Stock Risers: Class of 2019
IMG’s Josh Green, an athletic 6-foot-6, 195-pound guard with prolific scoring aptitude at all three levels, finished with 10 points and five assists in 25 minutes of action during Day One of NBA World Camp in Treviso, Italy.
While many had this pegged as a subpar and underachieving showing from the highly-touted recruit, Green proved to be one of the better players throughout the remainder of the event.
A strong guard with a pure stroke from beyond the arc and special above the rim finishing ability, the Australia-bred Green scored 13 points and doled out six assists during Day Two’s featured game.
Here’s a look at several Class of 2019 guys primed for a breakout summer.
Paxton Wojcic, La Lumiere
Molded at a veritable basketball factory in La Lamuiere, Wojcic is a deftly skilled guard/forward with a refined face up game and a reliable shot.
If he can bulk up some and add to his arsenal of one on one and back to the rim moves, he’s got the potential to be a crucial piece this ensuing season. He currently holds offers from Columbia, Bucknell, DePaul, and several others.
Keenan Cole, Streamwood
A 6-foot-7 shot-blocker and authoritative finisher, a growth spurt has paid major dividends to Cole’s production rate. Growing from 6-3 to 6-7 helped Cole materialize as an ambidextrous finisher who can really finish in explosive style. He’s shown he can get free for that momentum-sparking, in-traffic dunk.
He’s also got a knack for penetrating and finishing ambidextrously. A hybrid forward, Cole possesses a funky sling shot jumper and can step out and knockdown the 3-point shot.
Kyle Sturdivant, Norcross
Playing for Nike Team Florida on the EYBL circuit allowed Sturdivant to garner some national visibility.
Playing alongside Noah Farrakhan (IMG) in the backcourt, the hard-driving and ferocious attacking Sturdivant has catalyzed a team featuring Scottie Barnes and Vernon Carey. He can play at either guard spots and takes the initiative to create first and help kick-start offensive activity with his facilitating game.
He plays with a savvy and fearlessness which his teammates seem to feed off, especially on his timely surges to the rack.
C.J. Walker, OCP
The 6-foot-8 guard/forward is a safe bet to become a five star talent this summer. He’s explosive, he’s laterally quick, and his game is very much in alignment with what today’s style favors.
On account of his ability to guard virtually every position on the floor and because he’s not limited to his superior athleticism, he’s become a sought after recruit.
He shined during the Pangos All American camp recently showcasing his perimeter scoring and ferocious in-your-chest defense. Walker picked up his fair share of blocked shots during the event as well.
Karim Coulibaly, SCS
Versatility is king for the uber skilled 6-foot-8, 220-pound hybrid forward from Mali, Africa.
Coulibaly’s knack for stepping out and knocking down the 3-point shot and vastly improved handle make him a deadly scorer. He’s a passing big who guards every position on the floor.
Maryland, URI, St. John’s, Rutgers, Providence,Tulane, St. Joe’s and several others have offered the unique Class of 2019 prospect.
While Coulibaly won’t blow you away with dazzling athleticism, he has the workmanlike interior game and deft interior passing that is now at a premium in the Division-I market.
Jahmius Ramsey, IMG
With length and prodigal open court finishing, Ramsey’s physical make-up is tailor cut for high major basketball.
A drive-first off guard who creates space and attacks the gaps consistently, Ramsey’s scoring and passing will keep tradition intact at IMG.
Ramsey’s ambidextrous passing and crafty finishing have helped levitate his stock. Baylor, Texas A & M, Louisville, and now Miami appear to be highest on him.