The Class Of 2019 Is Deep; Updated Player Rankings
When we think about the class of 2019, it reminds us a bit of 2017 with multiple high majors at the top with pro potential mixed in with solid low-mid major prospects. That 2017 class featured guys like John Petty, Austin Wiley, Herb Jones, Garrison Brooks and Jamal Johnson to name a few. Petty and Wiley were deemed bonafide pros and possibly "One and Dones" but sometimes life takes its course. When you look at the top half of the rankings for 2019, you have the five high major guys, like 2017, then the mid majors and low majors and so on.
THE POSSIBLE PROS
Kira Lewis with the Georgia Stars at EYBL Session 3 in Cartersville, GA (Photo Cred/D1 Circuit)
Trendon Watford has always been the top prospect in the class and a five star nationally throughout his entire career but the rise of Kira Lewis and Jaykwon Walton have made things interesting.
Watford has been consistent throughout his career and not much has changed with that. He's an efficient scorer, is always in the right spot at the right time and has really improved his physique. His only knock amongst college coaches is his ceiling but his production negates any voids as his game translates to the next level with his ability to score effectively around the basket and rebounding. Watford currently ranks 18th in scoring in the EYBL.
Lewis was recently boosted to a five-star on 247Sports most recent player rankings while Walton had one of the biggest leaps of any player in the nation jumping up 60 spots. Lewis has showcased his end-to-end speed as he is arguably the fastest player in the country with the ball and has drawn comparisons to Collin Sexton when it comes to his speed and athleticism as well as his vast rise as one of the top players in the country. Lewis currently ranks 8th in scoring in the EYBL.
Walton was stellar during the high school season as he led Carver-Montgomery to a 6A state title facing Kira Lewis' Hazel Green squad in the final four. It was a lopsided affair but both Lewis and Walton put on a show. Walton continued his dominance in the state final game and carried over his new found confidence to the travel season. His performances with Team Thad on the Under Armour Circuit have made national headlines and a major boost in his recruitment. Walton currently ranks 10th in scoring in the Under Armour Association.
All three have pro potential while Lewis and Walton have drawn comparisons to Alabama teammates Collin Sexton and Herb Jones.
Watford has been consistent throughout his career and not much has changed with that. He's an efficient scorer, is always in the right spot at the right time and has really improved his physique. His only knock amongst college coaches is his ceiling but his production negates any voids as his game translates to the next level with his ability to score effectively around the basket and rebounding. Watford currently ranks 18th in scoring in the EYBL.
Lewis was recently boosted to a five-star on 247Sports most recent player rankings while Walton had one of the biggest leaps of any player in the nation jumping up 60 spots. Lewis has showcased his end-to-end speed as he is arguably the fastest player in the country with the ball and has drawn comparisons to Collin Sexton when it comes to his speed and athleticism as well as his vast rise as one of the top players in the country. Lewis currently ranks 8th in scoring in the EYBL.
Walton was stellar during the high school season as he led Carver-Montgomery to a 6A state title facing Kira Lewis' Hazel Green squad in the final four. It was a lopsided affair but both Lewis and Walton put on a show. Walton continued his dominance in the state final game and carried over his new found confidence to the travel season. His performances with Team Thad on the Under Armour Circuit have made national headlines and a major boost in his recruitment. Walton currently ranks 10th in scoring in the Under Armour Association.
All three have pro potential while Lewis and Walton have drawn comparisons to Alabama teammates Collin Sexton and Herb Jones.
DOESN'T GET ENOUGH CREDIT
DeAntoni Gordon with Nike Team Florida at EYBL Session 3 (Photo Cred/Cassy Athena)
Wichita St commit DeAntoni Gordon has always been the workhorse of the class but has never gotten his "Just Due". He is averaging double figures in the Nike EYBL playing alongside five stars Vernon Carey and Scottie Barnes who are sure fire lottery picks. His overall improvement along with his motor and athleticism have made him a beacon of success these past two years but national media hasn't really given him much notoriety. Most guys ranked ahead of him nationally aren't averaging double figures in the EYBL so that's an incedible feat for a "no name" guy.
Lee-Huntsville star Kobe Brown doesn't get much publicity in the state due to their national schedule and very few games in the state of Alabama. He yields offers from over 40 schools and has been very humble throughout the process. He has changed his body and added another level of athleticism to go along with the strong basketball IQ he had already possessed. Brown is competing in the Adidas Gauntlet with Game Elite alongside five star Kentucky commit Ashton Hagans so it's not hard to be overshadowed at times.
Wenonah twin Justin Minter has been really productive from high school season to travel ball with Team Carroll Premier in the Adidas Gauntlet. Team Carroll is one of the best teams on the circuit and one of those main reasons is Minter. The 6-foot-3 combo guard hasn't had much going on with is recruitment but we expect it to take off in July as the lefty has true point guard skills and has improved his jumper. He's somewhat of a sleeper in the class and could be a good player on the next level with some strength and conditioning.
