RALEIGH, N.C. – While the 2018 class has already been nitpicked for its lack of depth from top to bottom, the 2019 is one that is already brimming with optimism and potential. The likes of RJ Barrett, Scottie Lewis and Charles Bassey have gotten their dues early on, though it is Vernon Carey Jr., a 6-foot-9 power forward, that might have the best upside and potential out of anyone from the sophomore ranks.
Standing just 6-foot-6 this time two years ago, the five-star hit a quick growth spurt, filled out accordingly, and has rapidly improved and begun to round out his skill set. The lefty has developed a nice inside-out game, which, to go along with his athleticism at the basket, has made for a dynamic prospect in the frontcourt.
There is an argument to be made that Carey is the best in the 2019 class as he is an alpha-type big man that can run the floor and finish off the break, rebound the ball in traffic and also extend the defense with the pick-and-pop perimeter jumper. He showcased all of those abilities last week at the John Wall Holiday Invitational.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Following an utterly dominant 30-point and 10-rebound affair, a game that helped his team secure its first win of the week in North Carolina, Carey spoke on his development into the prospect that he is today.
“I get up in the morning, go train for an hour, go rest, and then go back to training; I also do yoga,” he said. “I am working on more dribbling and bringing up the ball but I am not as confident with that yet.”
Teaming up with another five-star big man out of the 2019 class on the travel and high school circuits, Balsa Koprivica, the duo was able to get down to NC State and Duke for a visit during their time in the Tar Heel State.
While no offers have been dished yet, it is another ACC program, one that has close ties to Carey as his father once suited up on the gridiron at Miami, which has done the most work with him to date.
“Sometimes I just go down there (to Miami), sometimes every week,” Carey said. “I like them a lot. I like the coaching staff with Coach (Chris) Caputo and Coach (Adam) Fisher. They just tell me that I could be as good as I want to be.”
WHAT'S NEXT?
Carey will finish the year out with his University School bunch before hitting the travel circuit with his Nike Team Florida team. Carey and Koprivica will compete on the 17-under level within the Nike EYBL umbrella as they will likely be one of the best one-two punches that the circuit has to provide.
RIVALS' REACTION
If things were to end today, bets would be hedged on the side of the Miami Hurricanes. However, that is not the case and as Carey continues to mature, produce with greater frequency and have more eyes placed onto him, expect him to emerge further as a blue-chip type of recruit out of the 2019 class.
