Outlook on the class of 2018
2018 Class outlook
The class of 2018 is a solid class that includes only a handful of D1 prospects but has dozens of D2, D3, NAIA and junior college prospects. I will be highlighting several prospects in the article.
Some D1 prospects:
Matt Bradley 6’5 Guard (Wasatch Academy) is a new transfer that will make his debut for Wasatch Academy this fall. He has already committed to Cal and is an explosive player that should be fun to watch.
Hunter Erickson 6’3 Guard (Timpview) has played very well over the past year which has earned him two division one scholarships. The athletic guard is able to shoot it with consistency from deep. I think he will be getting even more scholarships after the July live period ends.
Bryan Penn–Johnson 7’0 Center (Wasatch Academy) is a new transfer out of Las Vegas. He is currently a top 100 recruit according to ESPN and holds offers from the likes of Arizona and UCLA. Penn-Johnson is another piece on a loaded Wasatch Academy team.
Some D2 Prospects:
Max Watson 6’4 Guard (Box Elder) has a silky jump shot that is very consistent from the three point line and the mid-range. Watson also has a good basketball IQ and knows when you shoot and give it up. I think he would do very well at the D2 level and has the frame to fill in and be a good-sized shooting guard.
Jared Bagley 6’1 Guard (Logan) can score the ball really well and has good elevation on his jump shot. Bagley has a very quick first step which will translate to the next level. I think the D2 level would be a perfect fit for him as he could play both guard spots
Jackson Brinkerhoff 6’6 Forward (Lone Peak) is a very tough and physical player that will translate to the D2 level pretty well. He is also very skilled and has shown his passing ability out of the post. His offensive skills are solid and will only improve at the college level.
Some D3/NAIA Prospects:
Jadon Chism 5’10 Guard (Bountiful) at these levels high academic guys are always in need and Chism has a 30 ACT which will really help in recruiting. To go along with his academics Chism is a knock down shooter and doesn’t need much space to get his shot off.
Ben Mcbride 6’8 Forward (Roy) has a very high academics which will attract a lot of schools at the NAIA and D3 level. He is able to knock the mid-range jumper with consistency and can even hit the three. Mcbride is a very good passer and is an unselfish player that would be a great fit on these levels.
Some Junior college prospects:
Josh Christensen 6’5 Wing (Corner Canyon) is a very athletic player who has major upside. He is really good in transition and can finish over the top of players. Christensen is a solid shooter but that still is an aspect he needs to improve on. If he chooses to go Juco he could be a mid-major D1 prospect after two years.
Jalexus Gilson 6’5 Forward (Summit Academy) is a very strong player that is a physical specimen at this point. He is a very tough defender that can rebound above the rim. Gilson is fairly skilled but is best when he is out and running. I think he would be a very good pick up at the Juco level with ability to guard multiple positions and physically being ready to compete from day one.