Jamie Shaw
The 2019 Class May be the Best North Carolina Has Seen in Many Years
Looking at the rankings there are six players who are deserved of Top 75 rankings with another host looking at Top 150 rankings. Of course the natural thought is to go back to the 2016 class, which featured Dennis, Harry and Bam along with the likes of Jalen Harris, Deshawn Corprew, Grant Williams, Jay Huff and many more. Sure, the 2019 class does not have 3 Top 10 guys who will be One-and-Done NBA guys, but what it does have is depth. Looking at the likes of Wendell Moore, Patrick Williams, Kadin Shedrick, Greg Gantt, Josh Nickelberry and Juwan Gary, each of these players are Top 75 caliber with 4 to 5 in Top 50 contention and 3 Top 25 types. Looking down the road, we could see each of them spending time in the NBA.
With that said, looking on down the line there are about 60 players in this class who will be attending or were seriously recruited at the D1 level. That is tremendous depth in a single class, for a single state. With so many unsigned seniors still available, D1 programs should go ahead and get a time share in North Carolina, and go ahead to get a head start as 2020 and 2021 are loaded too. But I guess this is why they call it the Hoop State.
Jeff Bendel
“Isaiah Todd is the Most Naturally Gifted Player in High School…PERIOD”
At 6-foot-11 with an array of guard-like skills, no player in the country possesses more natural gifts than Isaiah Todd. He’s been dominant since entering high school, whether at John Marshall (VA), Trinity Academy, or in the summer, Todd has destroyed everyone in front of him. There’s a growing possibility that he also has the highest long-term ceiling of anyone in high school basketball right now, as he’s truly capable of anything on the basketball court. Todd protects the rim, defends the perimeter, creates for others, and everything in between. I’m buying as much Todd stock as possible.
“Kadin Shedrick Might Be The Best Long Term Prospect In NC’s 2019 Class”
Rick Lewis
“6’6 FR. Jayden Gardner (ECU)”
Although it was in a losing cause, the 6’6 “undersized” power forward just had a double double of 35 points and 20 rebounds vs. UCF who features 7’6 Tacko Fall. Ranked no. 23 in our final NC 2018 rankings, it just goes to show what hard work, heart and playing with a high motor can do for a player. Always known for having excellent hands and nifty footwork in the paint, not many people would have guessed Gardner would enjoy this much success. For the season, Gardner is averaging 18.3 PPG and 8.8 RPG. It also goes to show what going to the right level and finding the right opportunity and fit. When ECU made their coaching change, Gardner never flinched in his commitment, which is not often seen today.
Keion Robinson
“Several Next-Level Unsigned Seniors in the 804!”