​The Class of 2019 Is Talented

We have been keeping track of this class for some time now and there is a strong reason why. Most of the players in this class have been varsity starters since they have stepped foot on campus. The class started top heavy like others but depth has started to emerge. Right now there are at least 10 division-I prospects with half of them being high major recruits.

TRENDON WATFORD
#1 | 2019

Height: 6-8 Weight: 200

HIGH SCHOOL: Mountain Brook
HOMETOWN: Mountain Brook
POSITION: Small Forward
TRAVEL TEAM: Nike Team Florida (17U EYBL)

Trendon Watford (6’8 SF) is the clear-cut top player in the class as he led Mountain Brook to a 7A state championship. Watford is listed as five star on most national services and is pegged to be a McDonald’s All American. His skill set and motor will take him a long ways. Though he isn’t very quick, he uses his body well and knows how to get to spots on the floor with and without the ball. He has offers from numerous high major programs including Alabama & Auburn amongst others but isn’t highly sought after by the big names quite yet. Kentucky has come into play lately. Some have questioned his upside but only time will tell.

Kira Lewis (6’2 CG) is one of those guys who just makes everything looks so easy. The game seems so effortless to him. He shoots the ball well from mid to deep with picture perfect form. His first step is quick and he’s a speedy ball handler who covers ground. He has garnished a lot of attention on the recruiting trail with offers from Alabama, Auburn, UAB and many more. It looks like Auburn is the leader right now but Lewis has recently taken an unofficial visit to Alabama recently.

Kobe Brown (6’6 SF) has really being making a name for himself on the recruiting trail. He clearly has the most offers in the class, his skill set and IQ is the reason why. Brown is more of a point forward and can get things done offensively in any shape, form or fashion. Once he really molds his body into shape, his game will go to another level and he may actually have a chance of challenging Watford for the top spot. There are too many schools to name when it comes to Brown’s recruitment but schools from every major conference have extended offers since last summer.

Jaykwon Walton (6’5 CG) is also a kid who makes the game look rather easy and has prototypical size for a combo guard. His ability to cover ground with few dribbles and score in any form or fashion is rare here in Alabama at such a young age (15 years old). He also does a good of finding teammates for easy baskets. Rebounding can be one of his strong points when he’s really locked in and has a quick second leap. One of the only issues he has is his motor which doesn’t run all the time but when he’s locked in, he is hard to stop. During the early live period, Walton has picked up offers from Georgia, La Tech, Middle Tennessee, South Alabama, Southern Miss & TCU while UAB was the first to offer last year during their elite camp. Walton is originally from Columbus, Georgia, home of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope so expect Georgia to be a favorite and make a push.

Deantoni Gordon (6’8 F) has already made an early pledge to Wichita St who recently jumped over to the American Conference. Gordon doesn’t quite have a position but at his height with the motor he possesses, he will be in good hands with the Shockers. He’s very athletic especially off one leg and gets good elevation on his jumper. His midrange is very efficient along with his jump hook. He is also very good in transition and starts breaks by himself. Once he really starts to understand the game, his IQ will improve and he will be able to full transition to the wing.
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This class has a chance to be really good overall with the class of 2018 being such a let down nationally. Right now, the depth is starting to develop but has far as division-1 offers being extended, it is top heavy right now. Look for some bigs to emerge during the next high school season as well as the talent level increase as these kids will have to take on a bigger role with the class of 2017 out the door.

Be on the lookout for all updated player rankings in the upcoming week or so.

JAYKWON WALTON
#4 | 2019

Height: 6-5 Weight: 175

HIGH SCHOOL: Carver-Montgomery
HOMETOWN: Montgomery
POSITION: Combo Guard
TRAVEL TEAM: Alabama Fusion (16U EYBL)