Abou Ousmane, North Texas
As one of the top remaining big men in the Class of 2020, Abou Ousmane chose a program that would need immediate production out of the 6-foot-9, 240-pound mountain man with a refined arsenal of traditional five man moves.
The Brooklyn native chose North Texas over a barrage of mid to high major program’s vying for his services in the post–UMass, St. Louis, Texas A & M, Old Dominion, Ohio, and Toledo, to name a few. North Texas is getting an instant impact, imposing and workmanlike big who can score and bulldoze his way to the rim inside a la an old school, 1990s NBA Center.
Ousmane authored a monstrous prep year under known program builder Chris Chaney at Scotland Campus Sports. He averaged 15 points and nine boards, helping propel the Knights to a 40-4 campaign in ’19-20. The Knights won the GAC tournament championship with a convincing 101-69 trouncing of The Patrick School (NJ) and garnered a berth in the Prep National Championships in Connecticut.
Ousmane turned in an efficient account of himself during a win over The Patrick School in January, erupting for 32 points and 22 rebounds en route to the win. With 22 boards, Ousmane sets a program record for single game rebounds. He also had a 27-point, 19-rebound performance during a win over KEBA Prep of Ohio. Ousmane’s back to the rim game, feathery baby hook with either hand, and ability to bulldoze defenders to the rack makes him a rare big with the way today’s game is structured.
Jayson Woodrich, Cleveland State University
After a memorable prep year in which he became a revelation with his elite level shot-making ability, the Ohio native chose a nearby program with a new look under young head coach Dennis Gates.
The 6-foot-7 Woodrich, who averaged 18 PPG and 9 RPG and shot it at a sizzling 52 percent from beyond the arc, cemented his status as a supreme catch-and-stick threat who could light up some of the nation’s biggest stages. Woodrich’s presence was registered immediately during the 2019-20 campaign, as he averaged 27 PPG and bucketed 13 3-point field goals in two games during the prestigious Prep National Showcase in New Haven, Conn.
Woodrich put together an astounding performance against Capital Christian (MD) in December, hitting a scalding 6-for-6 from beyond the arc. His ability to develop the hot hand and spread out defenders with NBA area 3-point range was a theme for the Knights throughout the season. He opened up the second half with three consecutive 3-pointers as Scotland built an insurmountable lead en route to a 101-69 thrashing of The Patrick School (NJ) in the 2020 GAC championship. Woodrich chose Cleveland State over numerous potential Division-I suitors–Fairfield, Stony Brook, Iona, Manhattan, St. Louis, and Bryant, to name a few.
Norrance Tres Berry, Rhode Island
With his length and high level athleticism and fiery competitive mentality, Tres Berry will give coach David Cox a commanding presence in the backcourt. The 6-foot-3 guard, known for his pesky and stout on-ball defensive tactics, emerged into a high level shot-maker in his prep season at Scotland Campus. This was evident during the Mount Zion (MD) Invitational at the start of the season, when the Tennessee native shot a smoking 8-for-11 from beyond the arc.
Berry’s two-way presence and ability to hit clutch shots was saved for some of the season’s biggest stages–including Connecticut College for the 2020 Prep National tournament. Berry scored 20 points and 22 points in two games there, showing his ability to carve his way to the rim and finish and also hit the outside shot with consistency with Rhode Island coaches on hand.
With his monstrous, XL-sized hands and ability to convert turnovers into transition leak outs and above-rim finishes, Berry has the physical attributes and athletic capabilities that very much align with today’s high major game. He’s an old school type of player in his competitive, confrontational style and toughness on the court. He possesses a mental edge that his teammates tend to feed off of. This level of passion, high energy, and ability to get everyone revved up is very translatable to the NCAA Division I-level. Guys with heart have a tendency to carry teams and make those wild, upset-filled NCAA tournament run.
Berry chose Rhode Island over Toledo, St. Bonaventure, Auburn, Tennessee, Coastal Carolina, and a bevy of others.
Terell Strickland, James Madison University
You would be hard-pressed to find more of a stock riser during the second semester than Strickland, a 6-foot-1 guard who manufactures points in a variety of ways and really impacts the game with his one-on-one defense and ability to get into the passing lanes.
Strickland was the source who propelled Scotland to an 88-75 win over Mount Zion (MD), scoring 22 points and knocking back 8-for-9 free throws. He displayed a three-level scoring acumen during a win over Central Pointe Christian Academy (FL), finishing with a game-best 22 points. Strickland catapulted his game into a different zip code following a stellar 19-point, seven assist performance during a 60+ point win over Bristol Prep (TN).
