NCAA Basketball: Analyzing four-star 2020 F Alex Tchikou top 9 teams

Oregon Ducks

Few teams in the country have as much depth in the frontcourt as the Ducks are prepared to have. Even without now-Saint Louis forward Francis Okoro, Oregon has former five-star recruit N’Faly Dante back, along with CJ Walker, Chandler Lawson, redshirt freshman Lok Wur, and Rutgers transfer forward Eugene Omoruyi. That doesn’t even include recent St. John’s transfer pickup LJ Figueroa, who is capable of playing small-ball at the power forward spot.

Everyone on the Ducks’ roster is a former top-100 prospect, so talent isn’t a question and it’ll be tough for Tchikou to find ways to get minutes. And unlike some of the other programs in the running, expect some more top-100 players to join this team in the 2021 class. If playing time is a clear desire for the recruit, it’s hard to see Oregon having a real chance in this battle.

Saint Mary’s Gaels

This team is rebuilding, thanks to the duo departures of stars Malik Fitts and Jordan Ford. They do get back center Matthias Tass, who missed most of last season due to an injury. Forward Dan Fotu is one of their top returning players, while Utah transfer Matthew van Komen could potentially get a waiver. Add incoming three-star frontcourt recruits Judah Brown and Mitchell Saxen, and you have a solid foundation to work with in the WCC.

Of course, Tchikou has more raw talent than any of them and would get a ton of playing time. Saint Mary’s isn’t a powerhouse program but with opportunities to face Gonzaga twice and playing and developing under Coach Randy Bennett, this could be an under the radar option for him to consider. But the Gaels aren’t used to sending players to the NBA, which may play into his decision.