Calipari watches 2019 five-star Bryan Antoine in person
Kentucky coach John Calipari was among those in attendance last week to watch class of 2019 five-star Bryan Antoine of Tinton Falls (N.J.) Ranney School. Running alongside good friend and fellow 2019 five-star Scottie Lewis on the high school and travel circuits, the 6-foot-5 guard has grown some, extended the range on his jumper and become much more consistent with his production.
Holding offers from Florida, Kansas, Miami, Villanova and Notre Dame, things are still just heating up in the recruitment of the top-15 recruit. Capable of playing all three spots on the perimeter, the Ranney School star is the type of versatile guard that thrives in today’s new era of basketball.
“I just score the ball, really,” Antoine said. “I see myself as a 2-guard at the next level but whatever the coach wants me to be though, I will be; a point guard, shooting guard, or even a small forward.”
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Calipari and Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell were in to get a glance at the versatile talent from the 2019 class last week. Antoine spoke briefly on each program.
Rutgers: “It is 30 minutes or so away from home so if I go there, my family is going to be close to me.”
Kentucky: “Kentucky is Kentucky. It is a big school.”
WHAT'S NEXT
Antoine will be finishing out his high school season this month before hitting the travel circuit with the Team Rio crew. Planning on taking a few visits before the springtime rolls around, Antoine has already been to Rutgers, Seton Hall, St. John’s and Florida this winter.
When it comes time to selecting a college program, the sophomore guard has a firm understanding of what he is looking for. “A coach that can rely in me and trust in me but I can also trust in him,” Antoine said. “Teammates around me that is like a brotherhood, that aren’t selfish, too.”
RIVALS REACTION
The No. 12 prospect in the 2019 class, the upside with Antoine is very, very high. It is hard to see the 6-foot-5 guard being ranked any lower as he boasts the athleticism, physical traits and skillset that could make him a top-10 prospect one day soon who warrants offers from the best programs nationally.