Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 high school basketball rankings: Players to watch, storylines for No. 2 IMG Academy
By Jordan Divens
Nov 11, 2020, 6:42am
Returners, key additions give Ascenders shot at second national title in three seasons.
One season removed from capturing the program's first national title, No. 2
IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) has all the talent to challenge for the throne in 2020-21.
The Ascenders reshaped their roster after a 19-6 record and No. 19 finish as Sean McAloon's squad now features six top 50 players from their respective classes.
The biggest offseason addition for IMG was Jaden Bradley,
a first team MaxPreps Sophomore All-American. In addition, talented guards Tamar Bates and Jett Howard, along with promising young
big man Gus Yalden, join a strong returning core.
Elite
big man Moussa Diabate, a recent Michigan commit, again anchors the frontcourt while explosive forward
Eric Dailey Jr. and top 10 junior Jarace Walker are notable returners for IMG.
The Ascenders are expected to be without Walker to begin the season as
the forward recovers from injury.
Despite
missing Walker, IMG Academy was impressive in last month's Top Flight Invite, beating three quality opponents to win inaugural
preseason event's title.
IMG
Academy is scheduled to compete in the Spalding Hoophall Classic, Dr. Pepper Classic and Ascender
Classic.
Forward Moussa Diabate
File photo by David Rosenblum
Height: 6-4 | Class: Senior (2021)
National rank: 105 | Status: Committed to Texas
Height: 6-2 | Class: Junior (2022)
National rank: 8 | Status: Uncommitted
Height: 6-7 | Class: Junior (2022)
National rank: 34 | Status: Uncommitted
Height: 6-10 | Class: Senior (2021)
National rank: 20 | Status: Committed to Michigan
Height: 6-4 | Class: Junior (2022)
National rank: 48 | Status: Uncommitted
Height: 6-8 | Class: Junior (2022)
National rank: 9 | Status: Uncommitted
Height: 6-8 | Class: Sophomore (2023)
National rank: 15 | Status: Uncommitted
Wing Jarace Walker
File photo by David Rosenblum
