NCAA Basketball: 8 programs landing highest-ranked recruit in history

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: Cade Cunningham #1 of Montverde Academy is introduced prior to the game against Sanford School during the City of Palms Classic Day 2 at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on December 19, 2019 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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FORT MYERS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 19: Cade Cunningham #1 of Montverde Academy (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Oklahoma State – Cade Cunningham

"“I think he was, you do this long enough and you see something that you don’t see with other kids, their poise, the way he was able to articulate the things he was trying to accomplish. He was mature.” – Mike Boynton, Oklahoma State Head Coach"

It’s been years since Oklahoma State had a big basketball star. We’re nearly six seasons removed from the last time Marcus Smart touched the court, five since Le’Bryan Nash, and two since Jawun Evans. Finishing 8th in the Big-12 highlights a few of their shortcomings. Yet Oklahoma State has put together a competitive core that looked like better than their final record. A four-game winning streak to end the season shows promise that they’re just a few pieces away.

What they have in the 2020 recruiting class could change their misfortunes thanks to the number one overall recruit, Cade Cunningham. Cade at the helm improves a team that sat at the bottom of the Big 12 in offensive rating and near the top in turnover percentage. The 6-7 point guard heralds comparisons to Luka Doncic, proving he owns the most pro-ready game in his class.

Having their first genuine prep star in some time will give Oklahoma State the talent they need to get back to their first NCAA appearance since 2017. Cade’s high IQ and winner’s mentality will help him become one of the best players in the conference while bringing out the best in his talented teammates.

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