The incoming freshmen class in the state of Wisconsin has significant promise as a number of potential high major impact caliber 2019 prospects now reside at the high school level in the badger state. Here’s a look at five must watch prospects in the class who look the part of mid to high level Division 1 caliber prospects at first glance…
(Note – Listed in alphabetical order - This is not an exclusive list)
MATTHEW BROWN – 5-10 – PG – KENOSHA ST. JOSEPH (WI)
A skilled an instinctive lead guard with athleticism, handles, and an ability to score in bunches, Brown at his best is one of the best in the country in his class. He can break you down to finish or create, he has range that extends beyond the arc, he can score from the mid-range level, etc. As young lead guards go Brown has major game both skill wise and instinctively and provided he stays the course and continues to work hard on and off the court he will garner plenty of mid and high level Division 1 attention over the next few years.
NOBAL DAYS – 6-8 – C – RACINE PARK HIGH SCHOOL (WI)
Already hearing from high major programs across the country, Days is a long lean interior prospect with excellent vision, solid passing skills, an ability to alter shots around the basket, and an evolving skill package that’s further along in a face up capacity at this point. His ceiling is high and his stock heading into high school is significant given his size and potential.
DEONTAY LONG – 6-4 – SF – MILWAUKEE WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL (WI)
Arguably the most skilled player we’ve seen at this stage in terms of pure ability since we started, Long has special written all over him on the hardwood when he’s at his best. He can play any of the five positions on the court and dominate at each. He handles it, he can create in transition and half court sets, he can break opposing defenders down off the bounce and finish at the mid-range level and at the rim, he has range that extends beyond the arc, and when needed he can simply go into the post and dominate. He has a great feel and natural instincts for the game that he pairs with his skill and elevating athleticism and power. A legit high major Division 1 caliber talent now and all internet hype aside, provided he continues to grow and develop across the board, Long has special written all over him and he could be one of the very best to ever hit the state when it’s all said and done, it’s that simple.
XZAVIER JONES – 6-4 – SF – GREENDALE MARTIN LUTHER (WI)
Few, if any, took as big a leap in their development as this talented young forward over the past few months. Jones has added improved bounce, improved skill, and he’s playing with more aggression and activity heading into high school. He has a plus length frame and an ability to be a transition dominant talent in terms of his ability to finish. Mix in nice rebounding instincts, the potential to be a strong defender should he so choose, and a high ceiling that he is only scratching the surface of reaching and it’s easy to be excited about Jones who should be a solid mid to high level Division 1 caliber prospect by the end of his career.
COLE NAU – 6-0 – G – BROOKFIELD CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL (WI)
While a few of the others on this list have received more acclaim, Nau is legit in his own right and when you watch him names like Riley LaChance, Brady Ellingson, Matt Thomas, Brevin Pritzl, etc. immediately come to mind. He has nice length, excellent instincts, a great feel, and he makes other players and his team better whenever he’s on the floor. He has a textbook perimeter stroke that he can make rain from well beyond the arc and at the mid-range level. Still developing strength wise, Nau can take over the game creatively or with his jumper and just like LaChance, Ellingson, Thomas, Pritzl, etc. before him, when he’s wide open the scoreboard is virtually guaranteed to change. He’s one of the best pure shooters in the 2019 class nationally and a high character young man with a high ceiling on the hardwood that is a legit mid to high major caliber Division 1 guard on the rise.