2020/2021 Basketball Recruiting Roundup: Will NU snag a breakthrough commit?

With two commits for the Class of 2020 (combo guard Ty Berry and center Matt Nicholson), the ‘Cats currently have the tenth ranked class in the Big Ten, according to 247 Sports. However, Chris Collins and his staff are pursuing some intriguing prospects in both 2020 and 2021, including a few big-name players. Let’s take a look at some of the guys on the Northwestern.

2020

Here are the uncommitted players in the Class of 2020 with interest in Northwestern.

Adam Miller, Morgan Park High School, Chicago, IL

247 Composite: 0.9879

The 4-star shooting guard prospect has picked up offers from the likes of Arizona, Kansas, and Illinois, among others. As unlikely as he is to commit to the ‘Cats, Miller would be an impressive addition who could make an immediate impact for Chris Collins’ squad. The 7th-ranked shooting guard has an impressive left-handed jump shot and is not afraid to launch the triple. He also has good court vision and could transition to the point guard position as well.

Dominiq Penn, Dublin Coffman High School, Dublin, Ohio

247 Composite: 0.8702

The three-star point guard is yet to receive an offer from Northwestern, but he could be an attainable prospect for the Wildcats. Penn has been offered by the likes of mid-majors from the Midwest, but has slowly picked up interest from Wisconsin, Indiana, Notre Dame, and, most notably, Ohio State. Penn has impressive vertical reach for a 6-footer and good ball-handling skills and is not afraid to drive to the hole. It will be interesting to see if the ‘Cats have a shot against Penn’s in-state hegemon.

Alec Oglesby, The Rock School, Gainesville, FL

247 Composite: N/A

The 6’5” shooting guard remains unranked, but he has picked up interest from some mid-majors and Ivies. Despite a low release, Oglesby has an impressive jump shot and can knock down mid-ranges with ease. There’s no indication as to where Northwestern stands on Oglesby’s list, but one must assume that his growing list of offers will only increase as the year progresses.

2021

Here’s a quick rundown on some of the prospects on the ‘Cats radar for the Class of 2021.

Max Christie, Rolling Meadows High School, Rolling Meadows, IL

247 Composite: 0.9949

Christie is the top-ranked player in the state of Illinois for good reason: He has an impressive 6’6” frame with good ball-handling skills and incredibly athleticism. While it appears that Northwestern is high on his list, both Duke and Illinois have also given him an offer. Christie visited NU for the team scrimmage on Friday before the Ohio State football game.

Can the ‘Cats pull off an upset and snag the five-star?

Luke Goode, Homestead High School, Fort Wayne, IN

247 Composite: 0.9635

The four-star Indiana native holds an offer from Northwestern, but appears to be recruited especially heavily by Maryland and Iowa. He has a pure stroke on the triple which would make an immediate impact on Chris Collins squad.

Though the recruiting sites have his interest in Northwestern as cool at best, he just took an official visit to Evanston after plenty of unofficials, and his family ties to the athletic program certainly make him a possible (and exciting!) target. Goode would be an important addition and a potential breakthrough player for the all-important 2021 class that simultaneously would not preclude any other players coming on board, and as such is quickly becoming a crucial target for Chris Collins and co.

This section was updated after publication.

Patrick Baldwin, Jr., Hamilton High School, Sussex, WI

247 Composite: 0.9994

PBJ, the second-ranked prospect in the United States of America and a surefire lottery pick, has Northwestern on his list. Both of his parents are alums, and his father was an assistant under Chris Collins for four seasons. He stands at 6’8” and 190 pounds yet has ball-handling skills and a good shooting stroke. It seems unlikely, but, considering his unique connection to the program and university, Collins seemingly has a leg up on the competition.

Caleb Furst, Blackhawk Christian School, Fort Wayne, IN

247 Composite: 0.9872

Furst, the 2nd-ranked player in Indiana, has a strong post game and a tendency to drive, using his 6’10” 215 pound frame to his advantage. He doesn't shoot much, but the lefty also contributes a ton of defense as well. He holds offers from big powers such as Michigan State, Virginia, and Indiana. Despite Collins’ offer, Furst is unlikely to come too Evanston. Still, he is a player to look out for as he enters college.

Pierre Brooks, Douglass Academy, Detroit, MI

247 Composite: 0.9526

The 6’5” four-star shooting guard appears to be leaning heavily toward Michigan State. Another unlikely candidate for the Wildcats’ Class of 2021, he has a good stroke and an aggressive drive. It will be interesting to see if any other programs can dissuade Brooks from going to East Lansing.

Julian Roper, St. Mary’s Prep, Franklin, MI

247 Composite: 0.9412

The 6’3” shooting guard visited Evanston at the beginning of October; he has also picked up offers from Wisconsin and Alabama, among others. He has phenomenal vision and a nice jump shot. His athleticism and ability to pass could see him shift to a combo guard if needed. Chris Collins probably has a better chance of picking him up than Brooks at this point in the recruiting season.

Bryce Hopkins, Fenwick High School, Oak Park, IL

247 Composite: 0.9721

A local lad from the western suburbs, Hopkins is perhaps undersized for a power forward at 6’6” and 220 pounds, yet he has the athleticism of a guard and can hit triples from deep. At the moment, there is no school hot on Hopkins tail: Northwestern will battle Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Iowa, and Indiana, among others, for his services. Hopkins visited Evanston alongside Max Christie for the team’s scrimmage on October 18.