Blue chip Earl Timberlake places Pitt in top seven

One of Pitt’s top targets for the 2020 recruiting cycle released his top seven over the weekend, and Panthers head coach Jeff Capel and his staff were the recipients of some good news, as Earl Timberlake, a top-40 prospect out of DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, included Pitt among his finalists.

The 6’6”, 215-pound small forward is a consensus four-star recruit, and each of 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals counts him among the top 40 recruits in the 2020 class.

As such, he drew 30 offers over the course of his recruitment, with 20 coming from Power Five schools and four coming from the Big East. His top seven, in its entirety, included Alabama, Miami, North Carolina, Pitt, Providence, Seton Hall and South Carolina. Some notable cuts included Cincinnati, Clemson, Florida, Georgetown, Louisville, Maryland, Ohio State, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and West Virginia.

Timberlake recently wrapped up a five-game run at Peach Jam, a Nike EYBL tournament in North Augusta, South Carolina, where he averaged 19.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game with Maryland-based Team Durant. While he fared well, Team Durant endured some struggles and went 2-3 at the event.

Much is expected of Timberlake at the college level and beyond, and Jerry Meyer, the director of basketball scouting for 247Sports, described what the prospect brings to the table in a recent evaluation.

”The lefty can get where he wants on the court and is a good playmaker,” Meyer said of Timberlake in May. “Manufactures buckets but has room to improve as an outside shooter. Is a great rebounder for his position. Scores on putbacks and can start the break. Imposing and versatile defender who should develop into an NBA draft selection.”

Capel and his staff have already brought a few talented small forwards into the fold, as Pitt landed Justin Champagnie and Gerald Drumgoole earlier this year. However, Capel seems intent on stocking the position further, as three of his top 2020 targets are also wing players. In addition to Timberlake, they include Jalen Bridges and Donovan Johnson. All three of them are top-100 recruits, and Pitt is in good standing with them all.