Prospect Spotlight: Vernon Carey Jr., No. 1 in the State (2019)
Vernon Carey Jr. is poised to become one of the most dominant big men in the country after all is said and played.
I had a chance to see the University School junior play for the first time at Georgia’s “HOOPSEEN” national tournament. Besides his man-child frame, the first thing I noticed about him is how quick he is on his feet. He can get up and down the floor at guard-pace.
His passing is solid if he ends up pushing the break. If Carey Jr. gets the ball in the low-post, it’s over. He’s muscling his way to the rim. On defense, teams have a hard time getting around him in the paint. He’s swatting your layup, more often than not.
Switching back to offense, his step-back jumper from around the elbow was surprisingly silky. Carey Jr. is relentless when on the floor.
Reminiscent of Karl-Anthony Towns, Carey Jr. seems like there isn’t anything he can’t do. Calling him versatile would be slightly insulting. Although, he’s been called out on effort in the past.
“I’m working on my defense, being more active. I’m just trying not to be lazy,” Carey Jr. said.
He didn’t take the coaching personally. Carey Jr. just heard, absorbed, and grew. Now, it’s a “no plays off” type of attitude from him—and he’s blocking out the noise that comes along with being the No. 1 player in the state for the 2019 class.
“I just try to remember where I was a year ago, because I wasn’t ranked at all,” Carey Jr. said. “Just trying to remember that. I wasn’t really worried about it. I just kept working.”
With the attention, comes high-profile programs seeking him out. Carey Jr. is valuing the idea of family and an opportunity to help a team attain new heights, when it comes to potential college choices. He wants to feel like he joined a program that’s seeking a fresh start.
Because once he signs, the process of earning his stripes begins anew.
“It’s pretty much going to start all over again,” Carey Jr. said. “I’m pretty much unranked in college. So i get to prove myself, again.”