Jalen Johnson, Jaden Springer set to lead the defending national champion Ascenders.
Video: Preseason Top 25 basketball rankings
Breaking down the national contenders heading into the 2019-20 season.
Head Coach: Sean McAloon
Last Season: No. 1 in final Top 100, 29-1 (GEICO Nationals champions)
Key Contributors:
Mark Williams (7-1, Sr., C) — Committed to Duke
Head coach Sean McAloon
File photo by Steven Ryan
Dec. 18-23 vs. TBD — City of Palms Classic
Jan. 30-Feb. 1 vs. TBD — St. James Invitational
Guard Jaden Springer
Photo by David Rosenblum
Once known strictly for its golf and tennis prowess, turned into a baseball and football powerhouse, IMG Academy established itself as one of the premiere basketball programs in the nation last season by capturing its first GEICO Nationals' title.
Despite losing four starters from that squad, the Ascenders were one of the major winners of the off-season transfer shuffle, establishing them immediately as a national title contender.
The team's only returning starter is 2018-19 second-team MaxPreps Junior All-American Springer, who transitions into the primary ball-handler role.
Key newcomers Williams, Murrell, Diabate and first team MaxPreps Junior
All-American Johnson are expected to join Springer in the starting
rotation.
Highly touted sophomore prospects Walker and Huntley-Hatfield also return, with both expected to make a larger impact this season.
The Ascenders face one of the nation's more difficult schedules, potentially facing No. 1 Montverde Academy three times prior to GEICO Nationals. Other top opponents on the slate are No. 5 Huntington Prep, No. 7 Patrick School and No. 8 Paul VI traveling to the City of Palms Classic.
IMG Academy has the experience and talent to repeat as national champions.
Photo by David Rosenblum
