Each Monday I'll release an updated edition of college basketball's top 30 teama and players. The team rankings are based on how the teams are playing right now, and the player rankings are projections for the 2020 NBA Draft as I would pick them.
I didn't get a chance to see everyone during the first week, but after lots of research here's what I've got...
Featured Team: Louisville Cardinals
Louisville has been by far the most impressive team I’ve seen this week. They’ve got size, talent, and experience, and while I still need to see a few of the other top teams play, I have a feeling Louisville will hold on to the top spot after I do.
Junior Jordan Nwora is the leader of this team. He’s a likely first-team All-American and possible Player of the Year in college basketball this season. He’s got a solid handle for a guy his size, and he’s one of the smartest players you’ll find at this level.
Nwora looks quicker and fitter this season. He’s playing much better defense, and he’s getting to the rim and finishing explosively in transition. He’s rebounding and shooting very well once again this year, and if he keeps this up he should be a lottery pick.
Louisville has several more future pros, including center Steven Enoch. Enoch has improved a lot over the course of his career. He’s always had the size, but this year he looks much more coordinated and confident. He’s a very good rebounder and rim defender, but he’s also agile enough to guard on the perimeter.
Enoch is a pretty well-rounded offensive player as well. He’s got a nice jump-shot with three-point range, and he finishes well around the rim with dunks and hooks. He’s been very active and aggressive so far this season, and if he can maintain this level he’ll be one of the best big men in the 2020 draft.
Samuell Williamson is just a freshman and not even a starter, but he’s been very composed and has shown a little bit of every skill you’d want in his two games this season. He’s got great size and athleticism. He’s got a solid handle, allowing him to create his own shots. He can rebound and lead the break coast-to-coast. Williamson is a very good shooter with deep range, and he’s capable of making shots of all difficulties. His tremendous athleticism and aggression allows him to finish in transition and in traffic high above the rim.
The rest of the Louisville supporting cast is mostly made up of experienced veterans who play with great toughness and physicality. This team has all the pieces to make a run at a national title this season.
Featured Players
James Wiseman, C Memphis
Wiseman is a complete monster. It will be a shame if the NCAA rules him ineligible, but I’ve already seen enough to make him a top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He might be the most coordinated, athletic, and aggressive big man I’ve ever seen, and not many in the college game will have any chance of competing with him.
He plays high above the rim and attacks it with ferocity. He rebounds far above most players, and he uses his body extremely well to carve out space. He runs the floor with speed and athleticism, and he’s got the timing and reliable hands to catch everything and finish easily in transition.
Wisemen is also tremendous defensively. He defends the rim at a high level, but he also moves his feet very well to stay in front of opponents on the perimeter. He plays with physicality and intensity at all times, making him nearly impossible to stop. There’s a high probability he’ll end up being the #1 pick.
Jaden McDaniels, SG/SF Washington
Jaden McDaniels is one of the few guys that could step in and play in the NBA right now. While he’s still very skinny and needs to add strength, he plays with a toughness and aggression level that makes up for it.
McDaniels is long and athletic and plays with great effort and intensity. He’s got a great handle that allows him to get where he wants on the floor, and he’s capable of knocking down tough shots off the dribble. He’s a good passer who usually makes the right decision with the ball, and he does a great job rebounding and coming up with loose balls.
Even though Washington plays a zone defense, it’s easy to see that Jaden McDaniels is a great defender. He’s extremely active with long arms and quick hands, and his awareness and feel for the game put him in position to block shots and get steals. He’s in the conversation for the top pick.
Most Underrated: Harlond Beverly, PG Miami
Harlond Beverly is the most underrated freshman in college basketball this season. Somehow he was only a four-star prospect, but to me he looks like arguably the nation’s best point guard.
He’s huge, but he’s still quick with a great handle. He’s long and athletic and finishes easily at the rim. He’s got tremendous court vision, and he effortlessly penetrates the defense and can deliver pinpoint passes to his teammates from a variety of release points. He understands how to change speeds to keep defenders off balance. He’s a good shooter and tough defender as well, and with his competitive spirit I know he’ll continue getting even better.
Beverly has yet to crack the starting lineup, but for Miami’s sake hopefully Larranaga soon realizes that Harlond is his best player. The Hurricanes are a talented team, and the sooner Beverly can take over as the team’s leader the better. I imagine that can be difficult with upperclassman who have performed well in past seasons, but Miami will only reach its potential with Harlond Beverly as the starting point guard and clear go-to-guy.
