Jalen Green is a 17 year old 6'6 combo guard that has unbelievable athleticism and footwork that's as graceful as a ballet dancer. His shiftiness is ridiculously smooth even when having to breakdown a double team in transition at full speed. His style of play has drawn comparisons to Kobe Bryant and Penny Hardaway. Although most of the highlights you'll see of him on YouTube are dunks he's equally as gifted as a shooter. He's currently undecided on where he will attend college but his commitment date is set for Christmas. He has already taken official visits to Oregon, Auburn, and Memphis. He has an upcoming visit to Kentucky and an unofficial visit to USC. This kid has the "IT factor" that can push him to superstar status.
Next up we have the #1 player in the 2019 class James Wiseman. He'll be attending the University of Memphis where he'll play under Penny Hardaway alongside the #1 recruiting class in the country. I had the opportunity to check Wiseman in person during EYBL in Hampton, VA. Seeing him go head up with a much stronger Isaiah Stewart made me a believer on the spot. Wiseman is very athletic for someone over 7ft and extremely skilled on both ends of the floor. Although many of the comparisons are interesting, I don't think he's like 1 player. I think he's a combination of a few. Try to imagine Chris Bosh with Giannis ability to get to the rim and the defensive instincts of Anthony Davis. Keep this kid on your radar. He's going to be a very sought after prospect in the draft next June.
Out of this season's batch of rookies Zion Williamson will be the heavy favorite to win rookie of the year and rightfully so. Personally I think there's 1 person that can challenge him in that award race and his name is Michael Porter Jr. After an injury early in his college career and trying to rush back at less than 100% some people doubted his future. He was projected to be the first pick in the 2018 draft but injury concerns dropped his stock to the end of the lottery. Denver took a chance with drafting him and sat him out all last season so he can recover and her whatever treatment he needs. Basically a red shirt year just like Ben Simmons. Porter Jr. is another player I've had the pleasure to witness in person during his high school run and maaaaan! He's easily the best high school player I've ever seen. I believe his game will transition to the NBA smoothly and he will be a fan favorite. My comparison for him would be Kevin Durant with Steph Curry's range. Hopefully he can stay healthy because I believe this kid can go down as one of the best.
These days with guys coming into the league at such a young age we tend to look at a 23 year old like they're in their mid 30’s. In reality someone that young is still years away from their peak. This season I just have a good feeling about Myles Turner. After coming off a season where he single handedly blocked more shots than the entire Cleveland Cavaliers team I think he's ready to take it up another notch. He’s already shown his ability to adapt by stretching the floor. Last season he knocked down the three point shot at a real solid 38%. I can see more of the same with an even more polished post game this upcoming season. Indiana has a pretty solid roster and with the return date for Victor Oladipo still uncertain Turner will be looked upon to takeover games just like last season. I believe he will become an all star, make one of the all defensive teams, and lead the NBA in blocks this season.
