Gonzaga Basketball: Breaking down the 2020 recruiting class

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - FEBRUARY 29: A basketball sets on the court during a timeout in the second half between the Saint Mary's Gaels and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center on February 29, 2020 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga defeats Saint Mary's 86-76. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 04: Suggs of Minnehaha dribbles. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Jalen Suggs – Minneapolis, MN

CG | 6-foot-5 | 200 lbs | No. 8 overall

Jalen Suggs is the crown jewel of this recruiting class for Gonzaga. There is no doubt about that. The 6-foot-5 five-star is the highest-rated player to ever commit to the program and he looks poised to be the final piece of the puzzle that could push the Bulldogs over the top during this coming season. While there were some rumors circulating that Suggs would play professionally next season, he signed his official letter of intent on April 15th and most experts believe that he will don a Gonzaga jersey in the fall.

In terms of what he can bring to Spokane, Suggs is a flat-out elite athlete that can torch opponents in just about every single way. He boasts the physical tools (size, length, and athleticism) necessary to be a star from Day 1 and competes at a high level. Suggs plays with a great motor, is a high-flyer above the rim, can shoot it from beyond the arc, exhibits strong playmaking ability, and is a versatile defender.

There simply do not be appear to be any major holes in his game. He occasionally takes a few too many risks, but that is something that can be improved upon as he plays alongside more experienced players. Gonzaga is expected to return a massive amount of talent for this coming season and would likely be a preseason Top 5 team even without Suggs in tow. Considering this, he will have time to ease into a starring role in what will likely be his lone collegiate season.

Suggs is the caliber of player that could really take Gonzaga over the edge for this coming campaign. The Bulldogs were already expected to be a top team in the nation for 2020-21, but his addition (along with the hopeful returns of Ayayi, Kispert, and Petrusev) should make them the clear-cut preseason favorite to win the national championship.

Next. Way-too-early 2020-21 rankings. dark

As alluded to throughout this article, Gonzaga basketball is already loaded with returning talent for the 2020-21 season and beyond. With that said, though, this recruiting class will be incredibly important as it fills any potential holes for the program. Harris and Strawther represent the multi-year stars that Gonzaga has built itself on while Suggs is the type of immediate difference-maker that makes them a national title favorite. It is an incredible three-man class for Coach Few.