I didn't get a chance to see everyone during the first week, but after lots of research here's what I've got...
Featured Team: Louisville Cardinals
Louisville has been by far the most impressive team I’ve seen this week. They’ve got size, talent, and experience, and while I still need to see a few of the other top teams play, I have a feeling Louisville will hold on to the top spot after I do.
Junior Jordan Nwora is the leader of this team. He’s a likely first-team All-American and possible Player of the Year in college basketball this season. He’s got a solid handle for a guy his size, and he’s one of the smartest players you’ll find at this level.
Nwora looks quicker and fitter this season. He’s playing much better defense, and he’s getting to the rim and finishing explosively in transition. He’s rebounding and shooting very well once again this year, and if he keeps this up he should be a lottery pick.
Louisville has several more future pros, including center Steven Enoch. Enoch has improved a lot over the course of his career. He’s always had the size, but this year he looks much more coordinated and confident. He’s a very good rebounder and rim defender, but he’s also agile enough to guard on the perimeter.
Enoch is a pretty well-rounded offensive player as well. He’s got a nice jump-shot with three-point range, and he finishes well around the rim with dunks and hooks. He’s been very active and aggressive so far this season, and if he can maintain this level he’ll be one of the best big men in the 2020 draft.
Samuell Williamson is just a freshman and not even a starter, but he’s been very composed and has shown a little bit of every skill you’d want in his two games this season. He’s got great size and athleticism. He’s got a solid handle, allowing him to create his own shots. He can rebound and lead the break coast-to-coast. Williamson is a very good shooter with deep range, and he’s capable of making shots of all difficulties. His tremendous athleticism and aggression allows him to finish in transition and in traffic high above the rim.
The rest of the Louisville supporting cast is mostly made up of experienced veterans who play with great toughness and physicality. This team has all the pieces to make a run at a national title this season.
| 2020 Team Rankings | Games Seen | Last | |
| 1 | Louisville | 1 | 11/5/2019 |
| 2 | Texas Tech | 0.5 | |
| 3 | Washington | 1 | 11/8/2019 |
| 4 | Gonzaga | ||
| 5 | Arizona | ||
| 6 | Kentucky | 1 | 11/5/2019 |
| 7 | Villanova | 0.5 | |
| 8 | Oregon | ||
| 9 | Xavier | ||
| 10 | TCU | ||
| 11 | Memphis | 1 | 11/5/2019 |
| 12 | Duke | 1 | 11/5/2019 |
| 13 | Kansas | 1 | 11/5/2019 |
| 14 | Michigan St. | 1 | 11/5/2019 |
| 15 | Maryland | ||
| 16 | St. John's | 0.5 | |
| 17 | Baylor | 1 | 11/8/2019 |
| 18 | Seton Hall | 0.5 | |
| 19 | LSU | ||
| 20 | Houston | ||
| 21 | Kansas St. | 1.5 | 11/9/2019 |
| 22 | Miami | 2 | 11/8/2019 |
| 23 | UNC | 1 | 11/6/2019 |
| 24 | Auburn | 1.5 | 11/8/2019 |
| 25 | Virginia Tech | 1 | 11/5/2019 |
| 26 | Clemson | 1 | 11/5/2019 |
| 27 | Oklahoma | ||
| 28 | Michigan | ||
| 29 | Georgia Tech | 0.5 | |
| 30 | UNLV | 1 | 11/9/2019 |
Featured Players
James Wiseman, C Memphis
Wiseman is a complete monster. It will be a shame if the NCAA rules him ineligible, but I’ve already seen enough to make him a top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He might be the most coordinated, athletic, and aggressive big man I’ve ever seen, and not many in the college game will have any chance of competing with him.
He plays high above the rim and attacks it with ferocity. He rebounds far above most players, and he uses his body extremely well to carve out space. He runs the floor with speed and athleticism, and he’s got the timing and reliable hands to catch everything and finish easily in transition.
Wisemen is also tremendous defensively. He defends the rim at a high level, but he also moves his feet very well to stay in front of opponents on the perimeter. He plays with physicality and intensity at all times, making him nearly impossible to stop. There’s a high probability he’ll end up being the #1 pick.
Jaden McDaniels, SG/SF Washington
Jaden McDaniels is one of the few guys that could step in and play in the NBA right now. While he’s still very skinny and needs to add strength, he plays with a toughness and aggression level that makes up for it.
