#OTRHoopsReport: Bigs of the Future – Jan. 16, 2018

Vernon Carey Jr. is one of the elite big men in the country. Photo Cred – Jon Lopez, Nike 

The class of 2017 big men have taken over this year in college basketball.  Duke’s Marvin Bagley (22ppg 11reb), Arizona’s DeAndre Ayton (20ppg 11reb), UNLV’s Brandon McCoy (18ppg 9reb), Texas’ Mohamed Bamba (11ppg 10reb), and Duke’s Wendell Carter Jr (13ppg 8reb) have all put their stamp on the college game thus far and are showing no signs of slowing down.  Of course, there are a few young players in the 2018 class that will surely have a big impact at the next level when they arrive, but when it comes to 2019 the focus once again shifts to some players that walk amongst the trees.  Vernon Carey (University School, FL), James Wiseman (Memphis East, TN), and Charles Bassey (Aspire Academy, KY) are the names to know when you’re talking the cream of the crop in the junior class.

At the moment Vernon Carey sits at the top of the 2019 class with both Wiseman and Bassey not to far behind.  Carey a lefty is very physical as he checks in around 260 pounds but it doesn’t hinder his quickness.  Out of the three he is probably the better shot maker outside of 15 feet.  In a head to head match up in December’s City of Palms Classic Title game Carey out played Wiseman posting 20 points 4 rebounds 4 assists in the win.

In James Wiseman, you have pretty much a legitimate seven-footer who is agile, and quick off his feet, and with a 7’4 wingspan he swats shots with ease.  The Nashville native has benefited from his recent move to high school power Memphis East, as they play a beefed-up schedule.  Offensively he’s improved significantly, finishing above the rim with either hand while showing a defined face up game.

James Wiseman of Memphis East (TN)

To sum up Charles Bassey’s game is easy, you use one word “MAN”.  Ever since he stepped onto the national scene a few years ago his power and athleticism has been unmatched.  The Nigerian born big man does mostly all of his damage around the basket where he looks to dunk everything.  With that being said Bassey’s shooting stroke isn’t bad, but the thing that will translate and keep him around will be his ability to pull down boards.  With a chiseled frame and an aggressive style, he could become one of the better rebounders we’ve seen in a while.  

Every school in the country would get that much better if they were lucky enough to add one of the three for at least a year because the NBA is most certainly right around the corner.  Who knows, in a year or so a rule change might occur and one if not all three could be by passing the college ranks for a hands-on tutoring session in the NBA. 

Kerry Willis is a contributor to On the Radar Hoops


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