Class of 2018 - General Discussion

[UK8STL11]

Is the jury still out on Vanderbilt going pro next season or is it to early to tell?

If he doesn't play I just don't see how he thinks he goes to the NBA. No way a team would take him in the first round. He's a good player but not an elite level prospect. ESPN had him rated 35 (too low) and RSCI had him #13 overall in the class.

[Joneslab]

Vanderbilt's performance in the Nike Hoop Summit will carry a lot of weight if he doesn't play this year. Outplayed a few guys who are lottery picks.

I think it will be close if he doesn't play. Believe there will probably be a team or two late in the first round who will be very intrigued by him.

Assuming of course they don't think the injuries are lingering things.

[Catsrock]

James Wiseman announced he will not reclassify to the class of 2018.

Crap.

Hey just take it as a blessing in disguise. Who's to say Duke would not have decided they wanted him?

[George]

Hey just take it as a blessing in disguise. Who's to say Duke would not have decided they wanted him?

He’s Kentucky’s to lose.

[BCO]

Man, was really hoping hed reclass.

We really, really need an elite big next year to make it a special season.

[Joneslab]

Richards will be an elite big sooner rather than later IMO. Enormous potential. Think he has more potential than Cauley-Stein actually simply because he has great touch. Willie never could put it together offensively. Richards doesn't have nearly as far to go in that regard.

Not convinced we keep him for a second year, but it'll be close. He's one of those guys who really doesn't have to show much on the college level to get himself in the first round. Could have a string of just decent games late and the season and he's probably gone.

[uglyduckling]

Richards will be an elite big sooner rather than later IMO. Enormous potential. Think he has more potential than Cauley-Stein actually simply because he has great touch. Willie never could put it together offensively. Richards doesn't have nearly as far to go in that regard.

Not convinced we keep him for a second year, but it'll be close. He's one of those guys who really doesn't have to show much on the college level to get himself in the first round. Could have a string of just decent games late and the season and he's probably gone.

My opinion, there's not a chance Richards comes back next year. You nailed it on the potential. The dude is the prototypical young big that NBA scouts love. Big, long, athletic, and super young (just started playing basketball seriously 4-5 years ago). MAY compare to Joel Embiid with the measurables. We won't get a chance to see it because Cal doesn't normally let his big guys roam on offense.

[Joneslab]

I think there's definitely a chance he returns, simply because he's so raw. This is a guy who could hit that second half of the season--when most freshmen hit a skid--and go through a string of games where he just doesn't register.

I can see him returning. Has a ton to learn. But his ungodly size coupled with a very good shooting touch and fluid athleticism makes him intriguing. There are a lot of intriguing players available in the first round though, including some true seven footers.

[George]

When Richards is engaged, he can be pretty impressive - especially when he rebounds. His arms look ten feet long, and he seems to be able to grab the ball from anywhere.

Speaking of long arms, did anyone see the Mo Bamba dunk? Good Lord. It looked animated.

[Ukfan8]

Not sure if it's been mentioned here, but James Wisemans team is playing in the King Of the Bluegrass tournament next Wednesday afternoon at Fairdale H.S. I'm assuming he's playing, and hoping, I'd love to see him in person

[Joneslab]

Not sure if it's been mentioned here, but James Wisemans team is playing in the King Of the Bluegrass tournament next Wednesday afternoon at Fairdale H.S. I'm assuming he's playing, and hoping, I'd love to see him in person

Thanks for posting this. I plan to try my best to get to one of the sessions. Here's the bracket:

http://www.kingofthebluegrass.com/

[Joneslab]

And actually unless I'm misreading it Memphis East is not on that bracket.

[Ukfan8]

👍 no problem

[Ukfan8]

And actually unless I'm misreading it Memphis East is not on that bracket.

Maybe I misread his team name then. My apologies if so lol

[Ukfan8]

According to the C.J., he's on the Tennessee Ensworth team. Possible he transferred since that article since I noticed it was from June. My apologies again