McDaniels is long and athletic and plays with great effort and intensity. He’s got a great handle that allows him to get where he wants on the floor, and he’s capable of knocking down tough shots off the dribble. He’s a good passer who usually makes the right decision with the ball, and he does a great job rebounding and coming up with loose balls.
Even though Washington plays a zone defense, it’s easy to see that Jaden McDaniels is a great defender. He’s extremely active with long arms and quick hands, and his awareness and feel for the game put him in position to block shots and get steals. He’s in the conversation for the top pick.
Most Underrated: Harlond Beverly, PG Miami
Harlond Beverly is the most underrated freshman in college basketball this season. Somehow he was only a four-star prospect, but to me he looks like arguably the nation’s best point guard.
He’s huge, but he’s still quick with a great handle. He’s long and athletic and finishes easily at the rim. He’s got tremendous court vision, and he effortlessly penetrates the defense and can deliver pinpoint passes to his teammates from a variety of release points. He understands how to change speeds to keep defenders off balance. He’s a good shooter and tough defender as well, and with his competitive spirit I know he’ll continue getting even better.
Beverly has yet to crack the starting lineup, but for Miami’s sake hopefully Larranaga soon realizes that Harlond is his best player. The Hurricanes are a talented team, and the sooner Beverly can take over as the team’s leader the better. I imagine that can be difficult with upperclassman who have performed well in past seasons, but Miami will only reach its potential with Harlond Beverly as the starting point guard and clear go-to-guy.
| 2019-2020 NBA Draft Rankings | ||||||
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | Height | Weight | Year |
| 1 | James Wiseman | PF/C | Memphis | 7'1" | 240 | Freshman |
| 2 | Jaden McDaniels | SG/SF | Washington | 6'9" | 200 | Freshman |
| 3 | Harlond Beverly | PG | Miami | 6'4" | 185 | Freshman |
| 4 | Cole Anthony | PG | UNC | 6'3" | 190 | Freshman |
| 5 | Tyrese Maxey | SG/PG | Kentucky | 6'3" | 198 | Freshman |
| 6 | Zeke Nnaji | PF | Arizona | 6'11" | 240 | Freshman |
| 7 | Jordan Nwora | SF | Louisville | 6'7" | 225 | Junior |
| 8 | Samuell Williamson | SG | Louisville | 6'7" | 200 | Freshman |
| 9 | James Banks III | PF | Georgia Tech | 6'10" | 250 | Senior |
| 10 | Steven Enoch | PF/C | Louisville | 6'10" | 255 | Senior |
| 11 | Jahmi'us Ramsey | SG | Texas Tech | 6'4" | 195 | Freshman |
| 12 | Landers Nolly II | SG | Virginia Tech | 6'7" | 230 | Freshman |
| 13 | Isaiah Stewart | PF | Washington | 6'9" | 250 | Freshman |
| 14 | Filip Petrusev | SF/PF/C | Gonzaga | 6'11" | 235 | Sophomore |
| 15 | Anthony Edwards | SG | Georgia | 6'5" | 225 | Freshman |
| 16 | Mustapha Heron | SG | St. John’s | 6'5” | 210 | Senior |
| 17 | Saddiq Bey | SG/SF | Villanova | 6'8" | 216 | Sophomore |
| 18 | Corey Kispert | SG/SF | Gonzaga | 6'7" | 220 | Junior |
| 19 | Josh Green | SG/SF | Arizona | 6'6" | 205 | Freshman |
| 20 | Precious Achiuwa | SF | Memphis | 6'9" | 215 | Freshman |
| 21 | Tyrese Haliburton | PG | Iowa St. | 6'5" | 175 | Sophomore |
| 22 | Jared Butler | PG | Baylor | 6'3" | 190 | Sophomore |
| 23 | Jalen Smith | PF/C | Maryland | 6'10" | 225 | Sophomore |
| 24 | Nico Mannion | PG | Arizona | 6'3" | 190 | Freshman |
| 25 | Jeremiah Robinson-Earl | SF | Kentucky | 6'9" | 232 | Freshman |
| 26 | Myles Powell | SG | Seton Hall | 6'2" | 195 | Senior |
| 27 | Kira Lewis Jr. | PG | Alabama | 6'3" | 165 | Sophomore |
| 28 | Ochai Agbaji | SF | Kansas | 6'5" | 210 | Sophomore |
| 29 | A.J. Reeves | SG/PG | Providence | 6'6" | 205 | Sophomore |
| 30 | Omer Yurtseven | C | Georgetown | 7'0" | 264 | Senior |
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