He instigated turnovers and finished hard through contact throughout the second half, establishing his niche as a high energy guy who provides a considerable off the bench spark. He’s got an adeptness for dishing and turning in that fireball, needle threading assist.
With a college ready body and an ability to make those plays that have a heavy impact on the game, Strickland has the tools to transfer his game instantly to the college level.
He chose James Madison over Arkansas Little Rock, Arkansas State, Austin Peay, IPFW, Tennessee Tech, and Bradley. Strickland’s college-ready build and the spark he provided on a team loaded with Division-I agent are translatable to the Division-I level. He’s got a knack for turning in big plays that have an impact on the game.
Noble Crawford, Long Island University-Brooklyn
The 6-foot-7 Florida native is an extraterrestrial athletic talent who knows how to turn in plays only rarefied athletes are capable of. Crawford brings length, high end above the rim finishing, and an instinctive style of scoring around the rim. He made tremendous strides in his game during his post-graduate season under Chaney, becoming a reliable catch-and-stick threat from beyond the arc.
Beyond Crawford’s ability to carve his way to the rim and finish in dazzling fashion, he became a dependable source working alongside Ousmane in the paint.
He’s added a mid-range game to his arsenal, which should translate immediately to the style enforced by LIU-Brooklyn head coach Derek Kellogg.
Known to force an uptempo attack featuring a number of high-flying and athletically gifted guys, Kellogg prioritized Crawford as a guy who aligned with the program’s style since Day 1. On the first official day of the recruiting live period back in September, Kellog and other staff members came to see Crawford. He improved his skill set, most notably his handle and deep jumper, during his stay at Scotland.
Darlinstone Dubar, Iowa State University
The 6-foot-6 Class of 2020 prospect was a revelation as one of the nation’s most perilous and prolific scorers in his prep year. Beyond possessing a vertically explosive game that enables him to be a tremendous attacker and open court finisher, the kid they call “D-Stone” brought first rate and high efficiency scoring.
This much was evident during his eye-widening performance during a win over Vermont Academy back during the Prep National Showcase. Dubar scored 26 points on a scintillating 7-for-11 shooting, turning in numerous pivotal buckets down the stretch. Dubar was the scoring engine who ultimately helped propel the Knights to the 2020 GAC championship, averaging 18.5 PPG during the semifinals and championships.
He authored a breakout summer as a lethal scorer playing for BMaze Elite AAU—including a memorable 29-point scoring performance in a single half. Dubar’s ability to break open games began to surface in his prep year, when he took leadership matters into his own hands by sparking runs and engineering vital scoring spurts. He’s an effective rebounder who can play and guard multiple positions. Another well-built piece, Dubar gained the strength and work ethic that would make him the quintessential “safe bet” recruit for Iowa State head coach Steve Prohm.
Brenden Kelly, East Carolina
Don’t let the 5-foot-9, 165-pound frame fool you. With his tight handle, quickness, adeptness for making the right reads, and quick shot release, the New Jersey-bred guard will play as a walk-on for East Carolina head coach Joe Dooley.
Kelly’s consistent 3-point shot and quick release was a noteworthy factor in his 26-point performance against Believe Prep (TN) at Scotland’s own Invitational back in February. Kelly doled out seven or more assists on nine different occasions throughout the 2019-20 campaign and created a stabilizing backcourt scoring punch alongside 5-foot-11 Class of 2020 guard David Coit. Kelly went for 30+ multiple times this past year and proved he can be a shifty, and crafty scorer who knows how to beat defenders off the dribble.
Mohammed Wague, Harcum College
The upside is tremendous for the 6-foot-9 Wague, a native of Mali, Africa who passed up soccer for basketball just four years ago. With his length and ability block, manipulate, and alter the trajectory of shots, he’s got the attributes to be a real defensive backbone and rim protector.
Wague had several double doubles on the 2019-20 campaign, including an 18-point, 15-rebound performance during a 40+ Point trouncing of Capital Christian (MD). Wague is a tremendous open court finisher who gets well above the rim and has a bouncy, acrobatic style to him. Similar to the aforementioned Crawford, Wague has the athletic capabilities that enable him to turn in that momentum-sparking dunk.
He’s polished up a dependable mid range and deep jumper and with the way today’s game is structured, could be a multi-faceted scorer and even play position-less basketball. He will ultimately be a very sought after product on the Division-I market because of how well he defends the rim.
Louis Bleechmore, Harcum College
The longest tenured Knight, Bleechmore culminated his three-year stay at Scotland Campus by setting the single-game scoring record with a 46-point eruption in a trouncing of NTSI Orlando. A springboard bouncy 6-foot-6 finisher, Bleechmore developed a reliable outside shot to supplement his forays to the rim and ability to crunch extravagant dunks in traffic and also in the open court.
