There is no secret about the amount of basketball talent in North Carolina over the years. However, the Class of 2018 has been as strong as any, but many people fail to realize just how talented this class truly is.
Starting with our top ten, which features a staggering nine players signed to play at ACC programs this fall: Coby White (UNC), Jaylen Hoard (Wake Forest), Joey Baker (Duke), John Newman (Clemson), Aaron Wiggins (Maryland), Hunter Tyson (Clemson), Jairus Hamilton (Boston College), Immanuel Bates (NC State), and Rechon Black (UNC). The only one going elsewhere is Devon Dotson, who will be playing at Kansas, but had various ACC schools among his top choices.
The next ten offer a nice variety of players, yet little drop-off in terms of talent level. Michael Wynn is the only unsigned prospect in this group, but could end up being one of the best on the entire list. Kris Monroe (Providence), Nate Hinton (Houston), Ian Steere (NC State), Trey Wertz (Santa Clara) and Jamarius Burton (Wichita State) all signed to strong programs where they’ll fit nicely. Adrian Delph has a chance to be Appalachian State’s next star, while Isaiah Bigelow (Wofford), Elijah McCadden (Georgia Southern) and Blake Preston (Liberty) could be program-altering prospects at their respective schools.
After rounding out the top twenty, many people would expect the amount of quality Division I players to drop off, but it doesn’t. Will Dillard (Georgia Southern) opens up the next group, and should play a prominent role next season, especially on defense. College of Charleston nabbed both Jaylen Richard and Quan McCluney, a duo of wing prospects who can have an impact from day one. Jayden Gardner (East Carolina), Trey Murphy (Rice), and Kevin Obanor (Oral Roberts) have all selected programs where they should fit seamlessly, especially Murphy, who will hit hundreds of three-pointers at Rice. Jarron McAllister (Virginia Tech) has been committed for quite awhile but has potential to be great under the coaching of Buzz Williams. Jaylen Alston (Garner-Webb) and Milos Stajcic (Campbell) are both absolute steals and have the ability to lead their respective teams. Qon Murphy (Houston Baptist) rounds out the top thirty and will be an interesting piece going forward.
That’s just the top thirty. We could go on until Kody Shubert (#34, signed to Presbyterian) or Andy Pack (#42, signed to Elon) or even David Kasanganay (#67, signed to Navy) and it will only speak further to the amount of talent in North Carolina, in the Class of 2018.