Big 12 Basketball: Top 15 impact players from 2020 recruiting class

MIDDLE VILLAGE, NEW YORK - APRIL 04: Cade Cunningham #1 of Montverde Academy dunks the ball against NSU University School in the quarterfinal of the GEICO High School National Tournament at Christ the King High School on April 04, 2019 in Middle Village, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 08: Texas Tech Red Raiders (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

4. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Micah Peavy

Micah Peavy is another freshman that is going to come in and cause Coach Chris Beard headaches, but mostly because he is so good. With three freshmen who could be put into the starting line-up immediately and transfer Marcus Santos-Silva transferring from VCU, coach Beard has to balance the guys who have proved they can do it and the highly touted new guys.

At 6’7 Peavy is much more suited for small forward than Kyle Edwards and more skilled than Avery Benson. Much in the same way that Nimari Burnett provides versatility at guard, Peavy supplies that at forward. Already known as a rebounder who has NBA potential, Peavy’s on the ball defense is above average and is way better than when he is forced to close out.

At some point in the season, Peavy is going to bump Edwards or Kevin McCuller to the bench. Peavy’s ability to shoot makes him more valuable than McCuller’s who started but logged just 18 minutes a game. If Peavy does not take somebody’s starting spot, he will take their minutes. It all depends on how Coach Beard wants to handle his guys before he lets the young-ins take the lead.

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