The Australia native possesses length and versatility, working as an interior banger down low and grabbing boards while also putting the ball on the deck and creating his own shot. Bleechmore had a memorable career in Scotland Campus’ high school program, scoring 19 points and pulling down 14 boards to propel the Knights to a 2019 USA Prep National Championship.
It was Bleechmore who played above the rim, knocked down deep 3-pointers, erupting for 23 points and 10 rebounds in a win over former NFL player Antwan Randle El and Virginia Academy during a signature win that season.
Given his natural above the rim finishing and ability to knock down shots and create his scoring off the dribble, Bleechmore has the chance to be a special player at Harcum.
Khayden Stewart, Harcum College
The defensively pesky 6-foot guard was one of the more under the radar, unsung guys in prep this season.
While he’s known for his suffocating one-on-one defense, which routinely neutralized high scorers en route to the aforementioned USA Prep National Championship in 2019, Stewart improved incrementally as an all around scorer this season.
He scored 24 points against KEBA Prep (Oh.) and followed this performance up with several 20+ point showings. Stewart’s ability to bag corner 3-pointers with consistency was evident against KOA Prep (MD), when he scored 12 points in a 10-minute span during the second half.
The Canada-bred guard is also buoyed by sneaky bounce, as he can get into the rim and finish and also dunk it with either hand. As a defensive catalyst and a skilled combination guard and shot-maker, anticipate the Class of 2020 guard to offer significant contributions at Harcum.
Naysean Baisy, State Fair College
The 6-foot-3 guard from Seattle was a real sleeper on the recruiting market out of high school, where he played a significant role as combination guard who could also play on the wing.
As a role player on Chaney’s 40-4 national team in his prep year, Baisy had multiple games in which he handed out six or more assists. He’s an adept defender when knows how to make that pivotal stop and also finish ambidextrously through traffic.
Baisy scored 14 points and doled out seven assists during a win over Central Pointe Christian Academy (FL) at the annual Scotland Invite. He was also a major factor during Scotland’s 88-75 win over Mount Zion Prep (MD) at the West Nottingham showcase in Maryland. He hit pivotal 3-pointers and sparked the Knights with his defense in that memorable performance.
Baisy has significant elevation on his jumper and similar to former Scotland Campus guard Dequarius Nicholas (now at SEMO), he’s a tremendous rebounder out of the backcourt. He wound up being a major get for State Fair (MO) and assistant coach Adam Short, a tireless recruiter who leaves no stone unturned.
Gerald Jarmon, Clarion University
Having entered Scotland Campus as a very battle-tested high school player capable of breaking games open with his scoring, the 5-foot-11 guard proved he could play with anyone in the country during his senior season.
With his transition 3-point shot-making, ambidextrous finishing, and crafty all around scoring, the Pennsylvania native thrived with his ability to reel off points in a hurry and also spark Chaney’s team with instant offense and production off the bench.
Jarmon erupted for 28 points during a win over Harcum College back in December, seizing the hot hand and never relinquishing it. He’s improved as a heady passer who can get out in transition and make that quarterback to receiver pass with either hand.
Jarmon’s ability to hit tough, contested shots and also bank shots in traffic can be traced back to his time as a high school senior with the Knights. He scored 22 points against La Salle-commit Christian Rey and The Haverford School, en route to earning All Tournament Team honors at The Albright Tournament.
At Albertus Magnus College (New Haven, CT) back in November, Jarmon hit a trio of 3-pointers to spark the Knights during an 91-88 loss in a showdown against 2020 national champion Putnam Science (CT). Jarmon’s quickness, work ethic, and competitive nature were all appealing attributes to Clarion, which has offered scholarships to numerous Scotland Campus prospects over the last season.
Angelo Santiago, Newman University
The bullish 6-foot-5 guard/forward erupted out of nowhere to become one of the program’s most explosive, versatile threats as a scorer/rebounder. As a left-handed scorer with a vertically explosive game, Santiago notched multiple double doubles throughout the year,
He’s a rare breed in that he can bulldoze smaller defenders and bigs to the rim while also utilizing his outside shot to space out the floor. Like previously mentioned Noble Crawford and Louis Bleechmore, Santiago has the vertically explosive capabilities to crunch that extravagant dunk that will reverberate throughout the gym.
With his football-basketball frame, Santiago has the ability to front bigger players in the post and also clamp down on guards in the backcourt. He progressed significantly during the 2019-20 season, rapidly growing from a relatively unknown to a steadily pursued recruit.
Jahmar White, Penn State Altoona
The tactical and crafty 5-foot-11 point guard erupted as a high-scoring guard this season. A native of Guam, White registered his presence with an eye-opening 29-point performance (in a single half of basketball) during a home game against KOA Prep.
