Freshman faces: Early 2019 standouts
Potential stars from the class of 2019, like big man Charles Bassey, won't go into a Rivals.com ranking until at least late August or early September. However, the class of 2019 has already made a very strong impression this spring.
Bossi breakdown: The son of former NBA point guard Greg Anthony, he's as much of a total package as a point guard finishing his freshman year can be. He is cerebral, he runs his team, he is athletic and he can take over a game as a scorer. Playing for one of the best teams, the PSA Cardinals, in the 17U division of the Nike EYBL, there have been stretches where Anthony has been the best player on the floor. St. John's and Georgetown have already offered scholarships.
Bossi breakdown: Watching Bassey, all you can do is shake your head in wonder. Freshman simply aren't supposed to be as big, athletic and most importantly coordinated as Bassey is. He rebounds, he blocks shots and he will go coast to coast for a dunk. One of the early candidates for top player in the class of 2019. Texas A&M was first to offer a scholarship.
Bossi breakdown: A native of Canada, Barrett is a big-time wing who put up big-time numbers as a freshman for a loaded Montverde squad. He has terrific size, can shoot with range and is an elite level athlete who is an explosive finisher at the rim. He's another who has as shot at debuting at No. 1 in 2019.
Bossi breakdown: Campbell plays with a toughness and feel for the game that is far beyond what one would expect out of a freshman. He doesn't wow with crazy athleticism, but he makes very good decisions and has been more than holding his own playing 17U ball in the EYBL. Michigan State, TCU, DePaul, Alabama and Iowa are among his early offers.
Bossi breakdown: A young big man from Florida, Carey has everything that one would want in a potentially elite post prospect. He's already got a wiry strong build, he's got long arms, he has touch as a jump shooter and he's a good athlete who impacts the game as a rebounder on both ends of the floor. Florida and Miami have already offered.
Bossi breakdown: On the Adidas Gauntlet circuit, Hurt has been one of the most impressive prospects regardless of class. He can put the ball on the floor, is a very good athlete, shoots the ball to the three-point line and he plays with a mean streak that you just don't expect from a young player. Minnesota (where his older brother will be a freshman player), Wisconsin, Iowa State, N.C. State and Xavier are among Hurt's early offers.
Bossi breakdown: I first saw Jeffries in April of his eighth grade year and was impressed by his size and athleticism. While he continues to have very good size and athleticism, Jeffries shows a nicely developed game. He's probably outgrown his 6-foot-6 listing and he's got a nice, lean build. If he keeps growing, he could become a big-time hybrid forward type. He holds early offers from Memphis, Ole Miss and Iowa State.
Bossi breakdown: As a freshman, Okongwu helped Chino Hills finish No. 1 in several high school polls. Okongwu is an uncanny shot blocker who can sprint the floor, has a great body to build on and he's a big-time rebounder. Though he's been more celebrated as a defender, Okongwu has soft hands and good touch on the offensive end. He already has offers from UCLA, Arizona State and Utah.
Bossi breakdown: One of the best rebounders that I have seen in the freshman class. Robinson seems to be a magnet for loose balls. He runs the floor very well, is a bouncy finisher near the rim and passes the ball extremely well. Kansas offered him a scholarship in April.
Bossi's breakdown: One of the most impressive wing prospects in 2019, Stanley is already an elite athlete by any level of basketball's standards. A high flyer who can put the ball on the floor, he's also got a pretty nice looking mid-range game and should develop into a big-time defender. USC, UCLA and Alabama have all made early scholarship offers.