2019 Rankings Update: Top Post Players
Now that the class of 2019 has completed their junior seasons, they are about to embark on the biggest spring and summer of their lives as they get ready to hit the AAU circuit for the final time. The crop of post players in the 2019 class is stronger than 2018 but still not great overall. Here’s a look at the top 5 post players in the updated rankings.
Isaiah Cozart, Madison Central – An elite level rim protector who continues to improve on the offensive end, Cozart could potentially end up as a high major player by the end of this AAU season. Isaiah has 532 career blocks through 3 years of high school and will shatter the career blocks record by the time that he graduates Madison Central. Cozart will run with M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs this spring and looks to add to his offer list this spring.
Dieonte Miles, Walton-Verona – In a loaded class, Miles still has the highest upside of any player in the class because he is legitimately 6’10 and still growing. The long lefty is skilled and athletic and will not back down from anyone at the rim. Whether he’s trying to dunk on people or block shots, Miles has no back down in him. The reason he slipped in the rankings is that he missed the bulk of his Junior season due to shoulder surgery. Dieonte is expected back for June summer ball with Walton-Verona and July AAU with whomever he ends up playing with.
Nick Thelen, Covington Catholic – A bruising power forward with a Bellarmine offer already, Thelen is looking to improve his profile and become a D1 level recruit over the course of the summer with EG10 out of Indiana. Thelen is also looking at an increased role with the Colonels next season after graduating a big group including CJ Fredrick and Jake Walter. Worst case scenario, Nick will head to Bellarmine after his senior season and be an impact player for one of the best D2 schools in the country.
Darius Osborne, Pleasure Ridge Park – Darius is all potential and needs to start producing soon to meet that potential. Long and athletic, Darius is a good shot blocker and defender that needs to become a better post scorer. Osborne tends to fall in love with his jump shot offensively. As Darius adds bulk, he can wind up a fringe D1 player who could be a candidate for prep school or junior college. Osborne will run with The Ville for AAU this year.
Vince Rankin, Ryle – Rankin had a good junior year, averaging nearly a double-double for Ryle. He’s added interest from Asbury along with some other small schools. If Rankin can stay healthy and provide the kind of impact for NKY Force that he did for Ryle, he’ll start drawing plenty of college coach’s eyes this spring and summer.
Other Names to Know:
Jerry Davis, Valley
Carl Parker, Seneca
Deshaud St. Martin, Danville
Jamarion Sharp, Hopkinsville
Tahj Harding, Newport