Beyond his evolution as a consistent shot-maker who posted multiple games of 5+ 3-pointers, White proved he could finish through contact and knife his way to the rim and score on crafty takes. He scored 25 points during a win against S4G Academy (NC) at the aforementioned Scotland Invitational, scoring on the full barrage of step backs, pull-ups, and 3-pointers. He additionally developed as a facilitator and a guy who could handle the changing of the speeds and trigger the transition game.
Jack Ramey, Messiah College
The 6-foot-4 Ramsey brings a college-ready build and a left-handed scoring skill set. He’s sneaky explosive with his ability to get above the rim and finish and also carom boards on both sides of the floor.
Ramsey possesses both the physical traits and the athleticism which could make him a unique scoring option at this level of play. He also brings a lost art in today’s game with a consistent elbow range and a 12-15 footer. Boasting a 4.2 GPA and already having compiled a number of collegiate credits, Ramsey will add to Messiah’s tradition of Dean’s List student-athletes.
Ilija Kovacevic, Palm Beach State
A 6-foot-2 sharpshooter from Serbia, Kovacevic established himself as one of the program’s deadliest catch-and-stick threats during his prep year. Possessing deep 3-point range and posting multiple games of four+ 3-pointers throughout the season, Kovacevic registered his presence with a 23-point performance (including 9-for-10 FT) during a win against KEBA Prep.
A substantial part of Kovacevic’s evolution was his ability to buy into the culture established at Scotland. Working alongside strength and conditioning coach Travis Scott, the Class of 2020 prospect dropped 15 pounds and became lighter on his feet. He took advantage of the environment, putting in those long, arduous hours in the gym and working via the shooting gun.
Becoming quicker helped him prepare for the increased level of play and an unparalleled strength of schedule which includes numerous prep national powers.
He will play alongside Scotland Campus Class of 2019 sniper Austin Galuppo, a Weber State transfer who recently committed to Palm Beach State. Galuppo cemented his legacy with the Knights with a 21-point performance (including a pair of four-point plays) en route to a 25-point trouncing of IMG’s post graduate national team during the Massanutten tournament. Galuppo also had a 31-point game against Our Savior Lutheran (NY) and several games of 7+ 3-pointers during his memorable stay at Scotland. Both will help spread the floor out and hit timely treys for head coach Rich Grant in Lake Worth, Fla.
Jaeden Zackery, Chipola College
Simply put, Zackery was the driving force for an offensive machine that scored 120+ points in multiple games. The bullish 6-foot-3 guard’s purity of vision enabled Scotland’s deep roster to get shots and open looks, en route to a 40-4 campaign.
Zackery, who was overlooked and severely under recruited out of high school, garnered some national visibility in his prep year. He averaged 14.4 points, 6.6 assists, and shot 45 percent from beyond the arc. Zackery was able to produce on the biggest stages, including the prestigious national championships in Connecticut.
Zackery is the quintessential low maintenance, high results recruit. He’s a volume scorer, routinely scoring double figures without requiring a lot of shots.
At Chipola and with longtime Division-1 veteran Donnie Tyndall at the helm, Zackery has the chance to lead a potential Top-3 national power.
“JZ had a tremendous season for us, explained Chris Chaney, who regarded the late signee as the best available 2020 point guard prior to his commitment.
“He definitely took advantage of the prep school year by developing the right habits and working on all parts of his game. He became a confident shooter and more of a vocal leader into already being an elite athlete and a tough competitor.”
Chaney continued, “A physical guard—with also a good mid range game and IQ brought the best out in big games. I look forward to seeing this continued process and going to Chipola with a great staff and the level of basketball will make him into one of the top juco prospects in the country. “
Zackery had offers from Wagner, Central Connecticut State, Coppin State, and Tarleton State along with interest from Cal, UIC, Long Beach State, Iowa State and others. In Florida’s uber competitive JUCO landscape, especially with veteran head coach Donnie Tyndall at the helm, Zackery has the chance to really ascend the Division I ranks. A high academic and high character point guard bolstered by selflessness and a knack for delivering that loud assist, he is the classic case of an entirely no risk recruit.
Zackery capitalized on the prep scene’s most noteworthy stages and proving grounds. He scored 14 points and dished seven assists against Texas A & M signee Hassan Diarra during a tight loss at the Prep National Showcase. He finished with 13 points and seven assists during an 88-75 win over Mount Zion (Md.). Against The Patrick School in a 101-69 GAC championship victory, Zackery scored 15 first half points in kick-starting a monstrous run that TPS never recovered from.
