5 Players Ready to Make a College Impact: 2019
Making the jump from high school ball to college can be a big transition for most players. Here are the players, from the Class of 2019, that I think will have an immediate college impact.
Nico Mannion (Pinnacle/University of Arizona) & Terry Armstrong (Bella Vista/University of Arizona):
The University of Arizona struck gold with these two high coveted AZ recruits. I think both of these guys will make an immediate impact from the first day they step on campus in Tucson, Arizona. These two are going to be very scary in transition, especially with the addition of Josh Green (IMG Academy). I think Mannion has the skill set to be an effective point guard at the next level, while I think Armstrong has the physical attributes to put him ahead of other incoming freshman.
Jovan Blacksher (Shadow Mountain/Grand Canyon University):
Jovan should get a lot of playing time at GCU and I would imagine he competes for the starting PG spot. I think Jovan goes down as one of the greatest players in GCU history, as he has the skill set I believe is required to be an effective guard at the next level. I think Blacksher is the future of GCU basketball and they will commit a lot of resources into him.
Jaelen House (Shadow Mountain/Arizona State University):
Last season, ASU fans were shocked to see how well freshman guard, Remy Martin, played last season. Even with three graduating guards ahead of him, he still got a lot of minutes and was great when he was in. Martin is a feisty/pesky defender, lightning quick, and plays with a lot of passion. Sound like anyone familiar? I think House fits their play style perfectly and will have a huge impact on that team immediately.
Otis Frazier (Buckeye):
I think Otis Frazier has a very college ready body to go along with his ridiculous athleticism. I personally think Frazier could be a high-mid D1 talent and whoever lands him will be very happy with his services. I think Frazier walks on campus day one and helps whatever school he lands at, especially offensively. Frazier is a great scorer and has really improved on his shooting. I anticipate him continuously getting more consistent as a shooter, making him a lethal scorer.
Jackson Ruai (Amphi):
I think Ruai will struggle a bit offensively in college, due to him not having a super consistent shot. Most of his points will most likely come from fast breaks and dunks. However, I think he will make any college team happy with his efforts on the defensive side of the ball. He may be the best perimeter defender in the entire state and I think he gets on the court in college due to these defensive skills.