Lee-Huntsville star Kobe Brown doesn't get much publicity in the state due to their national schedule and very few games in the state of Alabama. He yields offers from over 40 schools and has been very humble throughout the process. He has changed his body and added another level of athleticism to go along with the strong basketball IQ he had already possessed. Brown is competing in the Adidas Gauntlet with Game Elite alongside five star Kentucky commit Ashton Hagans so it's not hard to be overshadowed at times.
Wenonah twin Justin Minter has been really productive from high school season to travel ball with Team Carroll Premier in the Adidas Gauntlet. Team Carroll is one of the best teams on the circuit and one of those main reasons is Minter. The 6-foot-3 combo guard hasn't had much going on with is recruitment but we expect it to take off in July as the lefty has true point guard skills and has improved his jumper. He's somewhat of a sleeper in the class and could be a good player on the next level with some strength and conditioning.
THE BIGS
Noah Boler of Decatur Heritage during the high school season (Photo Cred/Crystal Vander of Decatur Daily)
Carver-Montgomery got a big transfer, literally, when Demond Robinson decided to make the switch from Robert E. Lee. With Walton and Robinson, the Wolverines will be primed for another state title run. On another note, Robinson has seen a huge boost in his recruitment with his tough nose efforts with Atlanta Xpress in the Under Armour Association. As the best big in the class at 6-8 240 lbs, its easy to see why Robinson is so sought after.
Noah Boler is a skilled stretch four man with an array of guard skills. He's underappreciated right now at this level because he wants to display his skill set but at the grassroots level in the south, most coaches want you to bang around the basket at 6-foot-8. Boler yields a few offers such as Lipscomb, North Alabama and UT-Martin. At the right program, Boler can be a difference maker.
Jonnivius Smith has come a long ways since we first saw him two years ago. He has grown into his frame and so has his development. He transferred into Huffman last year and the move was beneficial as Smith had a coming out a party. Right now he is primed as a low major steal but could end up on someones mid major roster if he decides to sign during the spring. His motor is running, he's contesting and blocking shots while finishing above the rim. Expect a good July and senior season for Smith.
Noah Boler is a skilled stretch four man with an array of guard skills. He's underappreciated right now at this level because he wants to display his skill set but at the grassroots level in the south, most coaches want you to bang around the basket at 6-foot-8. Boler yields a few offers such as Lipscomb, North Alabama and UT-Martin. At the right program, Boler can be a difference maker.
Jonnivius Smith has come a long ways since we first saw him two years ago. He has grown into his frame and so has his development. He transferred into Huffman last year and the move was beneficial as Smith had a coming out a party. Right now he is primed as a low major steal but could end up on someones mid major roster if he decides to sign during the spring. His motor is running, he's contesting and blocking shots while finishing above the rim. Expect a good July and senior season for Smith.
THE SLEEPERS AREN'T SLEEPING
Cooper Meadows shooting during the Regionals at Alabama St (Photo Cred/Montgomery Advertiser)
While most kids are competing on the travel circuit, Cooper Meadows and his dad are hitting college elite camps and skill developing. It has paid off as Meadows received an offer from Kennesaw St. Meadows is an extremely athletic 3/4 at 6-foot-6 who can stretch the floor and finish with straight line drives. His motor and rebounding abilities will translate to the next level especially if he were to go to an A-SUN program such as Kennesaw St.
Kareem Thompson has emerged during the spring with the Elite Stars and appears to be a solid division-I prospect with his size. At 6-foot-5, Thompson is a effective and efficient combo guard who can score when needed but is at his best when setting up teammates. His Jason Kidd approach to the game shows his maturity and he may be a kid who can rise in the rankings as the year goes on.
Size doesn't matter when it comes to Benni Gambino. The Daphne High School point guard is a dead eye shooter from three with a crafty handle and high IQ for the game. He reminds us of Rhett Harrelson who was a standout point guard from Enterprise and went on to Western Carolina. Not saying Gambino will go to the same level, but his skill set will definitely take him to the next level.
Kareem Thompson has emerged during the spring with the Elite Stars and appears to be a solid division-I prospect with his size. At 6-foot-5, Thompson is a effective and efficient combo guard who can score when needed but is at his best when setting up teammates. His Jason Kidd approach to the game shows his maturity and he may be a kid who can rise in the rankings as the year goes on.
Size doesn't matter when it comes to Benni Gambino. The Daphne High School point guard is a dead eye shooter from three with a crafty handle and high IQ for the game. He reminds us of Rhett Harrelson who was a standout point guard from Enterprise and went on to Western Carolina. Not saying Gambino will go to the same level, but his skill set will definitely take him to the next level.