Updated Way Too Early Mr. Basketball 2019 Preview
It’s been exactly 4 months since releasing the original Way Too Early 2019 Mr Basketball Preview and there has been a bit of a shift in the momentum for a few candidates including the rise of a new favorite. Without further ado, here is an updated look at the race for Mr. Basketball:
The New Favorite:
Dontaie Allen, Pendleton County. Since our June article, Allen has had a huge summer, risen into the top 50-100 in the country and committed to play his college basketball at the University of Kentucky. Voters love to reward the homegrown player that commits to play for Coach Calipari and Dontaie Allen is the new favorite to win 2019’s Mr Basketball.
The Second Favorite:
Michael Moreno, Scott County. Through no fault of his own, Moreno slips a spot to two in the rankings. Everything written about Michael back in June still rings true. He is still one of the best players in the state and will end up as one of the best and winningest players to ever play at Scott County. But the voters for the award will be composed of mainly Kentucky basketball fans which should give Allen the momentum.
The Third Favorite:
David Johnson, Trinity. David is committed to Louisville and is either the highest or second highest ranked player in Kentucky depending on where you look. He should have a huge season for the Rocks but I’m not sure that he will have the necessary popularity to win the award.
Others in the Running:
KyKy Tandy, University Heights. Tandy is a dynamite scorer and one of the best prospects to come out of Kentucky in years but Allen, Moreno and Johnson will all likely get more accolades and recognition than what KyKy will receive. And for whatever reason, KyKy is often left out when talking about the best players in this class.
Kyle Rode, Lexington Christian. Lost in the shuffle a bit, Rode is one of Kentucky’s best players in the Senior class and should get a few votes. The issue is that the 11th region has Moreno, Rode and Isaiah Cozart who will likely split the player of the year voting that determines who the Mr Basketball finalists are.
Isaiah Cozart, Madison Central. Do I think Cozart will win the award? No. Am I sure Cozart even gets the invite to the Mr Basketball banquet? No. But there should be some kind of recognition for a player that is about to shatter the state record for career blocked shots in Kentucky. Any other year Cozart may be the front runner for the award.
Dieonte Miles, Walton-Verona. Miles has committed to Xavier and should be the 8th region representative at the Mr Basketball banquet if he stays healthy all season. Miles is capable of averaging a double-double and having multiple triple doubles this season. He’ll sit at the banquet but he won’t win.
The Field:
There are some other names who are likely to make their way to the ceremony or have their names mentioned at least but none of the following are likely to be a serious contender for the trophy: TreVon Smith (Taylor County), Jackson Harlan (Clinton County), Jordan Graham (George Rogers Clark), Connor Guthrie (Mayfield), Reid Jolly (Campbell County), Korbin Spencer (Elliot County)