1. The Debut of Joey Baker
Joey Baker debuted at number four after the announcement of his reclassification, Baker was previously slotted in as the number three prospect in the 2019 class.
His announcement made waves in the hoops sphere and Baker will only add to what could possibly be the Blue Devils greatest recrutiment class ever. The 6’8 scoring wing is considering a red shirt year so it’s obvious Baker is the future, but by enrolling a year early Baker gets a valuable learning opportunity similar to Cheick Diallo at Kentucky two years ago.
Baker is one of the purest scorers in the nation regardless of class and a year to practice against potential pros everyday, under the tutelage of Coach K will only take his game to new heights.
Baker left Trinity on the highest of notes after he helped anchor the Crusaders to a state title, check the link below for an interview I had featuring Baker as he detailed the role Coach K and staff envision for him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch'v=UPgDj25WXp8&t=96s
2. Michael Wynn remains the top unsigned prospect
Wynn reopened his commitment after a release from ECU was granted and instantly became one of the top 2018 floor generals available on the market nationally. American Athletic Conference foe Wichita State wasted no time contacting Wynn, and the 6’6 floor general recently visited Ole Miss down in Hotty Toddy land.
Wynn is a proven winner he’s truly a gifted passer and enjoys making the players around him better, on the boards Wynn is extremely active he utilizes his length to impact the game in a variety of ways. One thing that should translate immediately is the versatility on defense that could be a quick route to earning playing time early on.
At Liberty Heights (NC) Wynn played all over the perimeter and proved capable of guarding multiple positions.
3. 2018 Broke the mold of opportunities
Four guys forgoed college basketball this year two for prep school and one prospect truly dared to be different.
Isaiah Wilkins (no. 48), Ahmad Jeffries (no.57), and Ody Oguama (no.58), all decided on the prep school route. All three were vastly under recruited at their respective positions, all three concluded impressive high school careers this year. 6’8 forward Corey Boyd (no.44), really broke the mold when he announced intentions to enter Lavar Ball’s JBA league.
Wilkins- Arguably the most highly recruited of the bunch is a big physical wing, at 6’5 he’s a natural slasher and Wilkins is automatic from mid range. Wilkins can be effective of ball on the–catch and shoot, or create for himself off the dribble.
Currently Wilkins is lighting up the EYBL with Team CP3 and he holds an offer from High Point and new coach Tubby Smith, Wilkins looks slimmer than ever as well.
Jeffries- one of the most prolific scorers in the state this year, it’s truly a shame how underrecruited this kid went.
Jeffries led the state in three point field goals made this past season and he was top five in scoring as well. Jeffries will benefit physically from a year of prep school, the slender 6’4 guard will focus on adding strength and improving on the defensive end.
It’s pretty ridiculous this kid will probably land at a division one out of state, Jeffries will join one of the top prep schools in the nation next season. A change of scenery should prove promising and currently Jeffries hold interest from New Hampshire.
Oguama- Out of the four Ody is the rawest but he might have the most upside even though he is far from a finished product.
Currently Oguama is more advanced on the defensive side of the rock, he’s a natural shotblocker and paint protector. Oguama is quick laterally which allows him to match up with multiple positions, he’s a high motor guy and Oguama will compete for every rebound on the block.
Oguama has continued to progress offensively, he’s a capable finisher down low and looks confident shooting the elbow jumper. Ody is long, active, and athletic, some things you just can’t coach. Oguama’s play style is perfect for the college game but first he and Jeffries will team up this season on the prep level.
Boyd- Took a leap of faith in himself and decided to join the JBA ran under commissioner Lavar Ball. The Big Baller had his people scouring the hoop state in search of talent for the new league and they didn’t- have the best luck overall.
Boyd unlike a lot of other prospects entertained the offer and will forgo college basketball, this opportunity is both admirable and interesting. I’d say admirable because Boyd is on a path that has never been traveled and it takes real courage to be a trendsetter.
The decision is interesting because the JBA is still so new we aren’t exactly sure how everything will flow.
Will this ultimately make him a better player only time will tell but right now he posses a lot of skills to build on. Boyd impressed at our top 150 camp he’s a big bodied forward with a nice combination of raw strength and finesse in his game. Boyd can abuse smaller defenders down low or isolate opposing bigs on the perimeter. Boyd can create looks for himself or others off the dribble as well.
Boyd took a big opportunity for himself and his family to get paid to play and that’s something most prospects will never do.