NCAA Basketball: 15 undervalued players in 2020 recruiting class

#120 Benedict Mathurin, SG – Arizona

Despite losing NBA lottery picks Nico Mannion, Josh Green, and Zeke Nnaji this offseason, the Wildcats have 10 new players in 2020 with a chance to see the floor. The huge influx of talent is certainly going to reshuffle the rotation for Sean Miller, especially at the point guard spot. However, one of the thinnest areas on the 2020 class talent is on the wings. With only three players truly fitting the position, Miller may look to use two of his five talented and productive point guards on the court simultaneously.

Junior Devonaire Doutrive or freshman Dalen Terry is capable of filling the shooting guard or small forward spots, depending on how Miller approaches his roster. However, the best solution in my eyes is again looking towards the stable of international recruits the program signed this offseason and taking a deep look at Canadian-born Benedict Mathurin. As an international guy who did not play in a major AAU circuit or for a national prep team stateside, there are plenty of reasons why he is ranked this low.

Limited exposure likely had a huge impact on where he currently sits, however, Mathurin is being considered a possible 1st-round NBA Draft pick in 2021 if all goes well. He violently attacks the rim and uses his 6’6” frame to play physicality in the paint and explode over defenders. He doesn’t necessarily force these shots though, because his ability to incorporate touch and midrange jumpers is very reliable as well.

Mathurin is a perimeter threat as well, hitting 38.5% of his 3-point attempts for NBA Academy Latin America. He won’t be entirely reliant on the Wildcats stable of point guards to get him good looks to score, because he has strong tendencies to create those opportunities himself. He has the chance to be a very reliable and unexpected breakout piece for Arizona next season.