

DES MOINES, IOWA - MARCH 23: A detailed view of a Wilson basketball on the sideline of the court during the second half in the second round game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Michigan State Spartans of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 23, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – FEBRUARY 4: Coach Pearl of the Tigers directs. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

18. Auburn Tigers (3 commits)

Average Class Ranking: 19.0

Auburn has been steadily rising since head coach Bruce Pearl took over the program. The Tigers made a huge splash by reaching the 2019 Final Four and put together a strong campaign worthy of a high seed in the 2020 NCAA Tournament as well. Looking ahead, Coach Pearl has also been killing it on the recruiting trail and that shows with three strong commits in the 2020 class after landing a few top-tier pieces the year prior as well.

Leading the way for this group is clearly lead guard Sharife Cooper. One of the most electric playmakers in the entire class, the Georgia native is ranked at No. 19/20 and should be an immediate starter before likely taking his talents to the next level. Although Cooper only stands at 6-foot-0, he boasts an outstanding first step, creative vision, and is a three-level scorer as well. He was one part of a stellar backcourt for the AOT Running Rebels on the Nike EYBL circuit.

Auburn also added a pair of legitimate scoring options that could crack the rotation right away. Chris Moore is a 6-foot-7 power forward with a physical build. He can be quite aggressive as an attacker while also putting together solid numbers on the glass. Moore is ranked at No. 123/103 in the class.

Justin Powell, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Kentucky, then provides the sharpshooting punch that this roster needs. Auburn has been 3-point-heavy for the past few years under Coach Pearl and Powell could thrive in that system as a result. He is ranked at No. 152/NR in the class and can create for others as well as splash from deep.

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